From hot sauces to the return of ghee, here are interesting food trends from 2024 that are on the rise

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Every year, there are so many different kinds of food trends that take over the kitchen and the internet, and 2024 was no different.

The dining table continued to evolve into a space of discovery, experimentation, and comfort in 2024, and that saw a lot of new but also the old getting its due again..

The Godrej Food Trends Report curated by over 190 thought leaders and industry insiders has showcased interesting insights -- from the rise of spice to the return of ghee -that unfolded plate by plate across Indian homes, restaurants, and bars.

Here is a flavour-forward recap of five key trends from GFTR 2024 that hit home:

Hot sauces took over palates
India's growing appetite for all things spicy reached a new high in 2024. With the rise of urban youth seeking bolder flavour profiles and global influences, hot sauces did not just stay on restaurant tables - they entered home kitchens, snack aisles, and even fine dining menus. There were quite a few hot sauce brands that launched while introducing India to flavour-forward heat with regional and international flair. From Coorgi chilli oil drizzles to ghost pepper chutneys, spice became an everyday craving.

K-food went mainstream
No longer a niche or novelty, Korean food went fully mainstream in 2024. Riding the cultural wave of K-pop and K-dramas, Korean cuisine found a permanent home in Indian kitchens and menus. Major FMCG and QSR brands caught on fast introducing Korean-style ramen cups and hot-pot inspired ready-to-cook meals, and a special Korean-inspired menu with burgers, fries, and seasoning blends. Meanwhile, the number of Korean specialty restaurants - from Soo Ra Sang in Bengaluru to Heng Bok in Mumbai - continued to grow, offering diners an authentic taste of Seoul. With gochujang glazes and kimchi sides becoming the new normal, the K-wave on our plates shows no signs of slowing.

Story-based content drove conversations
In 2024, food conversations became richer, deeper, and more personal. Storytelling emerged as the most successful content format to cut through the digital noise, replacing clickbait with culture and connection. Leading the way was Chef Ranveer Brar, whose poignant food memories and family-rooted recipes sparked a movement across platforms. The story-based format did not stop there, celebrities joined in, opening up about the dishes they grew up eating. A standout example was Jackie ‘Dada,' charming the internet with his favourite poha recipe, insisting on onions chopped in the beloved ‘chaukandi' style. Audiences did not just watch; they responded, recreated, and stitched their own food stories.

The return of ghee
Ghee came back with full force in 2024, embraced not just by grandmothers, but millennials too. Once side-lined by calorie counts, it was celebrated for its Ayurvedic roots, digestive benefits, and flavour richness. Homegrown Indian brands made ghee a preferred choice not just in Indian cooking, but also in baking and fusion recipes and heritage players offered rich, granular ghee with the perfect aroma for sweets and cooking - bringing back trust to the ingredient that once ruled every Indian kitchen.

Protein remained a power player
Protein continued to dominate food conversations, not just in the fitness community but across the broader consumer base. Quinoa Khichdi, Soya-Millet pulao and ‘Fit Thalis' the need for satiating, nutrient-dense foods kept protein in the spotlight across QSR platforms. Dairy and poultry remained at the top of the charts for home cooks thanks to familiarity and functional benefits. With more Indians becoming label readers and health-aware, brands responded with protein-rich innovation that combined function with flavour.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, curating editor of the Godrej Food Trends Report and managing director, Perfect Bite Consulting states, "The past year reminded us that India's foodscape is a beautiful balance of memory and momentum. We witnessed traditional staples like ghee and poultry rise alongside global flavours like Korean spice. What is clear is that the Indian consumer is curious, conscious, and hungry for innovation. As we prepare for the launch of the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025, we look forward to spotlighting the voices and stories that will shape India's next food wave."