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The year 2017 is forecasted to be the year of cutting edge food items going main stream, according to SRG (Sterling Rice Group). If you want to be ahead of the curve, you will want to implement these integrate these new dishes in your menu.
Both chefs and food lovers are looking for ways to improve the wellness for their bodies and environment. These food items are sure to bring the crowd in with the new year not only in restaurants, but also on grocery and convenience store shelves. 
1. Plant Butchery
Many Americans seeking meat substitutes are turning to alternatives such as chickpeas, legumes, and fungi. These “mock meat” items are now being displayed in butcher-style display cases of store-fronts, tempting more consumers to go meatless.
Plant-based dieting is good for the environment, the heart, body weight and overall health according to US News. These meat-like products are often included in a dietary approach that emphasizes minimally processed foods from plants, with modest amounts of fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy, and red meat only sparingly.
2. Food Waste Re-Purposing
According to NRD, 40 percent of food in the U.S. goes uneaten. Many are aware of the amount of food going to waste and want to do something about this. Renergy says the average American restaurant can produce up to 150,000 pounds of garbage per year.
Instead of throwing all that left over food away, consider composting and planting a garden! 2017 is the year for more chefs and restaurateurs to use entire fruits and vegetables, all the way down to the seeds. Use free space on the roof, a sunny corner of the lot, or even in your home to grow fresh produce. The compost from your restaurant can fortify the soil to produce larger crop yields.
3. Goat
Goat is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, and is positioned to become a new go-to protein in the New Year. Goat has 50 percent less fat than beef and less cholesterol, making at a much healthier meat selection.
Over the past few years chefs have begun turning to goat as a top meat source. Latin cuisine has also blown up in the last few years and has become a staple. As more American consumers become open to it, more chefs are forecasted to experiment with it.
Customers will be on the lookout for dishes that have implemented goat into the recipe. A great foundation for goat that many are familiar with for spicy and sour preparations common in middle eastern and Indian dishes. Thinking outside the norm will get you noticed – try goat lasagna, sandwiches, and toasted spreads.
4. Cook and Connect
Don’t deny the power of social media. Chefs, home cooks, and foodies will want to embrace the culture of sharing through communal meals, outdoor events, cooking lessons, paint & wine parties and more. Smartphone apps like Eatwith and make it easy for those eager – to- connect foodies and restaurateurs to embrace with communal dining experience and fleet farming opportunities.
5. Mocktail Mixology
For those who don’t care to drink alcoholic beverages, a new category is emerging known as “mocktails”. These fun drinks comes mixed with club soda and lime, featuring fresh-pressed juices, fruity teas, and macerated or muddled herbs, spices, and fruits. Chefs can use this rising trend for nonalcoholic happy hours or standalone mocktail menus in 2017.
Make These Trends Work for You
Knowing 2017 food trends will put your establishment on the cutting edge of success. Implement these trends so that you can attract new customers who are looking for more innovative, healthier, and easier ways to dine. More and more, Americans are becoming more conscious of what they eat, how they eat, and why they eat the way they do. Don’t miss out on these trends and becoming a part of the movement!
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