These are Italy’s food trends of the year
You can of course predict food trends with great foresight, but the question is always whether they will come true. That’s why our colleague Sophie from Italiamo would rather give you a deliciously truthful update on the trends that actually emerged over the past year.
These ten things were Googled extensively in Italy this year. Can you simply set the trend with them in your own country in the coming year? Although… in the land of traditions, tradition is king – even if the list is more exotic than last year. Especially number one.
Food trends 2024 in Italy
10. Casatiello napoletano originale
It is and remains a classic: this Neapolitan Easter bread packed with cold cuts and cheeses has never lost its charm. Perfect for Easter, but honestly? It actually tastes good all year round.
9. Finocchi gratinati al forno
A deliciously simple dish with fennel from the oven, finished with a crispy layer of cheese. The aniseed flavor of the fennel gets a beautiful counterpart in the savory gratin. Comfort food through and through.
8. Smash burger
This American phenomenon has become completely established in Italy (ha!). Thin, crispy burgers with some stuff on top – simply delicious and straight to the point. Though I have to say that my burger outings in Italy usually go in every possible direction, and you can also end up with a truly pathetic bun on the sidewalk.
7. Insalata di riso
Old but gold: the cold rice salad remains a summer favorite. With colorful vegetables, tuna and pickles, it makes a lovely picnic meal for sunny days.
6. Capretto al forno
Oven-baked goat meat, herby and tender. This traditional dish has a firm place on the table especially during holidays, but really deserves more recognition outside Italy.
5. Risotto alla monzese originale
This risotto with saffron and sausage comes from Monza and hits exactly the right note. Creamy, full of flavor and with that characteristic golden color.
4. Funghi sott’olio
Mushrooms preserved in olive oil, with a hint of garlic and herbs. Ideal as an antipasto, on bruschetta or simply eaten straight from the freshly made jar. I’ve got the recipe for funghi sott’olio here for you.
3. Spätzle
Although this dough dish originally comes from Germany, it has found a warm home in northern Italy. With butter, sage or another robustly flavored sauce, it is a favorite in the mountains.
2. Lenticchie
Going out without a bang: lentils were still at numero uno last year, now they are at numero due. I knew that lentils are eaten in Italy, but I don’t understand why people keep searching for them so much. A lot of lentils are also grown in Italy, especially in Umbria. Maybe people don’t know what to do with them. Besides: I don’t think there is any country where food trends are as classic as those in the list I’ve just written out. With exceptions such as number one, of course.
1. Crumbl cookies
These thick, chewy cookies with generous toppings have blown over from the US and are a hit in Italy. The franchise chain also opened in the boot last year, and apparently took off well. Or perhaps it raised questions, which led people to Google it.
Food trends of 2023
Psst… getting a little curious about what last year’s list was? Here it is:
10. Pesto genovese
9. Cazagatti (fried polenta and beans from Emilia-Romagna)
8. Crema caffè
7. Frappé (old Italian carnival snack or cold coffee)
6. Tette delle monache
5. Valdostana (a kind of cordon bleu)
4. Gnocchi di zucca senza patate
3. Scammaro (pasta frittata)
2. Bigoli (thick, fat spaghetti)
1. Lentils
Read also:
- The delicacies you can try in Lapland
- These 5 delicacies are completely overrated
- 10x these are the grossest delicacies ever
Image: Casatiello napoletano, source: Italiamo
