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.

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Business News

'Feels Like a Slap in the Face': Some JPMorgan Employees Reportedly Aren't Happy With Their Bonuses

JPMorgan reported a record-high net income for 2024 of $58.5 billion.

Business News

A 74-Year-Old Musician Makes a Million a Year From an Unpopular Song Written Nearly 50 Years Ago. Here's How.

The song never became a Billboard hit but proved extremely lucrative for its writer.

Business News

People Are Selling Old Phones With TikTok Installed for Thousands of Dollars — Here's Why

There are listings on resale sites for iPhones and Androids with TikTok downloaded for up to $10,000.

Science & Technology

The AI Tool That Will 10x Your Output in 2025 (And It's Not ChatGPT)

Unlock AI-driven productivity! Discover how Google's Agent Space transforms work with AI assistants. Get the free 'AI Success Kit' + a chapter from The Wolf is at The Door. Watch now!