Curious about the food trends that captivated us this year? Google's data is in, revealing what sparked our collective culinary intrigue in 2023. The search giant compiled the most prominent trending searches, those with a significant increase in traffic over a sustained period in 2023 compared to 2022, to highlight the year's most profound trends. Alongside popular themes like 'lazy girl everything' and various 'aesthetic' fads, numerous food topics captured America's attention over the last year.
From hopping on the latest trend, offering fresh perspectives, or simply seeking to understand the buzz both online and offline (a nod to Millennials), these were the top food-related searches that defined 2023.
1) Grimace Shake
McDonald's certainly made waves with its eye-catching Grimace Shake, a lavender-colored, sweet sensation that debuted this past June. This vividly tinted, berry-flavored shake quickly became a TikTok sensation. TikTokers created skits featuring themselves enjoying this summer treat, followed by humorous depictions of the after-effects.
2) Lasagna Soup
It's hardly surprising that two quintessential comfort foods, lasagna and soup, merged to become one of Google's top trending food searches. The concept of lasagna soup isn't new; it has been circulating since the early days of Pinterest, and likely earlier. However, this tomato-based, meaty soup with cheese-topped noodles experienced a revival on TikTok and other social media platforms this year. It offers a simpler and quicker alternative to traditional baked lasagna, with countless possible variations and adaptations.
3) Chicken Cobbler
The popularity of this TikTok recipe soared due to its ease, cost-effectiveness, and comforting essence. It's a one-pot take on chicken pot pie, cleverly crafted using supermarket shortcuts. The recipe combines rotisserie chicken, frozen peas and carrots, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, canned chicken soup, milk, and butter to create a dish that's a hit with everyone.
4) Black Cake
The Caribbean black cake, often enjoyed during Christmas or festive occasions, caught the interest of Americans, partly due to the Hulu series "Black Cake." Inspired by Charmaine Wilkerson's novel with the same title, this family drama intricately weaves around a black cake recipe. It's understandable that fans of the book and show would be keen to experience this rum and fruit cake for themselves.
5) Pumptini
When "Vanderpump Rules" made its comeback in May 2023, it brought along a signature drink, the Pumptini. This delightful pink cocktail blends raspberries, vodka, liqueur, simple syrup, and a mix of citrus juices. Served in a martini glass, it offers a stylish and sophisticated beverage choice.
6) Hugo Spritz
Labeled as the summer's go-to drink, the Hugo Spritz emerged as a strong contender, potentially outshining favorites like the Dirty Shirley, Aperol Spritz, and Frozé as the preferred refreshment for warm weather. This drink, a blend of elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda, is simple to prepare and serve over ice. However, its distinct floral undertones might not appeal to everyone's taste.
7) Cowboy Butter
With the rise of home cooking, making compound butter has become a popular way to bring a professional touch to your kitchen. The recipe for cowboy butter varies by who's making it, but at its core, it's a seasoned butter enhanced with herbs and a touch of sweetness. Versatile in use, it can be drizzled over grilled meats or vegetables, or even served as a flavorful dip.
8) Coronation Quiche
The official recipe from King Charles III's coronation, held in May, introduced an unexpected food trend in 2023, influenced by a septuagenarian. This royal quiche begins with a homemade, buttery crust, followed by a filling of creamy egg custard, tarragon, English cheddar, spinach, and broad beans.
9) Brazilian Lemonade
Brazilian lemonade became a viral sensation thanks to its simplicity, enticing almost everyone to give it a try. With just four ingredients, you can whip up this frothy and revitalizing beverage that carries an exotic name. While technically a limeade, this drink features sliced limes, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and ice cubes, resulting in a delightful light green concoction.
10) Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Cottage cheese seems to be an enduring trend, constantly finding new ways to reinvent itself. This year, the most captivating twist was cottage cheese ice cream, piquing the curiosity of many. This unique ice cream is essentially a mixture of cottage cheese, sweeteners, and a medley of fruits, cookies, and flavor-enhancing toppings of your choice. It's both fascinating and adaptable, but whether it can fully replace traditional ice cream is a matter of personal preference.