As the colder months set in, demand for warming, familiar foods is on the rise, and the newstalgia trend is predicted to gain further momentum well into 2025.

Our newest mini insight paper, Old Favourites – Fresh Flavours, explores the rising “newstalgia” trend that combines the comfort of nostalgic dishes with inventive modern twists.

Newstalgia is rooted in timeless favourites, from Sunday roasts to retro classics, which are now being reinvented with bold flavours and global influences. This trend allows chefs and caterers to introduce fresh perspectives on retro dishes, such as elevated versions of hearty hotpots, creative takes on prawn cocktails, and upgraded pub classics like chicken in a basket.

Our insight paper offers practical ideas for delivering this trend using products from our brands, including Lion sauces, Whirl butter alternatives, and Prep high-performance frying oils.

Featured recipes illustrate how to introduce contemporary flavours and textures to these classics:

A modern twist on mac and cheese
Add unexpected elements like crispy shallots, plant-based proteins, or world-inspired toppings. A splash of Lion’s Maple & Bourbon BBQ Sauce or Garlic Piri Piri Sauce offers a smoky or spicy twist, while Whirl butter alternatives provide a rich, dairy-free base that caters to vegan diners.

Reinventing the prawn cocktail
Take this retro starter up a notch by swapping traditional iceberg lettuce for microgreens or crispy seaweed, adding a modern texture and twist. For a flavourful update, combine Thousand Island Dressing with Lion’s Habanero Hot Sauce or Asian Ginger, Garlic & Chilli Sauce to incorporate the trend of heat and global flavours.

Chicken in a basket with global flair
The pub classic chicken in a basket takes on new life with buttermilk-brined, herb-seasoned chicken, fried to perfection using Prep high-performance oils to achieve a golden crisp. Serve with a variety of sauces, from Lion’s classic Blue Cheese Dressing and Sticky BBQ Sauce to Asian options like Thai Honey Sticky Sauce or Korean BBQ Sauce, offering diners a global spin on a UK favourite.

As nostalgia-driven dining experiences grow in popularity, our solutions provide foodservice operators with the ingredients needed to deliver on this trend. With Lion Sauces adding bold flavours, Whirl butter alternatives supporting plant-based needs, and Prep oils ensuring a perfect crisp on fries and more, our products bring newstalgia-inspired dishes to life on any menu.

Download now to learn more.