Looking ahead to 2024 in hospitality

What trends will be influencing your menu planning in 2024?

With the countdown to Christmas and New Year underway we are already looking ahead to some of the most talked about trends you can expect to hear about in 2024. We’ve delved deep into The Food People’s Trend Hub to discover what chefs will be cooking and what diners will be enjoying over the next year.

Cost of cooking 

With the economic crisis still very much in people’s minds, we know this is something that will impact the hospitality industry in 2024. However, consumers still want to enjoy dining out, they are just looking for experiences that go above and beyond the food offer. Chefs are also going to continue looking at ways to save money and reduce waste in the kitchen, so you’ll be thinking about the longevity of products in your storerooms, timesavers and making up just what you need, when you need it.

Food comforts 

Although money worries are still causing challenges, consumers still crave some of those much-loved food comforts. Diners will be looking for gourmet versions of comforting classics. It’s about creating those familiar favourites with a twist, many of which will remind people of their childhood. One option you could add to your menus is this Bisto Braised Pork Topped Burger.

Chefs should consider how they can create new variations of classic dishes on their menus. Think about how you can bring a home cooked feel to diners when they are eating out.  Consumers are looking to strike a balance between cost, health and flavour when making food choices so chefs should think creatively about how menus could meet these needs. Our Bisto Shepherd’s Pie with Root Mash is a great example of a twist on a classic dish.

Many nostalgic comfort foods require gravy to add more flavour, texture and warmth to simple dishes. You could use one of the ranges of Bisto Gravy Granules whether that’s gravy for meat, gluten free or vegan options, poultry or vegetable dishes. You could serve up this Smash and Black Pudding Mash with Roast Pork Belly and Gravy.

Being humble 

This is all about making the most of humble ingredients and this includes a range of budget friendly vegetables such as potatoes, onions, mushrooms and squash. We are seeing a move from vegetables being the side to being the centrepiece of the dish. If you are looking to create plant-based dishes why not try one of the Bisto Gravy Granules which have been approved by The Vegan Society? You will find a range of dish ideas in our recipe bank including the Bisto Parsnip, Pinto Beans with Portobello Mushroom with a Wasabi Rich Sauce served with Bejewelled Rice and Crisp Kale and our Bisto Savoy Potatoes.

Smoke and fire

We know that another trend on the rise is smoky food and fire cooking. This is due to people wanting to go back to basics, theatre style cooking and also influences from other cuisines around the world. This trend for ‘chasing smoke’ comes from many different global influences from Africa to Asia. Grill flavours such as American BBQ are also going to continue to be a big hit next year. Why not try the recently launched Bisto Southern Style Gravy to add some different flavour combinations to your menus? You could create our Bisto Chicken Wings and Popcorn Chicken with Southern Fried Chicken Gravy.

Global cuisines

With the cost of foreign travel still being an issue for some in 2024, consumers will be looking for other ways to enjoy global cuisines. Bold flavours through seasonings and sauces are a great way for you to offer some different cuisines on your menus next year. One option is our Bisto Asia-inspired Braised Fennel with Greens, Tofu, Walnuts and Cranberries.

Using Bisto Bouillons to season your dishes is a really effective way to elevate your flavour. Diners will be craving fuss free concepts that transport them to faraway places. How about making our Bisto and McDougalls Tempura Vegetables with Japanese Dip?

If you head to our recipe bank you will find lots of new ideas that are packed with flavour.

We’ll be sharing lots more food trends updates for chefs over the next few months so keep a look out for future articles that could help inspire your next menu.