4 Food Trends to Watch in 2018

From food crazes and fad diets to new products and famous chefs offering fresh ideas, there are so many exciting food trends to try. To help you cut through the noise, we’re sharing four food trends in 2018 that are getting us excited.

Be sure to share your creations and tag #NielsenMassey so we can join your cooking or baking adventure! Get your pinning finger ready because you are going to want to save all these recipes for later.

Trend #1 – Floral Cocktails Break the Mold

Edible petals have been all the rage for garnish in the past years, but bringing floral elements into cocktails is a new trend. Take inspiration from the changing seasons to pull these floral flavors into playful cocktails, tickling your taste buds throughout the year.

Recipes:

Rose Sangria: A simple touch of fragrant rose water goes a long way to elevate this enchanting drink.
Orange Blossom Blast: A sensational, light cocktail that’s a floral take on the classic margarita.
Rose Water and Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas: A spring and summer favorite!

Trend #2 – Go Beyond the Coffeehouse

Coffee is so much more than what you put into your mug first thing in the morning. The typical cup of morning joe is being reinvented by using coffee as an ingredient, not just a beverage.

Recipes:

Coffee Crusted Burger with Chipotle Mayo: Wow a hungry crowd as the Pure Coffee Extract adds flavor to each bite.
Vanilla Coffee Infused Ancient Grain Scotcheroos: Our Pure Coffee Extract in this baked good adds a rich and bold sweetness.
Coffee-Rubbed Hanger Steak with Smokey Vanilla-Tomato Relish: Our Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste and Pure Coffee Extract add some serious richness, complemented by a smoked paprika and vanilla relish.

Coffee Crusted Burger with Chipotle Mayo

Trend #3 – Explore the World of International Flavors

The world of international flavors is more and more approachable to the home cook. Spice up your week-night dinner by pulling inspiration from the exotic flavors of Middle Eastern food, the bold, spicy and citrusy notes of East African cuisine or the variety of curries from India to Southeast Asia.

Recipes:

Easy Stove Top Tikka Masala Style Chicken: The surprising zing of Pure Lemon Extract gives this dish a boost of brightness.
Curried Vanilla Mussels: Featuring subtle and rich flavors with the addition of Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract, this recipe is an unexpected combination of curry, mussels and vanilla.

Trend #4 – Everything’s Better with Brown Butter

You can’t go wrong with brown butter, no matter what recipe you use it in. The comforting flavor and silky texture will enhance desserts and even entrees!

Recipes:

Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Our Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract gives a subtle sweetness to the already slightly sweet potatoes, while the brown butter brings in savory notes.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Browned Butter Vanilla Bean Sauce: This homemade ravioli is made even better when coated in a brown butter sauce.
Lemon Infused Almond Brown Butter Cookies: The addition of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, rich Pure Almond Extract and bright Pure Lemon Extract build on each other in this rich brown butter.