While last year everyone was going about their predictions about food and service trends, a certain pandemic appeared and changed the course of things. The majority of the world’s population began to stay at home more often and order takeaways delivered at home than ever before, which led to new emerging trends. 

While vegan cuisine, local ingredients, self-created dishes, and bites are still popular, containment has given rise to new cravings, including comfort menus such as macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, noodles, and desserts. Consumers have also cooked more home-cooked meals, a development that restaurants have incorporated by selling meal kits and family packs.

In this context, what can we expect this year? Here are 5 trends that are sure to appear on plates (or delivery bags) in 2021.

1. More comfort and simplicity

Expect to see more comfort foods, not only because these types of menus are affordable and convenient, but also because they remind us of our old lives. People will continue to seek a sense of comfort and normality in 2021. According to Uber Eats, the most sought-after and ordered foods last year were hamburgers and fries, macaroni and cheese, Pad Thai, tacos, and burritos. Other fashionable comfort foods include pasta dishes, curries, stews, and fried chicken. These dishes that warm our body and mind will reign supreme, but the restaurants will also add their own touch to these comforting classics and elevate these dishes to a gastronomic level.

2. Vegan Cuisine

Vegan cuisine is another major trend that has been emerging for some time. Vegan cuisine is officially a force to be reckoned with. Many restaurants and vegan brands around the world have already attracted a lot of followers in a very short time. Health and immunity will remain major concerns in 2021, and healthy, vegetarian and vegan food products will sell en masse. More and more restaurants, including fast-food chains, have deployed vegan alternatives, which will only grow in popularity in the years to come.

3. Breakfast

The pandemic has also led to an increase in orders of breakfasts, a trend that is likely to continue. DoorDash reported a significant increase in consumption of oatmeal, specialty coffee, cinnamon rolls, smoothies, muffins, and burritos for breakfast. And it’s not surprising if you think about it, because we all spend more time at home now, so we automatically have more time to think, prepare or order breakfast. No one could have seen the craze for mini pancakes (“pancake cereals”), and the purchase of cereals also reached a record level in 2020. Breakfast bowls, granola bars, cookies, porridge, pancakes and waffles, bagels, or even hearty breakfast trays with a selection of breakfast dishes: the most important meal of the day is definitely no longer a last-minute preparation in 2021.

4. Buying local, international cuisine

This trend may require a little more explanation. Today, the community spirit is very present among consumers who wish to support their local businesses and suppliers. There is a willingness to stick together and help local restaurants and other businesses through these difficult times. People want to re-inject money into their community and are willing to focus on local products over large international chains or brands. However, as we all miss travel, it is likely that people buy local food internationally. People will want to taste cuisine from cultures or countries they know less about. As long as travel remains prohibited, consumers will live vicariously enjoying exotic flavors and international dishes.

5. Healthy, low-alcohol beverages

Consumers are more interested in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and healthy beverages such as matcha, kombucha, natural and cold-pressed juices, and low-sugar soft drinks. People will continue to focus on their health in 2021, a trend that will be reflected in their food and beverage choices. Restaurants and other companies should jump into the immunity train by offering healthier, organic, nutrient-rich beverages.

Easily manage your (delivery) menus online

Once you’ve seen these upcoming trends, you may want to optimize your menu on multiple delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat. If so, good news: with Deliverect Menu Manager, you can make changes to multiple menus across multiple platforms with just one click. Updating your menus shouldn’t be complicated and tedious!

Food Delivery, a Business with Big Potential

Many people lost their jobs but there are also some people who discover profitable business out of the given circumstances. Since people are staying at home, the number of deliveries increased by more than 200% and the food delivery industry is approaching $200 billion according to Forbes.

If you are good at cooking, you can sell your cooked food online and deliver it yourself. You don’t need a big kitchen or a fancy vehicle. This Filipino-Canadian chef cooks in his kitchen and delivers using his bicycle. 

If you don’t have a motorcycle or a bicycle that you can use to deliver food to your customers, an electric or a kick scooter would be a great option. They are lightweight and you can go to places that a motorcycle or a bicycle can’t go especially when the road is narrow and you have to carry your ride.

There are a lot of high-quality scooters you can find at Go2scooter.com if you are serious about starting this business. You don’t need to spend more than $500 dollars to start your own food  take-out business. 

If you don’t know how to cook or if cooking is not your forte, you still can do the delivery. Contact your local restaurants and ask them if they need someone to deliver. Restaurants are mostly operating at 25% capacity on-site while 75% delivery so there is a big chance to get hired. There are also apps you can use like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Seamless, GrubHub, and Postmates among others.

As mentioned, the food delivery industry is becoming one of the major players during this difficult time and more and more people will order food online so don’t let this opportunity pass – start while you are ahead of other people in your neighborhood!