Retro foods are back!

Context

Coming out of 2022, many consumers are drawn to comfort foods that remind them of simpler, pre-pandemic times. And while many consumers are riding out the new cost of living crisis by tightening their purse strings, splurging on 'life's little pleasures' like food or indulgent beverages has become a way to make it all more tolerable.

As a result, nostalgic have become hugely popular over the last year, and the trend doesn’t show signs of slowing in 2023. Think the nostalgic 90s comeback– but instead with meals.

Currently, retro products are being reinvented with consideration for the wellness-conscious customer, yielding the ultimate mash-up of throwback indulgences with finer ingredients and special diets in mind.

Restaurants are bringing back childhood favorites with a gourmet touch. It's the food of simpler times, but this time, it's been tailored to the modern consumer.

Did you know?

Almost 70% of consumers reported they are extremely or very likely to buy a favorite nostalgic food or beverage.^[6]

How to serve up retro:

Tap into the nostalgia trend with 60s, 70s or 80s inspired menu items drawn from classic retro food culture:

Savory: give well-loved classics – like mac & cheese, meatballs, grits or even beef wellington or vol au vent – a gourmet touch so that they resonate with the modern consumer, but also bring up those familiar memories.
Sweet: nothing says retro like an indulgent, decadent good old-fashioned dessert. Think strawberry milkshakes, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, custards, cheesecakes, brownies or jellies.
Make it photo-genic: A fun retro cocktail or dessert is often very instagrammable and a great way to appeal to younger consumers! Capitalise on the trend to take your social media game to the next level with fun and excessive toppings: because you can never have too much of a good thing!