Appealing to Foodies at Your Event

Let’s face it, folks—foodies are here to stay. While the term first showed up online over ten years ago, there is now a mainstream consumer group deeply interested in and passionate about food. Event planners, then, must take note. Serving the same old food in the same old way will not go over well with people who are passionate about cuisine.

At the same time, this doesn’t mean that you should focus on foodies at the expense of the rest of the group. It also doesn’t mean that you ignore your budgetary restrictions and go all-out for the sake of the foodies. Your budget, and the needs of the entire group, are important. However, foodie-approved meals will have a quality that even non-foodies are sure to appreciate. That said, here are a few factors to consider when trying to appeal to foodies at your event.

New or Atypical Foods

Foodies tend to love trying new things. They’re looking for a menu that will intrigue or excite them, not a list of boring food they’ve eaten at every event they’ve ever attended. Foodies are more willing to try different cuts of meat, less common vegetables, and foods from other cultures. They are more likely to be excited by something new, rather than afraid of it. A menu of unique options will be a real thrill for any foodies attending your event.

Animal-Friendly Options

Foodies are not merely concerned with the kind of food offered, however. There is a growing concern for the ethical treatment of animals. Many individuals want to know that the animals they eat were cared for and raised humanely. Whether it’s grass-fed beef or free-range chicken, foodies often want to know that the animals they eat weren’t mistreated.

Local Food

Another consideration for foodies is where their meal comes from. Was the food shipped from some giant company far away, or from a local farmer? A menu created with the help of local farmers will provide fresher ingredients and help small business owners. Local farmers pick crops at their peak and process livestock products in nearby facilities where they can oversee quality. Furthermore, getting food locally helps the environment: deliveries don’t need to be made from across the country, so there’s less fuel emission. Providing a menu made from local ingredients is sure to please any foodies in attendance.

All-Natural and Chemical Free

Increasing health-consciousness has, for many, amplified the desire for cuisine made with all-natural ingredients. Natural is in, GMOs and other chemicals are out. From rBST-free dairy to bacon without nitrate, foodies are looking for quality products without chemicals. All-natural meals instead of those with antibiotics and growth hormones will appeal to health-conscious food lovers.

‘Superfoods’

Many foodies are enamored with so-called ‘superfoods’, nutrient-rich foods with large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. While there is no medical definition for a superfood, people who incorporate them into their diet tend to be fitter and healthier. That being the case, a menu that includes superfoods will be a huge hit with the foodies.

Creative Presentation

While the food itself is of the utmost importance to foodies, there is also an increased attention to the way the meal is served. Foodies want a unique delivery, a creative and artful presentation. We live in a time where millions of people post photos of their food on various social media platforms, after all. Presenting cuisine in an interesting way will appeal to a foodie’s desire for a meal that really sticks out.

Conclusion

Foodies are passionate about what they eat. This passion manifests itself in high standards, a desire to know about the food they eat and to dine on high quality cuisine. This doesn’t have to be an obstacle for event preparation, however. Instead, foodies’ excitement about food should be an incentive to create a meal that they will love. If your menu makes the cut you can bet foodies will be excited to tell others about it. So make a meal that foodies will love—it’s worth it.