The year 2020 is historic for many reasons. The coronavirus not only changed how the hospitality industry navigated food, but the pandemic also birthed the rise of new food culture. 

For the first time in modern history, people spent more than half of the year in lockdown, many working remotely. Many restaurants and hotels were also casualties of the pandemic, with many closed down permanently. 

With this in mind, it’s no surprise how the year directly shaped some of the biggest food trends. While the world collectively mourned, the internet proved to be a space of healing, and so people used food as coping mechanisms throughout the lockdown. 

From Dalgona coffee to cottage core, here’s a look at some trends that shaped 2020.

1. Banana Bread

When COVID-19 hit, the panic of businesses closing resulted in massive food hoarding all over the world. Grocery isles emptied in minutes and food items became gold. Banana bread’s claim to fame is through a tweet.  When Chrissy Teigen traded a loaf for romaine lettuce. When LA grocery stores were all sold out in March, she posted a now-viral tweet asking to trade her banana bread for some lettuce. 

The world caught on to her recipe and somehow, banana bread became the official pandemic snack. 

2. Dalgona Coffee

Everyone and their mothers made a glass of whipped coffee this year. Dalgona coffee is named after a popular South Korean street toffee.  Although the concept of adding whipped coffee to milk isn’t entirely new, this particular recipe took off on TikTok in March. 

3. Baking Mania

Ok, you’re probably asking why this deserves a section of its own when I just mentioned banana bread. Well, pastry and baked goods became a staple this year as craving increased while people were stuck at home. 

Baking is believed to have therapeutic effects so it’s not surprising that it became a popular pastime throughout the lockdown. From meat pies to cookies, you would find endless baking videos all over the internet at the time. 

4. Takeout Services

To curb the spread of the coronavirus, restaurants transitioned to takeout and delivery services. In fact, upscale restaurants like Talindo adopted this system for the first time ever. This called for leaner menus tailored to takeout services which restaurants like Nok, Ile Eros, Purple Bistro, Atmosphere and others adopted. Logistics and losses proved to be the most difficult challenges for restaurant owners during this period. However, with the current state of things, it seems takeout is here to stay for a while.

5. Food Activism and Social Justice

In spite of the pandemic, social justice took center stage this year and the food industry wasn’t left out of the reckoning. In the West, the Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality in America spread rapidly across the world. The movement also demanded accountability from racist institutions leading brands like Quaker Oats to remove racist, dated mascots from their lineup. Publications like Bon Appetit also faced reckoning when allegations of workplace racism and discrimination went public. 

On the side of activism, food played a major role during the protests. Entrepreneurs like Tobi Smith of All I Do Is Cook played a fundamental role in sustaining the protests. 

Closer to home in Nigeria,  the #EndSARS movement defined the protests against extra-judicial killings and police brutality. From the streets of Lagos to Portharcourt, food played a pivotal role in sustaining the 3-week long protest. 

The formation of The Food Coven demonstrated new perspectives on how food outreach can be a powerful tool for protest.

6. Food Meal Kits

As more people cook more meals this period, this trend slowly took flight in Lagos. The typical meal kit contains ingredients needed to prepare two meal portions/servings. The best part about meal kits is that the boxes come with a custom recipe card. Businesses like Gourmet by Good Eats , Ile Eros and Oh So Nutrition are doing great on this one.

7. Pancake Cereal

Now more than ever is the time for experimental food. This time, breakfast pancakes are being replaced by pancake cereal. Miniature pancakes served with syrup and butter or milk. While this trend leans towards the Gen-Z demographic, it won’t be surprising to see it on menus next year.

8. Picnics

Picnics proved to be one of the most popular activities this year primarily because of the aesthetics. Beyond the surface level though, picnics provided the escapism from the chaotic pandemic year that is 2020. Think summer and sunshine, charcuterie boards, florals and lots of wine.