Food trends 2023: Our definitive list of what to expect
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With an average of 92 million unique mobile users per month, Yelp has pretty good data to predict next year’s hottest food and beverage crazes. 2023 is just around the corner, and the food industry has some exciting trends brewing in the coming year.
In this article, we’ll summarize all the food trends 2023 may bring us based on research by culinary experts and data submitted by diners during the last year. Our top 10 trend predictions are sure to get you excited about what to serve in the new year.
Top 10 food trends 2023 will serve up
Our top 10 food trends of 2023 have some real unexpected entries, from a potential matcha contender to fast food relics. Read on to find out why eating underneath a giant fish tank could become the norm in 2023.
1. Hōjicha
Let’s kick off our trend predictions with a caffeinated plant-based product from the land of the rising sun. Many of you will already be familiar with the gorgeous flavor and color of Japan’s now world-famous matcha tea.
But now Whole Foods Market store shelves and restaurants are getting behind the health benefits of Hōjicha. This tea differs because it has been roasted (traditionally in a porcelain pot over charcoal). No need for sweeteners either. This tea has next to no bitterness and has a nutty, toasty, sweet flavor.
2. Fast food nostalgia
It’s not just new foods capitalizing on sustainability that restaurateurs need to keep an eye on. You may have noticed that Netflix documentaries and dramas these days focus on bygone eras, full of nostalgic music and VHS footage.
The restaurant industry is banking on nostalgia too. Forget about new products; this food trend of 2023 is all about shining a light on our childhood favorites like the much-loved McRib from McDonald’s.
As they did in 2022, we can expect other fast-food joints to maintain this trend–like when Dairy Queen offered Blizzard flavors based around summertime nostalgia or Sonic brought back their Pickle Juice Slush.
Speaking of slushies and pickle-flavored drinks–both are trends for 2023 in their own right. The drink trends 2023 will have on tap include both of these beverages. See more about pickles below…
3. Destination dining
Do people want to go to themed restaurants because they want the experience, or they want to share it on their social media? Who cares! It’s trending anyway.
Whether you’re selling plant-based foods or kombuchas by the bucket load, an interesting setting sells. Searches on underwater restaurants were up by 263% this year on Yelp. We guess we’ll see selfies with sharks plastered all over Instagram, thanks to this quirky food trend of 2023.
Restoration Hardware has even opened up signature restaurants and trendy rooftop bars. Using their wealth of knowledge in the home furnishings sector, they’re building restaurants that will turn heads.
A warning though: If you’re a restaurateur looking to capitalize on this trend, these restaurants require an insane amount of interior design overhaul!
4. Dirty sodas
In late 2021 a viral Tik Tok trend let the world know about the Dirty Soda. Originating in North America, this drink actually contains no alcohol and is great for kids and adults alike.
This simple mocktail just consists of soda, cream and flavored syrup. Despite everything being available in a grocery store, shops selling the drink have been popping up, such as Utah’s Swig.
Keep an eye out for other mocktails in 2023 too. Considering the popularity of Sober October, or the fact that celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Blake Lively are creating their own mocktail brands, it is clear that booze-free cocktails are on the rise.
5. Yaupon
If you didn’t already know, yaupon holly is an evergreen tree with some interesting characteristics. Firstly, it’s the only naturally growing plant you can get caffeine from in North America.
It needs to be harvested carefully as the berries on the tree are very toxic to humans. But, the leaves of the tree contain the same nutritional antioxidants that you will find in blueberries.
In the West, most of us fuel up with a caffeine-rich diet. Yaupon is available as a powder, matcha extract, or tea. This could make yaupon a perfect candidate for the top wellness food trend in 2023.
6. The Suprême
The Supreme may conjure images of the super-popular band from the 60s or the often obscenely priced streetwear brand. But it’s also the name of the Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery’s new circular-style filled croissant. This New York bakery will have egg producers along the supply chain grinning from ear to ear thanks to huge queues outside their doors.
With the help of global food production, this could become an international staple in 2023, just like the Cronut did back in 2013.
7. Pickle-flavored things
Does our obsession for all things pickle stem from Rick and Morty? Who knows. What we do know is that pickle-flavored food searches have gone up by 55% this year on Yelp.
Pickle flavor is a big divider: Some of us can eat one after another and then chug the juice, while others struggle to even cope with the smell. So pickle martinis and pickle ice cream becoming food trends in 2023 could be a challenge for some foodies. But come on, fried pickle and ranch dip sounds divine, right?
8. Michelagua
Similar to the aforementioned Dirty Sodas, the Michelagua is an alcohol-free alternative to the famous Micheladas. By replacing a Mexican light beer with an Agua Fresca, we now have a legit food trend for 2023 that will cater to non-drinkers and children.
This ultra-sweet drink tends to come in three flavors: mango, pineapple and spinach or cucumber with lime. Just search for “Michelagua” on Tik Tok and see for yourself the potential for creativity that this drink really has.
9. Oxtail
Oxtail has cemented itself as a trendy dish you’ll expect to find at festivals and food trucks across the country. This rich cut of beef has become so popular in Houston that they will host the 5th annual Oxtail Mashup in 2023, a food, drink, art and music festival where chefs compete for the best oxtail dish.
10. Dinner theater
As the pandemic wanes, many of us just want to be out socializing and seeing people in person. After binging every series on Netflix, the idea of seeing real-life plays, shows, and concerts suddenly seems like a unique and novel experience.
There’s significant growth expected for the dinner theater market from 2022 to 2028. What’s better than dinner and a show? We go to restaurants to eat great food with company we enjoy, have good conversation, and maybe have a couple of drinks. Top that all off with a show, and you have a feast for the eyes and stomach.
Track food trends in 2023 with help from Yelp
Let’s be honest; this is all just speculation. But with our intel into the restaurant market we have here at Yelp, we feel confident that some of these trend predictions will come true in 2023.
One thing we’re sure of, though, is that this is just the tip of the iceberg for food trends in 2023. Thanks to our ability to constantly share on social media, fusions and innovations are happening more rapidly than ever, giving us more food and drink ideas by the day.
Remember to look out for a mocktail revolution, unique restaurant destinations, and dinner theater. The wellness space could become saturated with Hōjicha and yaupon. And if high calories don’t bother you, take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic fast food re-releases and a big bite of The Suprême.
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