As an emotional antidote to the stressors of everyday life, nostalgia is driving big changes across the food and beverage industry. Pop culture anniversaries, the re-emergence of discontinued products and throwback cuisines are just a few of the ways that something old can become new again through the lens of nostalgia.
It's playing out in burger chains with packaging featuring characters from a cherished 1980s children’s book. Or a movie theatre promoting “time capsule” screenings with themed pizza, hot dogs and cocktails to match. We’re even seeing an 80-year-old Swiss entrée reimagined on an American taco menu!
For Gen Z, nostalgia is a unique phenomenon. Many younger consumers are drawn to trends from decades before they were born, thanks to the power of social media. This hunger for experiences that feel both fresh and “retro” is fueling the resurgence of beloved products, such as an iconic ‘90s citrus-flavored drink in Colombia. It even revived a popular snack cracker brand in Australia, leading to line extensions with contemporary flavors.
In some regions, nostalgic food is tied to a specific time in the past. For others, it’s a desire for familiar flavors and dishes—the comfort in sticking to what you know. To meet these needs, brands looking to relaunch old favorites can do so with an eye toward sustainability, health and the values of today’s consumers.
Discover Chef Minsu’s story
Chef Minsu Kwon, our featured culinarian, demonstrates how she’s Craving Nostalgia with a Samgyetang with Grilled Dak Bulgogi, made with Griffith Foods Chicken Soup Base and Griffith Foods Gochujang Flavor Glaze. Watch our latest video to understand her strong connections between food and family.
Reinventing the classics through nostalgia
Whether it’s reinventing a childhood favorite or creating a signature version of a classic comfort food, retailers and operators can use the power of nostalgia to drive innovation. Learn more in our interactive flipbook.
Throughout this book, you’ll find these themes brought to life through our incredible culinarians. Their stories may be personal, but the values they stand for resonate with us all. As you read, I encourage you to think about your own culinary stories and the ways in which we can nourish the world, together.
VIEW FLIPBOOK
KEY INSIGHTS
If you’re looking to tap into the pow of nostalgia, Custom Culinary is here to help. Our team can deliver menu and product ideas and insights that offer a spin on the familiar, whether that means reinventing a childhood favorite or creating an unforgettable version of a classic comfort food.
Globally traditional flavors play a significant role in consumer preferences, with 58% choosing them for savory snacks, 62% for ready or prepared meals and 59% for QSR—highlighting the enduring appeal of traditions and nostalgia across divse food categories.1
40% of US consumers would like restaurants to off more nostalgic items or flavors.
That number jumps to 51% of 18- to 34-year-olds, up from 43% in 2021.2
Consumers across global markets say they enjoy things that remind them of their past — a statement that 67% of Brazilian, 8l% of Chinese, 64% of German, 75% of Spanish and 70% of UK consumers agree with.3
Bagnet with Sinangag and Mango Salad
A Filipino dish with a modern adaptation— boiling seasoned pork belly, then ovenroasting to dry before being air-fried to a perfect crisp. Served alongside umami-rich garlic fried rice and a fresh, colorful mango salad featuring red onion, carrot, lime, vinegar, fish sauce and cilantro.
Featuring Griffith Foods Umami Seasoning
FIVE MODERN TAKES ON NOSTALGIA
One of the best ways to capture the idea of nostalgia is through comfort food. Not only can these dishes satisfy the appetites of customers, but they provide an emotional connection. Here are some ideas for global comfort foods that can be transformed with a contemporary twist.
FISH AND CHIPS
• Experimentation with batters, such as craft beer or tempura
• Global seasonings like shichimi togarashi or Caribbean jerk
LASAGNA
• Unexpected formats, such as a soups or appetizer bites
• Vegetable-forward recipes, with zucchini noodles or mushroom sauce
ELOTES
• Use of avocado crema or spicy aioli instead of traditional mayonnaise
• Transformation of elotes into a flavor profile for savory snacks
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
• Savory fillings like caramelized onions, kimchi or short rib
• Mashup versions with lobster rolls, burgers or Cuban sandwiches
BUTTER CHICKEN
• Versatility as a pasta add-in, pizza topping or savory pie filling
• Dairy-free recipes to meet specialized dietary needs
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Classics Bring Comfort
Inventive operators and manufacturers are breathing new life into the enduring comfort food trend, as consumers seek solace wherever they can get it.
Bourbon Crème Anglaise
A great dessert sauce that is perfect for holiday events or everyday sweet endings. Use as a compliment to plated desserts or sweet breakfast and brunch dishes. The sauce's applications are only limited to your creativity.
Chicken Pot Pie
Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Chicken Base, Chicken Potpie fills a flaky pie crust with peas, carrots, onions, celery, thyme, chicken, and cheese. Familiar ingredients brought together in an innovative format for a twist on a classic dish.
Classic French Onion Soup
Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Savory Roasted® Beef Base, Classic French Onion Soup combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, sherry wine, Gruyere and parmesan cheeses. A robust combination of hearty flavors that bring warmth any time of the year.
Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
Looking for a delicious appetizer? Try Jalapeno Deviled Eggs! Made with hardboiled eggs, mayo, egg yolks, Custom Culinary® Jalapeno Relish and topped with microgreens, it's the perfect small bite before your main course.
North African-style Lamb Chops
Exotic ingredients brought together to add intense flavors in a familiar application. Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Demi-Glace Sauce, North African-Style Lamb Chops consist of chermoula, rosemary, breadcrumbs, lamb rack, and rosemary sprig.