FOODNLA

This year, five trends are emerging in popular in-demand dishes. Here’s the scoop:

1. SWICY

A blend of sweet and spicy flavors, “SWICY” is a popular food trend. People are incorporating SWICY flavors into more dishes including spicy garlicky tofu, spicy mango sorbet, and Thai pumpkin curry. Another popular dish, Crispy Szechuan-Style Eggplant and Tofu has a complex flavor profile with sweet and spicy ingredients.

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2. Plant-Based Options

More people are thinking about sustainability and helping the planet. In 2024, plant-based foods are revolutionizing the food scene. Walnuts, tempeh, and mushrooms are emerging as popular in-demand whole foods. People are ordering more plant-based dishes including burgers, wraps, and bowls. FOODNLA recommends three restaurants in L.A. serving tasty plant-based options: Veggie Grill, LA Vegan, and Hey, Sunshine Kitchen.

3. Variety of Snacks

From charcuterie boards and popcorn to trail mixes and caprese salads, snacks are in demand. From on-the-go schedules to working from home, snacks are a great way to get a quick boost of energy. If you’ve never made a caprese salad, click here to watch this recipe! Popcorn is rising in popularity as an in-demand comforting movie night snack. Former Food Network chef Julie Hartigan suggests replacing mayonnaise and sour cream in snack dips with Greek yogurt.

4. Sandwiches

Sandwiches can build a variety of flavor profiles! People are ordering more breakfast sandwiches, melts, and mint chocolate ice cream sandwiches. This year, the chopped sandwich is rising in popularity. Click here to read the plant-based chopped Italian sandwich recipe. Do you have a favorite sandwich? Tell us in the comments section!

5. Fruity Smoothie

Smoothies are always convenient, especially for people with on-the-go schedules. This summer, people are ordering more smoothies that also offer more health benefits. Some popular options for fruity smoothies are strawberry-watermelon, blueberry, and peanut butter-banana-oats. We recommend mixing fruits with kale or spinach to add more vitamins and minerals to your smoothie!

Do you have a favorite go-to smoothie? Let us know in the comment section.