R.I.P. Cupcakes: The 6 Most Exciting Food Trends for 2014 Say goodbye to the cupcake and the Cronut-- hospitality consultant Andrew Freeman predicts six fresh trends for the restaurant industry in 2014.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

cioccolatogatto.blox.pl

Once upon a time, cupcakes ruled the trendy food market. Then came the Cronut and a wealth of donut-related spinoffs. So, what should restaurants be whipping up for dessert in 2014? Andrew Freeman has answers.

In a recent webinar, the CEO of the San Francisco-based hospitality consulting firm Andrew Freeman & Co. offered some surprising predictions about what food industry insiders should be expecting in 2014.

With the theme of "Blurred Lines" – referencing the Robin Thicke tune that was the song of the summer – Freeman predicted a mixed up, flashy and all-around appetizing 2014. From tea cocktails to "mutant morsels," food industry insiders have a lot to look forward to – and prepare for.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

In terms of portable desserts, the cupcake is over and the donut is dying. Freeman predicts we'll see ice cream sandwiches on the rise, particularly from food trucks and pop-up restaurants.

Related: What's the Next Kale? How Business Owners Can Capitalize on Food Trends

Biscuits

Croissants, hyped by Starbucks with their La Boulange collaboration, are over. Pretzels, which helped Wendy's narrow losses in the third quarter, are on their way out. Freeman says the new year will bring new interest to the biscuit. And if the absurdly high demand at the new 24-hour Empire Biscuit in New York is representative, he may be onto something.

"Mutant Morsels"

Customers are loving unusual combinations. From the ramen burgers at Smorgasburg food market in Brooklyn to the dessert pizza with Nutella at Scala's Bistro in San Francisco, these Franken-snacks are huge hits.

Infused Ice

2013 saw bar and restaurants debuting distinctive cubes or shaving their own ice. In 2014, Freeman predicts an upswing in ice cubes infused with herbs and other ingredients that add flavor to the cocktail.

Tea Cocktails

"Tea is going crazy right now," says Freeman. Starbucks, a force of nature in the beverage industry, made the trend official with the opening of Teavana Fine Teas + Tea Bar. While Teavana isn't selling cocktails yet, the preview for the opening of the first store in New York offered surprisingly tasty tea bellinis.

Related: 3 Ways Starbucks Is Innovating and Why You Should Care

Tableside Service

Tableside service can be traditional, like the tableside Caesar salad at Carbone in New York, or like something out of a scientist's lab, such as the Margarita cart at Stampede 66 in Dallas, where the drinks are frozen with liquid nitrogen. Either way, presentations tableside mean "big bucks" for customers says Freeman.

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Growing a Business

AI Adoption Doesn't Have to Be Daunting Anymore — Here's How to Choose the Right AI Tools For Your Small Business

As 2025 begins, AI adoption may still feel daunting for many business owners — but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to pick the best AI tools for your needs and integrate them wisely into your existing systems.

Science & Technology

5 AI Books Top Entrepreneurs Are Reading in a Rush for 2025

Entrepreneurs must embrace AI or risk falling behind. Discover 2025's top 5 AI books to gain a competitive edge, featuring insights from "The Wolf is at the Door" and a free AI Success Kit.

Leadership

Hard and Soft Skills Go Hand-in-Hand — These Are the Ones You Need to Sharpen This Year

The coming year promises to be one of change, which can be daunting and exciting. While it's important to stay on top of new technologies, the key will be sharpening those soft skills.

Marketing

Why 2025 Will Be the Year AI Redefines Content Creation and Search Strategies

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the SEO landscape, requiring professionals to adapt their keyword strategies, content creation and user engagement techniques in response to revolutionary tools like ChatGPT.