11 Food and Beverage Trends That Reshaped Dining in 2018

As another year of changes and upgrades within the food and beverage industry comes to an end, it’s important to reflect on evolving trends — from today’s popular dishes and social movements, to yesterday’s culinary news — in an effort to evaluate the way Americans are eating. From a surge in vegetarian cooking to the overall push toward sustainable dining, read on to uncover Forbes’ list of 11 trends that reshaped the food industry in 2018.

2018 marked the nail on the coffin of the plastic straw decline, with monopolies like Starbucks officially announcing their transition toward a ban. With equal parts pressure from the so-called "millennial awakening" to the overall increase in commitment to socially conscious business practices, the single use straw ban comes alongside evolving trends like composting, recycling and using fewer disposable products all around.

Another big shift in 2018 was the move from the typical “fine dining” experience to a rise in the popularity of more affordable, fast-casual dining options — but that doesn’t mean that high-quality product and unmatched service aren't still expected.

"There's a new generation that only knows good food," said Mike Thelin from Bolted Services, "and they want it everywhere.”

Read more about 2018 food trends here.

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