Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. has shared its Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends and consumer behaviors for the upcoming year.
The fifth-annual report centers on America’s continued eat-at-home habits as pandemic concerns subside with consumers seeking to make up for lost time and celebrate everything from life’s special moments to everyday milestones by entertaining and cooking together with their family and friends.
“This is the year of celebration as we relish in being together with family and friends,” said Stuart Aitken, SVP and chief merchant and marketing officer.
“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. From global flavors and elevating a special meal to household staples, Kroger is proud to offer our customers fresh, affordable food every day and we are honored to play a small part in so many shared happy moments.”
- Foods and flavors to make everyone happy
- From grandparents to Gen Z, curating a celebratory spread is top of mind for hosts and entertainers. Standbys such as cheese, cheesecake and salt and pepper flavored items are more popular with customers.
- Making it easy on the host
- Customers are looking for ease when it comes to everyday snacking, meal planning and hosting. Dips and dippers have emerged as a favorite, whether it’s for a snack or partygoers. From fresh veggies to protein, the options are endless for a dip and dipper combo. Sweet snacks are also on the rise with customers changing up their traditional salty snacks or looking for an easy dessert option for a celebration.
- Making a meal special
- At home meals remain a staple with shoppers continuing to find ways to elevate their menus. During the pandemic customers began eating more seafood and the grocer shares the trend continues to grow. Look for items such as shrimp, sea scallops and crabcakes to add a special element to a meal and save money.
- Celebrating heritage
- Foods and flavors from around the globe are being embraced as customer favorites. Families and friends are connecting over meals boasting ingredients that celebrate the diversity found in food.
Customers can get trending items by shopping in-store, through Kroger pickup or delivered using Boost by Kroger Plus, the annual grocery delivery membership that can save customers up to $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery. Eligible customers can try the Boost membership with a free 30-day trial and subscribe on a monthly basis for $7.99 a month.
For more information, visit thekrogerco.com.
