Practically everything about our lives has been disrupted since the pandemic took control, even our food acquisition, preparation, and consumption. Certainly, I have eaten at home much more, ordered groceries online, and am on a path to reducetarianism (more about that later).
According to food experts, there are several food trends predicted for 2022. Some of these trends started at the beginning of the pandemic. Others have evolved in response to economic, agricultural, and global changes. Some may be fleeting, while others may be here to stay.
In general, 2022 trends include:
- Still cooking at home;
- Snacking throughout the day;
- Eating foods to make you feel better;
- Experimenting with new flavors and textures;
- Creating new beverage rituals; and
- Choosing products that are better for the planet.
Here are 15 specific food trends that may be likely to impact you and me.
- Reducetarianism
Although you may not be familiar with the word, you’re probably aware of the concept. Reducitarians are those who are reducing their consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs without cutting them out completely.
My husband and I have discovered that we don’t need as much meat as we were used to consuming. Therefore, we often share a plate at restaurants and cook less meat at home. We also are buying better quality meats, which include grass-fed animals and organic eggs from pasture-raised chickens.
- Hibiscus
Hibiscus is an edible hot pink flower with a high Vitamin C content. It is already being used in seltzers and teas. Expect to see it coming out in fruit spreads and yogurts.
- Sunflower seeds
OK, you’re familiar with sunflower seeds, which are also found in trail mix and granola. Sunflower seeds consist of high-quality proteins and unsaturated fats, making them a hearty and healthy snack food. More foods are now incorporating sunflower seeds in crackers, ice cream, and dips.
- Tumeric
I’m sure you’re familiar with the health benefits of turmeric, which has been on the food radar for years now. But food companies are adding turmeric to soups, smoothies, and packaged foods. That expands your opportunities to include turmeric in your diet.
- Mocktails
Many people have been trying to reduce their alcohol consumption, and mocktails, which are cocktails without alcohol, allow them to do that without sacrificing the flavor.
- Plant-based protein
The increased popularity of plant-based protein correlates directly to less meat consumption. It has been touted as a healthier alternative to meat, and many are getting aboard the trend.
- Condiment obsession
People have become tired of the same old flavors, and food companies have responded with condiments that have bolder flavors, especially spicy and hot.
- New green kitchen
Buyers are spending more on environmentally-friendly products, especially now as the cost gap between those and conventional foods is shrinking. This includes things like reusable bags for food storage and composting.
- Underground ordering
When restrictions were imposed that excluded eating out in restaurants, many states loosened their restrictions to allow restaurants and chefs to sell “cottage foods”. That meant people could order specific foods via direct messaging and social media, and pick up their order at varying locations.
- Fishless fish
With our oceans in trouble environmentally, the production of plant-based seafood is growing. Aquaculture, raising farmed tilapia and catfish, did not prove to help the environment, as their emmision of greenhouse gases were as high as those for beef. As a non-fish lover, I don’t think I’ll be trying plant-based seafood!
In addition, you might also hear more about lab-grown (as opposed to plant-based) sushi-grade “fish”. Not interested in that either!
- Grocery loyalty
With increasing grocery prices and more people engaging in online ordering and delivery, national and regional grocery stores are banking on annual memberships to keep customers loyal to them. They are offering incentives and benefits that help offset the increasing grocery prices, and promoting how they are helping customers to save money.
- Cannibas
There has been a marked increase in Cannabis in many products, and chefs are also adding it into their dishes.
- Coffee alternatives
Coffee prices in October 2021 were at a 30-year high. So, naturally other options were developed and advertised. People were looking for caffeine-free products that tasted like coffee.
And Amazon sells coffee alternatives, such as Teecino Caramel Nut Dandelion Tea, which is described as rich and roasted herbal tea that’s caffeine free and prebiotic with detoxifying dandelion root.
Another Amazon product is Crio Bru Ghana French Roast, a natural healthy brewed cacao drink, which is a great substitute to herbal tea and coffee. It is 99% caffeine-free, gluten-free and advertised as low-calorie honest energy.
- Allergy-friendly food for kids
Statistics show that 1 in 13 kids has at least one food allergy. This has been a basically untouched market, which is just now becoming more commonplace. Mo’Pweeze is a 100% allergen-free and vegan bakery, which is available online. Partake Foods also sells online products such as allergy-friendly cookies and mixes.
- Eating to Support Mental Health
Hippocrates first said “Let food be thy medicine”. Science is constantly publishing information about how different foods affect your mood, mental health, and wellness in general. More people are focused on mindful eating and making food choices in line with this concept.
What about you? How has the pandemic changed your cooking and eating habits? Have you embraced any of these emerging food trends? Please respond in the comments section below. I’d love to see how you and other people are responding in this area of their lives.