By Laura Rancie.
There’s a new old food trend that’s been lurking around recently...it's called Newstalgia.
It is simply the notion of new and nostalgia put together. It’s the idea of something old and comforting but with a fresh modern take. You can see this trend on different fronts from homewares and décor to baking and desserts.
According to a recent survey from letschatsnacks.com:
Nostalgia-influenced foods hold considerable appeal for various generations. Approximately 70% of consumers over the age of 65 and 76% of 22 to 55-year-olds love to eat things that remind them of their past.
Let’s look at some recent Newstalgia trends we’ve seen here in Australian desserts and sweets.:
Vegemite Brownies:
If you do a simple internet search, the classic brownie recipe will appear dozens of times with this Aussie breakfast twist - from mix packets on supermarket shelves to Chef-inspired gourmet Vegemite brownie recipes. Is it nostalgic though? Or just a bit weird?
Neenish Tart:
A childhood staple filled with sweet, almost whipped-like consistency cream and a delicate crumbed pastry, topped with half pink, half brown icing, this Australian staple is making a comeback. Just visit your local bakery and I guarantee you’ll find a Neenish tart. While no one actually knows why they’re called Neenish tarts, some stories link the treat back to a woman named Ruby Neenish from the NSW town of Grong Grong in 1913. That’s very specific, if it’s not true.
Sticky Date Pudding:
In 1984, a certain Sydney Morning Herald writer nominated the classic sticky date pudding as the signature dish of that year. However, its actual origin crosses continents over to the UK, with England, Scotland and even Yorkshire claiming origin.
Regardless of where it came from, the sticky date pudding has made a big comeback recently on our shores due to lockdowns and Australians seeking comfort and the familiar - sticky date pudding is both. An easy dessert for anyone to make and comforting both because of its sweetness and familiarity as a childhood dessert after a Sunday night roast dinner.
Real or Fake:
This trend has gone viral on, you guessed it, Tik Tok.
For example, a bouquet of beautifully assorted florals meticulously wrapped in paper. Real flowers? Or a cupcake bouquet with icing? A leatherprint black Coco Chanel handbag with gold clasp, or is it actually a sponge cake shaped like a bag with intricately detailed icing?
You decide. These cakes are uncanningly realistic in every way - the trend became so popular Netflix even created an entire show around it called 'Is It Cake?'
