As Christmas approaches, supermarkets unveil the top food and drink trends for 2023.
- Vegan options are expanding despite challenges, with supermarkets like Waitrose and Tesco introducing innovative plant-based dishes.
- The popularity of grazing boards on social media influences supermarket offerings, with creative twists on traditional snacks.
- Traditional Christmas favourites are being reimagined, with Tesco and Waitrose offering new takes on centrepiece dishes.
- The trend towards low and no alcohol continues to grow, with supermarkets catering to increased demand.
As 2023 concludes, supermarkets have already decided what will feature prominently on our Christmas menus. Supermarkets such as Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Co-op, and M&S showcased festive food ranges earlier in September, highlighting burgeoning trends such as low and no alcohol beverages and plant-based offerings influenced by social media-savvy graze boards.
Despite challenges faced by vegan food retailers this year, supermarkets remain optimistic about the performance of plant-based options this Christmas. Waitrose anticipates its biggest year for vegan food yet, with searches for ‘plant-based’ soaring by 115% compared to last year. Noteworthy items include a triple nut roast and a plant-based wellington. Tesco also expands its range with over 100 Plant Chef products, featuring centrepieces like a ‘no-turkey’ crown. Meanwhile, Asda introduces the OMV! range, including a whole no-turkey and mushroom pigs in smoky aubergine bacon.
Social media trends continue to shape supermarket offerings, with graze boards and charcuterie styles gaining immense popularity. Asda attempts to capitalise on this with products like the Extra Special Specialty Cheeseboard, while Tesco presents a festive Build Your Own Christmas Olive Tree. Both ventures aim to capture the imagination of the home entertainer.
While turkey remains a staple of Christmas dinner, accounting for a significant portion of sales at Tesco, supermarkets are also exploring alternative centrepieces. Examples include Waitrose’s Shimmering Salmon Mousse, which is both a culinary delight and a nod to sustainability by utilising salmon trim. Tesco’s innovative pigs in blankets topped steak pie provides an interesting twist on a traditional favourite.
Party food emerges as a significant focus this year, with Co-op and Iceland offering a range of easy-to-cook selections to cater for busy hosts. Prices remain competitive, with special multi-buy offers available to encourage shoppers looking to entertain without stress.
The shift towards low and no alcohol beverages continues to gain momentum, a movement noted by Waitrose, where sales have surged 20% in the past year. This aligns with the growing consumer preference for moderation. Co-op follows suit with plans to introduce several no and low alcohol wines ahead of the festive season.
Finally, Asda’s emphasis on ‘showstopper’ desserts introduces consumers to an exciting chocolate and honeycomb avalanche, while Waitrose draws inspiration from French patisseries with products like the Golden Bûche de Noël. The overarching trend towards indulgence is complemented by new flavour profiles, including Asda’s innovative Brown Butter and Spiced Dark Rum collection.
As we embrace these forward-thinking culinary offerings, the 2023 Christmas season promises to be a feast of innovation and tradition.
