Kroger predicts veggies and dip will be a top food trend in 2023
From global flavors to continued cooking at home to celebratory vittles, The Kroger Co.’s recently released 2023 Food Trends Report predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead.
The fifth-annual report centers on America's continued eat-at-home habits as pandemic concerns subside. 84.51º, Kroger's retail and data science, insights and media arm, reports that customers say their COVID-19 concerns are at an all-time low for two consecutive months.
Consumers now seek to make up for lost time and celebrate everything from life's special moments to everyday milestones, by entertaining and cooking at home together with their family and friends, says Kroger.
"This is the year of celebration as we relish in being together with family and friends," said Stuart Aitken, senior vice president, chief merchant and marketing officer for the Cincinnatti-based grocer. "Customers not only learned to cook during the pandemic; they grew to love it. In 2023, cooking at home remains a mainstay with customers gathering together to celebrate time lost and save money as inflation moderates.”
Generational divide and conquer
Kroger sees foods that please all generations, when the family gathers, as trending this year. Produce has a role to play here. Kroger points to Private Selection Roasted Poblano Queso Blanco Dip, Home Chef Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole, Private Selection Greek Olives & Feta Mix, and Simple Truth Plant-Based Non-Dairy Parmesan Style Cheese as products to try.
Related: The Fresh Market releases the top five 'most delicious' trends of 2023
The host with the most help
Customers are looking for ease when it comes to everyday snacking, meal planning and hosting, says Kroger, adding that dips and dippers have emerged as a favorite, whether for a snack or pleasing partygoers.
From fresh veggies to protein-packed snacks, the options are endless for dip and dipper combos. Sweet snacks are also on the rise, the grocer said.
Kroger anticipates snacks and dips featuring produce to shine in the year ahead. It points to store brand products such as Private Selection Hass Avocado Ranch Dip, Private Selection Seedless Baby Cucumbers, Simple Truth Organic Snap Peas, and Private Selection Gold Nugget Seedless Mandarins.
Making meals at home special
At-home meals remain a staple with shoppers continuing to find ways to elevate their menus, Kroger said. During the pandemic, Kroger customers began engaging more with seafood — a trend it expects will continue to grow.
“Look for items such as shrimp, sea scallops and crabcakes to add a special element to a meal and save money instead of eating seafood in a restaurant,” the company said.
Celebrating heritage
Foods and flavors from around the globe are being embraced as customer favorites, Kroger said. The grocer anticipates a number of its store brand products to gain attention, including Private Selection Argentinian Inspired Chimichurri Blend, Private Selection Indian Inspired Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, Simple Truth Organic Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, and Private Selection Chile Crisp Condiment.
