Mintel unveils food and drink trends for 2023

Mintel reveals four key trends that will shape global food and drink industries in 2023.

Centred around space, climate change, mental performance and the overwhelmed consumer, this year’s trends make recommendations for brands to reassure consumers who continue to be challenged to adapt to a precarious world.

Weatherproofed provisions

Consumers are in need of food and drink formulations that help them endure heat waves, sub-zero temperatures and disastrous weather events.

Staying sharp

Consumers are demanding formulations that help them optimise their mental performance at work, home and play.

Cosmic comforts

As Earth endures more chaos, space will become a source of optimism, innovation and connection.

Minimalist messaging

Clear and simple communication will be essential to connect with fatigued consumers.

“In the not-too-distant future, space will become less whimsical and more tangible. Centring around escapism, the food and drink market will take inspiration from space-inspired technologies and earthly innovations from space travel findings—think lunar minerals and zero-gravity dining. The undiscovered novelty of outer space will have a particularly unsullied charm for Gen Z, who are disillusioned with the world as it is. Brands should also consider the inspirational role space will have in Gen Alpha’s lives. New technologies, including resource-efficient agriculture and powdered protein, will come to light, giving food and drink brands a wider variety of space-inspired themes,” said Jenny Zegler, director, Mintel Food & Drink and Mintel Global Consumer.