Top Trends in Food from the
2017 NRA Show
Wednesday wrapped up a great week of learning and exploration at the 2017 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, Il.
There was so much to see, touch, taste, and learn, but I’ll try to pick a few really popular trends to highlight for those of you who couldn’t make it.
Let’s dive in…
#1 – Cold Brew Nitro Coffee
Well if there was one trend that popped up more than any other, it was cold brew nitro coffee. On tap, artisan, slushy, and soft serve varieties available for whatever application you could imagine.
#2 – Go Nuts for Donuts!
Honestly, donuts haven’t really gone anywhere. Everyone loves fried dough. But NRA would show us that donuts, especially exciting, decadent donuts, are thriving. People are loving the idea of customization and seeing donuts in unique places like sandwiches and sundaes.
#3 – Compostables
All image above courtesy of PacknWood. Available at https://www.packnwood.com/home.jhtm.
If you want to take a stake in this millennial market you better be using compostable products. From plates, cups, straws, wrapper, utensils, to-go boxes, and even chopsticks, compostable products have become a must for any operation that wants to be a serious competitor.
Others
Other noteworthy trends included sparkling beverages, including coffee and kombucha, guacamole variations, atomization in the food process, and a continuing array of vegetarian and vegan food products.
If you’ve noticed any cool trends or were at the NRA 2017 show and saw something I missed, let me know! We’d love to hear from you.
Cheers!