10 Culinary Trends to Try this Holiday Season

As we move into the holiday season, it won’t be long before we find our roof tops frosty and red cups being served at the coffee shop. As Canada’s premiere distributor of unique brands, we are excited to offer our tasteful collection of holiday food and beverage items. What’s on trend this year, you might ask? Here are the 10 culinary trends that we expect to see move through our kitchens this holiday season.

The Top 10

1. Ginger: a nostalgic flavouring with its “roots” in wellbeing. This warming aromatic will be a spotlighted flavour not only in baking but also in beverages, and sweet snacking.
2. Classic Chutneys: quality ingredients, new flavour combinations and lower sugar options will give this rustic accompaniment additional polish.
3. Hot Honey: sweet & spicy is a long favourite flavour profile, but the application of “hot” honey and the diverse ways that it can be used, is. A combination of chilis steeped in honey, this condiment is finding its way into pantries across the US and Canada.
4. Alcohol Free Spirits: the moderation movement continues to pick up steam as beautifully crafted non-alcohol spirits make its way on shelf. While the segment may be small, growth is significant and not to be ignored.
5. Ready Meals: a steadily growing category as an ever-increasing band of foodies and chefs bring restaurant quality, natural, quality ingredients to the HMR department. Whether frozen or ready to heat, consumers are looking for convenience but not at the expense of quality – especially during a busy social time of year.
6. Alpine Cheese: a winter indulgence, Alpine-style cheeses are highlighted in fondues and bubbling casseroles meant for sharing.
7. Sheep’s Milk Cheese: no longer a cheeseboard obscurity, consumers are seeking out this luxuriously rich cheese whose complex flavour profile ranges from sweet, to tart, to briny, to caramelly.
8. Non Alcoholic RTDs: its never been easier to recreate the bar cocktail experience in a home setting, with moderation in mind. Brands are focused on quality ingredients, eye-catching packaging and a hyper focus on flavour. Perfect for guests or packing into a gift hamper.
9. Asian Condiments: from rayu and crispy chili oils, to chili pastes, yuzu dressings, wasabi and anything containing gochujang. Asian condiments work amazingly with turkey leftovers, making them a modern must-have for the holiday pantry.
10. Panettone: a long time holiday staple in Canada, shoppers are drawn to the romantism of ingredients and polished packaging of an imported Italian panettone. The key is to look for varieties that use only natural ingredients, have long heritage and good provenance. The best panettone are made without industrial emulsifiers, stabilisers, binders or preservatives.