We’re back again to discuss some of the biggest food trends coming up in 2017, and this year we’ve got some of our favorite influencers in the foodservice and consumer media space to shed light on what will affect the fresh produce industry this year. These well-known chefs, editors, and bloggers are ahead of the game and ready to share their 2017 food trend predictions.

Gimme’ That Comfort

Andie Mitchell, author of Eating in the Middle and blogger at AndieMitchell.com says that comfort foods that look and feel like they did as a kid, but are packed with fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to thrive. Why? Because we all want the same lasagna and pizza that Grandma made, but without the extra 500 calories of processed foods. TIP: Take advantage of using your products in recipes to replace something processed – especially if it looks the same. What will the next zucchini noodle be?

(Photo by Cookie & Kate)

Skillet Sensation

Who would have known that something we’ve been using for hundreds of years would resurface as such a hot trend in 2017? Serving items in a cast-iron skillet provides an elevated food experience for people – to see the food still sizzling and with all flavors kept together communicates a personal touch, as though the food was prepared specifically for you. Kate Heddings of Food & Wine magazine says that cast iron skillets will continue to play a role in food photography and recipe suggestions because of this. 

(Photo by Buns in My Oven)

Waste Not, Want More

We knew it was coming to light in 2016, but now more than ever, people are taking a stand against food waste – especially with fruits and vegetables! Last year, we saw the rise of broths and stalks with the use of excess vegetable trimmings and greens, but this year, Kelli Foster of The Kitchn, expects that there will be an equal amount of love given to citrus peels, fruit skins, and rinds. Take this Pickled Watermelon Rind recipe for example – picking + use of the whole fruit = happy consumers!

(Photo by The Kitchn)

Food Kits and Snack Packs

This has continued to trend for the last several years, but in 2017 – more than ever – snacks and food kits will continue to rise in the fresh produce aisles. With CPG brands looking for ways to “steal fresh,” it’s important to push the envelope on innovation and creating products that are consumer-driven. Jenna Helwig of Parents magazine stresses the importance of creating fresh snacks that BOTH parents and kids want to sink their teeth into – fun characters, playful names, and variety of flavor combos continue to win the hearts of families.

(Photo courtesy of Ready Pac Foods)

In addition to the expert insights above, here are a few more trends we’re seeing through editorial content requests, and based on feedback from consumers:

• Community matters – small bites and passed appetizers continue to thrive as recipe content because food and people go together!
• Sensory overload – from ice ice baby to ultra-spicy, people are looking for colorful, flavorful experiences with their food.
• You-health – every person is unique in today’s market. Be sure to have recipes and content that speaks to multiple health preferences and not just the typical low-fat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• Meal time blur – With the emergence of snacking as a routine, meal times are becoming increasingly less prominent. Smaller portions that create fusion between meals continue to gain interest.

When creating 2017 content, it will be valuable to consider these food trends. The more you’re able to leverage your brand in conjunction with the topics that are trending in the food space, the more relevant your brand becomes.