Here, we look at how comfort food is top of the menu for consumers through cost-of-living struggles
Nostalgia plays a part, with a Gousto survey revealing that
feel most nostalgic from food1
Expert food and beverage trend forecaster
found that budget-friendly staples give comfort when things get tough3
An Aldi study revealed that the prime time for people to turn to comfort food is when they are feeling:
Down
Stressed
Plus, when cold and rainy weather hits, more than four in ten tuck in2, that’s
1 The Food People, 2022 | 2 Aldi / OnePoll Study, 2022 | 3 Gousto, 2022
When times are tough and the world feels a stressful place, comfort is king.
The purse strings may be tight, but the satisfaction, escape and sociable nature of food is something people just aren’t going to give up. From soups to flatbreads and burgers, we see modern twists on comfort foods dominating in 2023. So, with comfort foods firmly on the menu, how can we expect this trend to develop in 2023 and beyond? We delve into The Food People’s 2023 comfort trend predictions.
1 FOREVER COMFORTS LIKE SHEPHERD’S PIE..
..with ‘cheffy’ twists like miso are on the rise. Herby flatbreads with pulled chicken? Of course! Next-level nachos that pack a punch? Why not?!
2 AMERICAN CLASSICS WITH A TWIST..
..are also having their moment. Think fried chicken with flavours and spices from different cuisines, indulgent burgers, and mac ‘n’ cheese with different ingredients.
3 A NEW, GOURMET TAKE ON..
..sandwiches will also be hitting the UK food scene – with deepfilled options, reimagined classics, global flavours and sandwiches with decadent side dips like gravy and spiced mayonnaise.
We’ll be keeping an eye on how these food trends show up on menus this year, giving people a slice of comfort when they need it most!
GARDEN GOURMET® SPICY CHILLI BURGER
Want a burger that packs a flavour punch? This burger recipe will satisfy the most avid meat lover!
Serves 1 - Calories 638kcal
• 1 GARDEN GOURMET Vegan Sensational Burger • 1 vegan sesame brioche bun, sliced through the centre• 20g sriracha mayonnaise (15g vegan mayonnaise + 5g sriracha sauce)• 24g shredded iceberg lettuce• 1 slice chilli spiced cheese• 10g sliced avocado• 25g sliced tomatoes (2 slices)• 3 slices pickled gherkin• 6g jalapeño slices
Method:1. Lightly toast the cut sides of the brioche bun.2. Cook the burger from frozen according to preparation guidelines,until centre reaches 78°C.3. Place half the mayonnaise on the base of the toasted brioche.4. Top with the lettuce and the burger.5. Add the cheese, avocado, tomatoes, pickle and jalapeño.6. Dress the (cut side) top of the brioche, with the remaining mayonnaiseand sandwich on top of the jalapeños to complete the dish.
GARDEN GOURMET® Vegan Sensational™ Burger delivers the same juicy taste and texture to that of a meat-style pattie burger. If you’re looking for a 100% plant-based burger which looks, cooks, smells and tastes like the real thing, the Sensational Burger was made to provide an amazing flavour and experience.
Chef's tip:
Try serving this dish with an avocado salad with tomatoes and herbs or try removing the iceberg and add a sesame ginger slaw.e juicy taste and texture to that of a meat-style pattie burger.
LOADED BBQ NACHOS WITH GARDEN GOURMET® PULLED FILLET
Who doesn’t love Nachos... This recipe may serve 1 but be prepared to scale up for more!
Serves 1 - Calories 413kcal• 75g GARDEN GOURMET Vegan Sensational Pulled Fillet• 50g black beans, drained and rinsed• 15g BBQ sauce• 25g nachos• 20g grated Cheddar• 15g roasted red peppers, chopped• 15g smashed avocado• 50g tomato salsa• 8g jalapeño slices• 75g iceberg lettuce, shredded(optional)• Wedge of lime
Method:
1. Warm the Pulled Fillet in the oven, 180°C for approx. 4 mins, or gently fry in an oiled pan until starting to crisp on the edges. 2. Mix together the beans and BBQ sauce. 3. Arrange the nachos on a plate and scatter over the cheese. Flash under a hot grill until melted. 4. Place spoonfuls of the BBQ beans, peppers, avocado and salsa on top of the nachos. 5. Scatter over the jalapeños. 6. Top with the Pulled Fillet and serve with lettuce and a wedge of lime.
GARDEN GOURMET® Vegan Sensational™ Pulled Fillet, enjoy a delicious 100% plant based white meat-style pulled fillet that has sensational texture when pulled apart with visible soft light juicy fibres. Amazingly versatile and able to absorb flavours & sauces, ideal for salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta or stir fry.
This recipe can also be made into corn tortilla wraps or enchiladas.
