Millennial Food Trends: Mid-Trend Review 

No time is better than the “Millennial Issue” of Restaurant Inc. for an opportunity to review trends mid-fad and dish out some highly subjective verdicts. 

KOMBUCHA

A variety of flavors, hints of spices from around the globe, healthy antioxidant properties, and just enough fermentation to think it’s naughty to drink. An appealing magic potion for the health-conscientious millennial types. And this popular tea is digging its tasty mitts into other generations.

VERDICT:

Until they find something incredibly wrong with it, I’m not sure what’s ridiculous about it. Keep ‘em coming.

FARM-RAISED VS. WILD CAUGHT

I want it to go away simply to avoid being with a diner who asks servers: “Is the fish locally sourced or flown in? Or, is it farm raised or caught in the wild?” Eat. The. Fish. Or Don’t. Next thing you know that diner is going to ask for a “23 & Me” test to judge the fish’s ancestry.

VERDICT:

When it goes too far? Yes. When you’re generally curious? OK, that’s fine.

AVOCADOS

Avocado toast. Avocado butter. Avocado oil. Avocado powder. Avocado-flavored [insert bland carbohydrate]. I believe we have exhausted the use of this superfood and super foodie fruit. What more can we come up with? Maybe use the pit as the core of a baseball.

VERDICT:

As ridiculous as ridiculous can be. Five dollars for a small avocado? Not to mention: It’s not even that good until you slather it with salt and oil.

QUINOA

This little seed is packed with nutrients, easy to make and a delicious base for a variety of dishes (and its uses are expanded by the day). And we don’t feel the least bit guilt eating it.

VERDICT:

Ridiculous? Nah. We just found an ingredient that deserves to be on Mount Olympus.

GOURMET DOUGHNUTS

The creativity, the flavor, the fun! Why would you want this trend to go away? Is it completely ridiculous? Absolutely. They are unhealthy, stacked with sugar that’ll rot your teeth and are completely insane. 

VERDICT:

Of course, a bit ridiculous, but they are here to stay forever. Sweets will never go away, doughnuts very much included. Give me Voodoo Donuts, please—and all the secret shops across America.