The National Restaurant Association conducted an online survey of 1,575 members of the American Culinary Federation in September 2015. The chefs were given a list of 221 items and were asked to rate each item as a “hot trend,” “yesterday’s news” or “perennial favorite” on restaurant menus in 2016. Based on that survey, we have the results of the top 20 foods that will be trending in 2016.
Top twenty food trends for 2016 include locally sourced meats and seafoods, locally grown produce, healthful kids meals, artisan butchery, ancient grains and more. Take a look at the list.
Some of the items that chefs noted that were on the downturn for 2016 included: kale salads, fresh beans/peas, gluten-free cuisine, quinoa, flower essence in cocktails, dark greens, coconut water, hybrid desserts, asian noodles, on a stick items for kids and brown wild rice.
Yesterday’s News for 2016
Topping the list of items that are yesterday’s news for 2016 were insects followed by foam and bacon flavored/covered chocolate. Ending out the list was liquid nitrogen chilling/freezing. See the complete list here. 
Perennial Favorites for 2016
Favorites for 2016 seems to have southern written all over it. The number one item on the list-fried chicken. After fried chicken, we have biscuits, barbecue, frying, french toast, pulled pork, hot tea and classic pastries.
Alcoholic Beverages Trending for 2016
Topping the list in this category is craft/artisan spirits coming in a close second was locally produced beer/wine/spirits continuing the list with house brewed beer. Other items making an appearance on the list include hard cider and moonshine.
What do you think about the food trends for 2016? Were any of your favorite foods on the trending list for 2016? By taking a look at this list, it seems that food will become more approachable and more about locally grown which in turn helps to support our local economy. Happy Eating in 2016!
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