Each fall, Innova Market Insight releases its Top 10 Trends for the coming year. Then the anticipation and excitement begin as we link those top trends to topics we write and speak about—including snacking.

"Student tastes are at the forefront of every new program or menu item we introduce," said Chef Peter Gilhooly, vice president - culinary, Chartwells K12. "With daily access to the invaluable insights from the students we serve, we're able to work with kids on creating the fun and delicious, healthy and nutritious meal options on their school menus, and we're excited to share what's coming next year."

Recipe innovation is at the forefront of product development, and to win new customers, traditional combinations (featuring such standbys as pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms) are giving up space to new meat combinations, as well as novel vegetable crusts, sauces, plant-based toppings, other natural ingredients and spices sourced from the world’s cuisines. 

Over the last year, cost and value for money have become more important to more than half of food and beverage consumers worldwide. Today’s shoppers are increasingly exploring money-saving strategies, such as choosing lower cost items and cooking from scratch. 

Firmenich, a privately-owned fragrance and taste company, announced its 2023 Flavor of the Year, dragon fruit, celebrating consumers' desire for exciting new ingredients and bold, adventurous flavor creation.

After honing their skills during stay-at-home mandates, many consumers have ambitions of continuing to cook, but collectively are tired. And people still want restaurant-quality food but without the price tag.

Economic headwinds, including inflation and the threat of a recession, are setting up new hurdles for operators to navigate. But, despite a challenging start to 2023 expected, the latter part of the year should bring about optimism as the industry emerges from high inflation and a soft economy.  

Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled their top 10 anticipated food trends for 2023 in the retailer’s eighth-annual Trends predictions. Yaupon-infused beverages, produce packed pastas, repurposed pulp and climate-conscious callouts are among the food trends expected to rise in popularity in the next year.