We took a look at several reports by TheFoodPeople featuring the staple potato, chips and its influences from childhood favourites, gourmet meals, popular street food and festive menu twists. TheFoodPeople analyse thousands of touch points across global menus, retail and social media to identify the big trends and future foresight.
Best of British
The Brits have long had a bad rap when it comes to their homegrown cuisine but with dishes like Eton mess, Scotch eggs and fish & chips appearing on menus the world over, in street food at least, the tide seems to have turned. As you might expect, menus in the UK are heavy on British dishes, which are being twisted into hybrid forms and mixed with other global formats.
Pass the Potato
More than just a sustenance staple for savvy spenders, the humble spud is showing it can be gourmet and the star of the show. From the unassuming jacket potato seduced by TikTok fame to the Irish spice bag a craveable mix of crispy chicken, bell peppers, onions, chillies seasoning and chips, served in a paper bag, that’s gained a fanbase from London to LA, this budget friendly fodder is undeniably versatile.
A genre shifting and cuisine hopping native, the potato really is a blank canvas for ramping up its epicurean credentials. Where less is more, sustainable sourcing, heirloom varieties, and potato characteristics bring the chic. Even the once inferior frozen category is getting a refresh of its chips.
Think restaurant quality cooked in tallow with sea salt, healthier, air fryer fuelled takes on Seoul’s tornado
fries, and even iced treats evocative of that swalty fries into milkshake guilty pleasure.
Cheap as chips
Childhood favourites like crisp sandwiches, chip butties, classic British grub and tinned ingredients are back on the agenda thanks to their budge friendly credentials and nostalgic flare.
Chip Butty
The fish and chip butty has been getting some air time of late. This trend has big-time nostalgic vibes with simple, fun and wallet-friendly childhood favourites coming to the fore while budgets are stretched. Chippies, sandwich shops, foodie influencers and even the likes of chef Gordon Ramsay have been getting in on the action.
Loaded Fries
Popularised in America, loaded fries make their way across the pond and further afield. These fries serve as a base to whatever toppings you’d like, and you may notice the overriding theme to these festive-fied formats is piling them high with Christmas meats, all the traditional trimmings, and generous amounts of sauce! For a delicious holiday treat, try seasoned fries topped with pigs-in-blankets, cranberry sauce, and rich gravy to be enjoyed all Christmas season. They’re also easy to transform into pre-made supermarket varieties; think loaded with turkey, cheese, and pigs-in-blankets that can be easily baked in the oven or air fryer and served with a drizzle of cranberry sauce or gravy.
