The next big food and beverage trends could be these.

• The Specialty Foods Association hosted the Summer Fancy Foods Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
• The trade show is renowned for showcasing emerging culinary trends that will shape restaurant menus and supermarket offerings.
• Some of the notable trends in the food industry included the use of honey as a flavor, the popularity of taking fish to go, and the adventurous flavors of salami.

The latest food trends seem to be reminiscent of the diet of cavemen: Fish is the most popular protein, honey is the current flavor sensation, and game meat is now considered a premium addition to charcuterie boards.

The Summer Fancy Food Show, hosted by the Specialty Food Association, is a renowned trade show for discovering the next big flavors, foods, and drinks that will be popular in menus and grocery stores. This year, the annual show took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York from Sunday to Tuesday.

Over 2,400 companies showcased their food and drink offerings to attendees, including restaurant operators, specialty food retailers, and trendspotters. Trends from past shows that are gaining popularity among mainstream consumers include yuzu, mushrooms, and sophisticated alcohol substitutes.

Small brands have utilized previous shows as a platform to expand their reach. Honest Tea, Ben & Jerry's, and Tate's Bake Shop are among the companies that attended the show early on and have since grown into well-known consumer brands owned by major industry players.

Here are some highlights from this year's Summer Fancy Food Show:

Honey — as a flavor

For millennia, humans have consumed honey as a food, but now it is gaining popularity as a flavor in various food and beverage products. According to the SFA's preliminary report on the show, honey was highlighted by its health benefits.

Honey was the star ingredient in both foods and drinks across the show. Green Bee showcased its honey soda, which included a Honeycomb Cider flavor. Owl Creek Organics & Natural Flavors displayed honey spreads, with flavors ranging from caffe mocha to lemon poppyseed. And Klepper & Klepper used honey as a flavor for their licorice.

Tinned fish

In previous years, tinned fish was mainly sold in booths within the Spanish and Portuguese pavilions. However, this year, exhibitors displayed their tinned fish products throughout the show.

Last year, the tinned fish trend was fueled by TikTok, leading to increased sales of canned sardines. In response, specialty food companies are now offering their own unique varieties.

The canned tuna of today is not the same as it used to be. There are now more flavors, different seafood varieties, and trendier packaging. Wildfish Cannery, an Alaska-based company founded in 1987, showcased a new retro design for its sockeye salmon, giving it a more upscale feel. Krill Arctic Foods exhibited its canned krill meat, which may not have the same curb appeal on its packaging but boasts about the food's nutritional profile.

Fish to go

Fish on-the-go exhibitors showcased innovative eating methods in order to take advantage of consumers' increasing demand for protein and convenience. The association identified "satisfying snacks" as a trend they have been monitoring.

Acme Smoked Fish showcased its new Lox in a Box snack kits, which come with cream cheese or avocado. Legend of Master International presented its Kani fish cake sticks, perfect for snacking or cooking.

Upgraded charcuterie

Charcuterie boards have gained popularity due to social media, where people showcase their elaborate displays of preserved meats, cheeses, and fruit.

The Summer Fancy Food Show showcased new charcuterie options, particularly salami, with Tempesta Artisan Salumi offering black truffle-flavored salami and Salt & Twine featuring a mezcal and salted lime flavor.

Some exhibitors are expanding their salami offerings beyond pork to include elk, venison, bison, lamb, and wagyu beef.

Pairing snacks

Both Wine Chips and The Drinks Bakery displayed their snacks, designed to complement specific alcoholic beverages.

The Scottish company, The Drinks Bakery, offers a range of biscuits, including parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and basil crackers, which can be paired with approximately 20 different drinks, from a nonalcoholic lager to a whisky highball.

Wine Chips offers thick-cut potato chips designed for snacking while sipping wine. Its Sel Gris flavor, named after French sea salt, pairs well with any sparkling wine, including Champagne.