Eating Bugs and Other Trends

The latest in culinary trends and food business. Originally published July 2017.

Trend Spotlight

Elevated Mocktails

Mocktails are no longer limited to sugary umbrella drinks—they now have a spot on the menus of fine dining restaurants. The modern mocktail features health-promoting ingredients like fresh-pressed juices, teas, sipping vinegar, herbs, and spices. Concocting creative drinks without alcohol challenges mixologists and provides non-drinkers with a way to engage in the bar culture community. With health and super foods in a perpetual upward trend, mocktails consumption is likely to grow. Mocktails are a smart way to add refinement to a dry event, like a BMW event or a hangover cure station at festivals.

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Trend Spotlight

Edible Insects

In an effort to incorporate more local flair, fans can now order fried crickets at Seattle Mariners' games. The grasshoppers, a Mexican street food staple, are toasted in a chili lime salt. In the first 3 games that the crickets were on sale, they sold out before the first pitch and generated major social media buzz. Considered to a be a protein of the future, insects are sustainable to harvest and delicious to eat. Brands could consider using insect protein to push the envelope. For those with a weak stomach, crickets flour can be disguised in baked goods.

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Biz Spotlight

The Future Market

Future Market is an innovation lab making bold predictions for the future of food. In addition to pop-up dinners, the founders have also created a mock-marketplace that carries concept products like invasive species fish sticks, plant-based protein, and biodegradable packaging. The market challenges consumers to imagine a world where technology, science, and food come together in everyday items. Explore their site and video for inspiration. Brands could find ways to get involved in parody campaigns or experiential dinners that are unique and thought-provoking. Connecting with innovation labs like this make projects feel ultra modern.