The vegan food scene is hotter than ever (like the planet..lol). With more people looking for plant-based options, restaurants and food brands are stepping up with innovative and delicious vegan dishes.
Welcome to the hottest vegan food trends of 2023! If you’re a food enthusiast, a conscious consumer, or simply curious about the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine, you’re in for a treat.
From tantalizing tastes to ingenious innovations, this year’s vegan food scene is a playground of flavors and experiences that’ll leave your taste buds dancing and your senses awakened.
Imagine this: a world where your plate is a canvas, and the colors, textures, and flavors are limited only by your imagination.
As we dive into the vegan food trends shaping menus and kitchens around the globe, you’ll discover that plant-based eating has evolved from a niche choice to a dynamic and mouthwatering movement.
Here are 8 of the most popular vegan food trends to watch out for in 2023:
1. Vegan fast food
Chains like Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell now offer vegan options on their menus, making it easier than ever for people to enjoy vegan food on the go.
One popular vegan fast food item is the Impossible Whopper from Burger King. This plant-based burger is indistinguishable from the real thing and a great option for vegans looking for a satisfying fast food meal.
KFC offers a vegan chicken sandwich, and Taco Bell has a vegan Crunchwrap Supreme.
In addition to these major chains, many smaller vegan fast-food restaurants are popping up all over the country. These restaurants offer various vegan options, including burgers, tacos, burritos, and pizzas.
The rise of vegan fast food is an excellent sign for the vegan community. It means vegans no longer have to sacrifice convenience or taste on the go.
2. Fermented foods
Fermented foods are having a moment in the vegan food scene. These foods are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Gut health is essential for overall health and well-being, and fermented foods can help to improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.
Some popular fermented foods include:
- Kimchi: A Korean dish made with fermented cabbage, kimchi is a great source of probiotics and vitamins. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or added to dishes.
- Sauerkraut: A German dish made with fermented cabbage, sauerkraut is another great source of probiotics. It has a sour and salty flavor that can be enjoyed independently or added to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.
- Kombucha: A fermented tea drink, kombucha is a good source of probiotics and antioxidants. It has a tart and fizzy flavor that can be enjoyed independently or added to smoothies and cocktails.
Fermentation enhances the nutritional value of foods and supports gut health.
3. Vegan desserts
Vegan desserts are no longer just for vegans. Various delicious and decadent vegan desserts are now available, from cakes and cookies to ice cream and doughnuts.
Some of the most popular vegan desserts include:
- Vegan cheesecake: Vegan cheesecake is made with tofu or cashew cream and often topped with fresh fruit or chocolate ganache.
- Vegan chocolate cake: Vegan chocolate cake is made with soy or almond milk and often topped with vegan chocolate frosting.
- Vegan ice cream: Vegan ice cream is made with plant-based milk, and it is often flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.
As veganism continues to infiltrate the culinary culture, dessert connoisseurs are discovering that compassionate choices can coexist with the art of baking, whether a classic cookie or an innovative, boundary-pushing pastry. The array of vegan desserts provides a satisfying and ethical way to indulge your sweet tooth.
4. Plant-Based Seafood
Plant-based seafood is one of the fastest-growing areas of the vegan food market. This is because it offers a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional seafood, often caught in destructive fishing practices and can be high in mercury.
Some of the most popular plant-based seafood products include:
- Finless Foods’ sushi-grade tuna: This product is made from a blend of plant proteins and algae, and it has a texture and flavor that is indistinguishable from real tuna.
- Sophie’s Kitchen’s crab cakes: These crab cakes are made from a blend of chickpeas, hearts of palm, and spices, and they have a texture and flavor that is very similar to real crab cakes.
- Good Catch’s fish-free tuna: The tuna is made from a blend of different plant proteins and have a texture and flavor similar to real tuna.
Plant-based seafood is an excellent option for vegans, vegetarians, and seafood lovers alike. It is sustainable, ethical, and delicious.
In addition to the products mentioned above, several other plant-based seafood products are on the market. They include plant-based shrimp, lobster, and scallops made from various proteins, such as soy, pea protein, and algae. They are seasoned to taste like the real thing.
The plant-based seafood trend is a great example of the evolving vegan food market.
5. Edible insects
Edible insects are another vegan food trend gaining popularity in the food world. Insects are an ethical, sustainable, and nutritious source of protein. You can use them to make various dishes, from tacos to burgers.
Some of the most popular edible insects include:
- Crickets: Crickets are high-protein insects that can be eaten whole or ground into flour. They have a mild flavor that can be used in various dishes.
- Locusts: Locusts are large insects similar to grasshoppers. They have a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- Silkworms: Silkworms are the larvae of silk moths. They have a soft, chewy texture and a mild flavor.
Edible insects are an excellent option for vegans looking for a sustainable and nutritious source of protein. They are also a good option for people looking to try a new and exciting culinary experience.
6. Mushroom-based products
In the realm of vegan culinary innovation, mushrooms have emerged as a stellar ingredient. They offer a remarkable versatility that resonates with both flavor and nutrition enthusiasts.
This is because mushrooms have a meaty texture and umami flavor that can make them a delicious and satisfying addition to vegan dishes.
These earthy powerhouses have proven their mettle as an exceptional vegan substitute for meat. They elevate the taste and texture of dishes like burgers, sausages, and even steak-like creations.
Mushrooms are also a good source of protein and fiber.
Now, numerous mushroom-based products are available on the market, including mushroom burgers, mushroom sausages, and mushroom steaks. These products are made with blended mushrooms and formed into a patty or steak shape. They are then cooked in the same way as traditional meat products.
Mushroom-based products are a great option for vegans looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to meat. They are also a good option for people looking to reduce their intake of animal products.
7. CBD-infused foods
Derived from cannabis, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound renowned for its potential to alleviate anxiety, curb inflammation, and promote overall well-being. This natural powerhouse seamlessly blends with the vegan food trend, resulting in a fusion of health and culinary innovation.
Vegan-friendly CBD offerings are on the rise, from CBD-infused chocolates that melt away stress to plant-based beverages that provide a tranquilizing sip.
These products not only cater to the discerning taste buds of vegans. They amplify the health benefits associated with both plant-based and CBD-centric lifestyles.
With CBD-infused foods, the fusion of flavor and wellness reigns supreme, reflecting a dynamic culinary landscape that is rewriting the narrative of nourishment and self-care.
8. Zero-waste packaging
In an era where sustainability takes center stage, the marriage of veganism and zero-waste packaging emerges as a potent force for change.
Vegan food brands are strategically adopting eco-conscious packaging to combat plastic pollution and reshape the trajectory of our food industry. From compostable wrappers to reusable containers, this vegan food trend champions the principles of veganism and the imperative of nurturing a healthier planet.
Conclusion
As we savor the delectable offerings of these thriving vegan trends, it’s clear that the food landscape is evolving in exciting and conscientious ways. From insect-infused delicacies to CBD-spiked treats, the vegan movement is redefining the culinary horizon with a harmonious blend of innovation and sustainability.
