Beef: it's not what's for dinner. At
least that's one of the trends expected to emerge in 2012. Less meat,
more locally sourced veggies and mobile restaurants are just some of
what culinary professionals are focusing on for the new year. To help
kick off 2012, here's our list of the five hottest trends we think will
make a splash in the culinary world.
1. Less beef, more veggies
Red meat and potatoes used to be dinnertime mainstays. However, recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says beef consumption has declined more than 12 percent in the last five years. In exchange, vegetarianism, veganism and Mediterranean diets that emphasis fish and whole foods will take center stage.
To keep up with changing tastes and the movement toward healthier fare, nutritionists and dietitians may be in demand to provide consultations to food service establishments. Degrees in nutrition science or health education are one avenue to employment in this growing field.
2. Food trucks go gourmet
According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, 61 percent of chefs would consider launching a food truck business. Although not a new phenomenon in most major cities, the food truck is about to be elevated to a whole new level. Rather than serving basic hot dogs and burgers, the latest food trucks bring gourmet food to the masses on the street corner.
While a food truck may be a cheaper start-up than a full-blown restaurant, it is still a business venture that requires careful consideration. A strong background in business can help avoid costly blunders. A master's degree in business administration is often considered the go-to degree for business professionals, but associate and bachelor's degrees are also available.
3. Locally sourced everything
From seafood to meat to veggies, today's foodies are increasingly demanding products that come from local sources. To meet this demand, some restaurants have even gone to the point of planting their own gardens for hyper-localized veggies. In addition, specialty foods such as heirloom tomatoes and heritage turkeys are being used by some establishments to set them apart from the competition.
Degrees in environmental science and conservation can be a good complement to a culinary career that focuses on local and sustainable food choices. Today's diners want to know where their food came from and the long-term effect of their food choices. An education that includes courses in environmental policy can help provide answers.
4. Mobile apps for dining on the run
Smart phones have infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, and we think 2012 will be the year of dining via mobile app. Already, review sites such as Yelp, LocalEats and Urbanspoon are helping foodies find their next favorite restaurant. Open Table lets you reserve a table, and Pizza Hut lets you order pie without picking up the phone.
We predict the upcoming year will bring new and improved entries to the smart phone marketplace. However, it takes a software whiz to transform a cool idea into an awesome app. A bachelor's degree in software engineering or information technology is what you'll likely need to hop into the hot market for application designers.
5. Good-bye to gluten
Gluten-free foods are primed to hit the mainstream in 2012. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, and certain conditions such as celiac disease can make people intolerant of gluten. However, the gluten-free diet has been embraced by people from all walks of life as a way to improve health and lose weight.
Gluten is found in almost all traditional baked goods products as well as many processed foods, which means baking and culinary specialists will need to reconfigure recipes to meet the needs of the gluten-free crowd. Classes in baking, cooking and catering can help students determine which ingredients can most easily be swapped out.
It's an exciting time to work in food service. Diners are demanding something more than the meatloaf and mashed potatoes of years past, and today's cooks have the opportunity to experiment with new foods and techniques. In addition, the food service industry needs trained professionals who can provide expertise in business, technology and nutrition. Learn more about degrees in culinary arts and discover how you can be part of the food revolution.
1. Less beef, more veggies
Red meat and potatoes used to be dinnertime mainstays. However, recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says beef consumption has declined more than 12 percent in the last five years. In exchange, vegetarianism, veganism and Mediterranean diets that emphasis fish and whole foods will take center stage.
To keep up with changing tastes and the movement toward healthier fare, nutritionists and dietitians may be in demand to provide consultations to food service establishments. Degrees in nutrition science or health education are one avenue to employment in this growing field.
2. Food trucks go gourmet
According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, 61 percent of chefs would consider launching a food truck business. Although not a new phenomenon in most major cities, the food truck is about to be elevated to a whole new level. Rather than serving basic hot dogs and burgers, the latest food trucks bring gourmet food to the masses on the street corner.
While a food truck may be a cheaper start-up than a full-blown restaurant, it is still a business venture that requires careful consideration. A strong background in business can help avoid costly blunders. A master's degree in business administration is often considered the go-to degree for business professionals, but associate and bachelor's degrees are also available.
3. Locally sourced everything
From seafood to meat to veggies, today's foodies are increasingly demanding products that come from local sources. To meet this demand, some restaurants have even gone to the point of planting their own gardens for hyper-localized veggies. In addition, specialty foods such as heirloom tomatoes and heritage turkeys are being used by some establishments to set them apart from the competition.
Degrees in environmental science and conservation can be a good complement to a culinary career that focuses on local and sustainable food choices. Today's diners want to know where their food came from and the long-term effect of their food choices. An education that includes courses in environmental policy can help provide answers.
4. Mobile apps for dining on the run
Smart phones have infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, and we think 2012 will be the year of dining via mobile app. Already, review sites such as Yelp, LocalEats and Urbanspoon are helping foodies find their next favorite restaurant. Open Table lets you reserve a table, and Pizza Hut lets you order pie without picking up the phone.
We predict the upcoming year will bring new and improved entries to the smart phone marketplace. However, it takes a software whiz to transform a cool idea into an awesome app. A bachelor's degree in software engineering or information technology is what you'll likely need to hop into the hot market for application designers.
5. Good-bye to gluten
Gluten-free foods are primed to hit the mainstream in 2012. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, and certain conditions such as celiac disease can make people intolerant of gluten. However, the gluten-free diet has been embraced by people from all walks of life as a way to improve health and lose weight.
Gluten is found in almost all traditional baked goods products as well as many processed foods, which means baking and culinary specialists will need to reconfigure recipes to meet the needs of the gluten-free crowd. Classes in baking, cooking and catering can help students determine which ingredients can most easily be swapped out.
It's an exciting time to work in food service. Diners are demanding something more than the meatloaf and mashed potatoes of years past, and today's cooks have the opportunity to experiment with new foods and techniques. In addition, the food service industry needs trained professionals who can provide expertise in business, technology and nutrition. Learn more about degrees in culinary arts and discover how you can be part of the food revolution.
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