New Year, New Eats & Drinks

The food and beverage trends we expect to be hot in the new year.

New year, clean slate? More like clean plate! With the turn of the calendar, a host of new food and bev trends are anticipated to emerge, while some crazes (hopefully) get left in 2023. (Looking at you Fruit Roll-Ups and ice cream… like, why?) From nonalcoholic beverages—which we expect to blow up this year—to experiential dining to mushrooms and more, here’s what our team of industry insiders is predicting will be all the rage in 2024. 

“Everything’s an experience. … 2024 is no doubt gonna be about the vibe. But more than that, we’re starting to see experiential—even extreme—trends emerge. Glass diamond-shaped bar dangling over a canyon you access by spectacular bridge or bike lane tightrope in the republic of Georgia? Sure! Bathroom-themed dining in Taiwan at Modern Toilet? Promises to be the poo. A horror-themed Burgertory in Salt Lake City? Now popping up stateside—from lunch below a waterfall to drinks in the sky—the sensory-focused immersive trend is set to become a reality because after all… it’s all about the mems.” 
—Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam

“I hope pickles and olives finally get the love and attention they deserve! I know they’re unpopular, but I’ve always been a big fan of both.”
—Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol

“Boba tea + elevated Asian options—which I’m very much here for! :)”
—Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock

“I think nonalcoholic drinks are going to continue to emerge—not just mocktails but nonalcoholic beer and wine too. It used to be very hard to come by, but now almost everywhere offers NA options!”
—Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive, @camrht

“Possibly upscale pop-up dining experiences”
—Debby Serena, Account Executive

“Beer cocktails are everywhere, and I hope they stay. 🙂 I had a pilsner with added black currant syrup the other night at Orange County Social Club in Carrboro. I know Standard Beer + Food does an awesome beer cocktail too.” 
—Susannah Richardson, Editorial Intern

Photo by Greg Mintel, courtesy of Umbrella Dry Bar

“Nonalcoholic beverages have been on the rise for the past few years, but I think 2024 will be the year that low-proof and zero-proof cocktails officially become the norm. I predict we’ll see a number of bars dedicated to NA spirits pop up in Raleigh, as well as an explosion of creative new options on drink menus across the city.”
—Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton

“I think we’ll see more and more healthy quick-service spots open this year. People want quality food without paying for fine dining.” 
—Ellie Davis, Contributing Writer

“I think nonalcoholic cocktails are going to keep getting more and more popular!”
—Carlee Nilphai, Contributing Writer

“The continued death of the dress code. I am here to feast—why do you insist I forego an elastic waistline and loose fitting clothes? I can enjoy serious cuisine while being seriously comfortable.”
—Forrest Mason, Contributing Photographer, @fmasonmedia

“I really see the nonalcoholic beverage trend becoming a thing. Even for those of us that like a traditional drink, but don’t want to overdo it, nonalcoholic drinks (especially cocktails) are fun and delicious!”
—Susan Holt, Contributing Photographer, Susan Holt Photography, @susanholtphoto

“Mushroom popularity increasing as both a food and nutritional supplement”
—Felicia Trujillo, Contributing Photographer, Food Seen, @foodseennc