Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Project Party

The food van industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with food vans becoming increasingly popular. As we look ahead to the next decade, we predict that this trend will continue to grow as more entrepreneurs invest in the mobility and flexibility offered by food vans. One of the main advantages of food vans is their ability to reach customers in areas that are inaccessible to larger food trucks or that have limited parking space. As a result, we anticipate that food vans will be a popular option at festivals, sporting events, and other outdoor gatherings.

However, food van businesses will need to adapt to changing consumer trends in order to remain relevant in the coming years. Customers are increasingly interested in healthy and sustainable eating options, and food van businesses will need to incorporate these concerns into their menus. This may include using locally sourced and organic ingredients, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options.

Overall, the next decade looks promising for the food van industry, as entrepreneurs continue to embrace the mobility and flexibility offered by these unique and innovative businesses. Let’s explore some food van trends to follow:

Food Van Trends to Watch for in the Next Decade

As we move into the next decade, there are certain trends that are already starting to emerge in the world of food vans. Here are 10 of the most popular trends that are sure to take community and other celebration events by storm in the next decade:

1. Fusion Cuisine Food Vans

In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, people are exposed to a greater variety of cuisines than ever before. As a result, fusion cuisine, which combines elements of multiple different cuisines into one dish, is becoming increasingly popular. Look for fusion tacos, for example, which combine Mexican and Asian flavours, or Indian-inspired wraps made with naan bread.

Fusion cuisine offers the best of both worlds, combining the flavours and ingredients that you love into new and exciting dishes. So next time you’re looking for something new to try, don’t be afraid to experiment with fusion cuisine. You might just find your new favourite meal.

2. Sustainable Eating

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impacts of climate change on the environment. As a result, more and more people are looking for ways to live sustainably. One area that is often overlooked is food. The average meal travelled 1,500 miles to get to your plate in 2011, according to the National Resources Defense Council. Not only does this have a significant impact on the environment, but it also means that your food is less fresh and nutritious.

Fortunately, there is a growing trend of food vans that focus on using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. These trucks are often run by chefs who are passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients. As the demand for sustainable eating increases, it is likely that we will see more of these food trucks pop up across the country.

Sustainability is a common theme across all our predictions because its something that is important to an increasingly large number of people. It’s been found that over 60% of people would be willing to pay more for food that is certified as sustainable according to a study by Technomic, so this is clearly an important issue for many.

3. Interactive Dishes

Food vans have always been about more than just food. They’re about the experience of enjoying good food in a fun and casual setting. And as diners become increasingly interested in seeking out experiences that go beyond simply eating, we predict that interactive dishes will become increasingly popular at food vans over the next decade. This could involve anything from building your own salad at a salad bar counter to choosing your own toppings for build-your-own ice cream sundaes or pizzas.

Whatever form it takes, interactive dishes are sure to be a hit with diners looking for a little something extra from their food truck experience! So if you’re thinking about starting a food truck, be sure to keep this trend in mind and offer your customers an interactive dining experience that they won’t soon forget!

4. Ancient Grains

While quinoa may have been having its moment a few years ago, ancient grains like amaranth and teff are now rising in popularity. These nutrient-rich grains make a great base for bowls and salads and can be used in sweet dishes as well. Amaranth is especially high in minerals like calcium and iron, making it a great choice for those who are looking to boost their intake of these essential nutrients. Teff, on the other hand, is lower in calories but higher in fibre, making it a good option for those watching their weight. Whether you’re looking to boost your nutrient intake or simply trying out some new flavours, ancient grains like amaranth and teff are definitely worth exploring.

These ingredients lend themselves to food offerings such as grain bowls which are popular at the moment. Many food vans have jumped on this trend by offering grain bowls with a variety of different toppings.

5. Gourmet To-Go

As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, people are looking for ways to save time without sacrificing quality. This has led to a growing trend of gourmet to-go food, which is food that is made with high-quality ingredients but can be taken on the go. This trend is especially popular among busy professionals who don’t have time to sit down for a long lunch but still want to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.

If you’re thinking about starting a food truck, gourmet to-go is definitely something to consider. There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, you’ll need to make sure that your food can be packaged easily and doesn’t require any utensils or other items to eat. Second, you’ll want to focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients so that your food stands out from the competition. And last, you’ll need to make sure that your pricing is competitive with other quick-service restaurants in your area. Keep these things in mind and you’ll be sure to succeed with gourmet to-go!

Is this trend applicable to events? Yes, the gourmet to-go trend is also applicable to events. This is because many eventgoers are looking for quick and easy options that are still high in quality. And, does this mean an increased cost for catering? No, not necessarily. Gourmet to-go can be just as affordable as traditional catering, especially if you focus on using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Finally, a quick list of other food van predictions:

• Plant-based proteins – As vegan and vegetarian diets become more mainstream, there will be an increased demand for plant-based protein options at food trucks.
• Ethnic flavours – From Korean BBQ to Ethiopian stews, ethnic flavours are always popular at food trucks and we expect to see even more innovation in this area.
• Street food-inspired dishes – There’s no sign of that trend slowing down so expect to see dishes like Vietnamese banh mi, Peruvian ceviche, and Egyptian koshari on menus.
• Gluten-free options – More and more people are looking for gluten-free options when they eat out, so we expect to see an increase in gluten-free offerings at food trucks.
• Exotic fruits and vegetables – With global trade routes becoming more accessible, we’re seeing exotic fruits like dragonfruit and rambutan making their way into salads and desserts.
• Fancy toast – Already taking over cafes we think it’s only a matter of time before gourmet toast toppings like avocado + egg + sriracha or ricotta + berry + honey reach food trucks.

These are just a few examples of what we think will be trending in food trucks over the next decade! As you can see, there’s something for everyone on this list – so whatever your taste buds might be craving, there’s sure to be a food truck out there dishing it up!

Do you agree with our predictions? What do you think will be the biggest food truck trends of the next decade? Let us know in the comments.

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