Thanksgiving Reinvented: Flavorful Food Trends
Thanksgiving is all about getting together with family and friends to enjoy eating well. For many home cooks and aspiring chefs, it’s also a time to test out new recipes based on this year’s latest food trends. Join us at Advanced Biotech as we take a look at some of the food trends that will be popping up around Thanksgiving dinner tables this year.
Pumpkin Alternatives
While pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice are often synonymous with the fall season and Thanksgiving, many consumers who are fed up with this trend are moving towards new festive flavors. Maple is a clean, complex flavor bursting with natural sweetness and hints of caramel and vanilla. This natural, versatile flavor pairs with both sweet and savory foods giving traditional dishes like turkey and roasted sweet potatoes a much-needed update and flavoring new creations like kale and brussels sprouts salad and maple bourbon pudding cake. Sweet potatoes, yams, and squash are also getting their moment in the spotlight as these pumpkin adjacent vegetables are often overlooked yet are bursting with Thanksgiving flavor. Use them in pies, tarts, roast, sauté, or grill them for an endless lineup of desserts and side dishes.
Locally Sourced
The farm-to-table trend has taken off within the past few years and many consumers are looking to locally source ingredients for their Thanksgiving get togethers. Produce, baked goods, and proteins purchased from community farms and small business are making their way onto tables across the US as many are shifting their focus away from big name brands and wanting to support their local farmers, business owners, and reduce their carbon footprint. This allows for more unique flavor elements like heirloom tomatoes, free-range turkeys, and microbrew spirits to have their moment in the spotlight while also helping the economy and the environment.
Plant-Based
Many consumers are moving away from traditional proteins like turkey, ham, and fish for thanksgiving and instead are opting for plant-based options for health and environmental reasons. With a host of new plant-based meat products coming onto the market within the past few years, the swap to meatless has been easier than ever. Fresh herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onion powder can elevate these meat-substitutes to new levels. For those looking for a sweet and smoky spin on plant-based meat products, tofu, or even textured vegetable protein, chipotle puree, liquid smoke, and hot sauce flavored with vinegar and chilis are a great option.
New trends in the food, consumption, and environmentalism are all impacting how consumers prepare and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.