Let’s talk about some of the food trends for the new year! Earlier this year I virtually attended the Specialty Food Association Fancy Food 24/7, a digital show featuring domestic and international product showcases and educational programming as part of my media work. One of the webinars I sat in on was all about food trends for 2022 so I wanted to dive into the ones I’m particularly excited about and think will thrive this year!
Pasta and Plant Based Comfort Foods
COVID-19 helped influence the reintroduction of comfort foods- thanks sourdough and banana bread enthusiasts! Bread was never “out” for me as I consume it regularly but I’m excited to see the pasta industry grow. When I say pasta I mean traditional wheat flour made pasta but there are many healthier options surging in growth including varieties like red lentil, black rice, edamame, and more.
The International Food Information Council recently found that two-thirds of Americans now report eating plant-based meat alternatives. Reducetarism is growing and replacing flexitarianism. Flexitarianism is defined as eating mostly plants with the occasional inclusion of meat, eggs and dairy while reducetarianism focuses on the gradual reduction of consumption of animal products creating more plant based options.
Other comfort foods making their way to consumers are plant based patties, pea protein “meat” crumbles, chickenless tenders, and etc. The Plant based burger success over the past few years has called for a growth in plant based chicken. Even fast food restaurants are adopting plant based meats including Kentucky Fried Chicken releasing meat free chicken.
Additional companies that are jumping on this bandwagon include:
Oat butter popcorn from companies like Vegan Rob’s, as well as plant based puffs and chips.
While we have already seen sweet potato and zucchini noodles, I’m really intrigued by the cauliflower pasta options coming from Veggiecraft Farms.
Really intrigued and excited to see more food trends that are featuring plant based options!
Functional Beverages and Alcohol-free drinks
Post pandemic isolation has created a growing interest in health and well being, causing a surge in both functional beverages and alcohol-free drinks. Functional beverages provide a health related benefit such as stress relief, probiotics, and immunity. Alcohol-free drinks have stemmed from a sober curious movement to be more aware of every impulse and expectation to drink, instead of mindlessly complying with dominant drinking culture. Many dabbled in sobriety during isolation creating a “drysolation” and health boosting ingredients were sought after more than ever. In addition, Millennials and Gen Z have embraced sober curious culture and have actually made sobriety more popular and normal.
Coronavirus has spurred an increase in demand for functional beverages. Younger consumers have raised awareness not only to diversity and sustainability when it comes to purchasing power but also health awareness and benefits that are associated with functional beverages. After a very stressful couple of years that plagued almost everyone’s mental health, consumers are also seeking out beverages that have mood-boosting and relaxation benefits. Personally, I’ve dabbled in a dry January or just generally cutting back booze so I’ll be checking out some of these options!
Brands support these trends include:
Coffee brands such as Four Sigmatic have boosted immunity with it’s “magic mushrooms.” Four Sigmatic foods refers to the nutrient dense, most studied foods on the planet and are found in this product.
OLIPOP is considered a healthy soda option- a sparkling tonic supporting digestive health filled with prebiotics, fiber, and botanical extracts.
Recess is a sparkling water infused with hemp and adaptogens for calm and clarity.
Alani is a popular and well rated sports nutrition focused brand that makes energy drinks that are formulated to bring you an extra boost with zero sugar, 10 calories, and a little dash of biotin to support your natural glow.
Alcohol-free beverages span across, wine, liquor and beer. Several large beer companies such as Heinken and Laguintas have developed a non-alcoholic beer and newer craft breweries such as Athletic Brewing releasing exclusively alcohol free beers. Companies such as Gruvi have created both alcohol-free wine and beer, as well as sharing mocktail recipes online. Ritual Zero Proof has alternatives for whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila, also providing mocktail recipes. And if you are looking for pre-made booze free cocktails, try Curious Elixirs, containing various herbs and superfoods to support health.
More Food Trends for 2022:
Other trends to keep an eye out for include eating more at home. With a new variant every year it’s likely we might enter another shutdown or at least limited capacity when it comes to dining out. This has spurred the growth of new seasonings, oils, and vinegars being flavored and infused with items such as coconut, fruit, and wild forged ingredients. Also expect to see more food items flavored with turmeric, hibiscus, and moringa.
What trends are you most excited about?! Hopefully we can keep the cleanses and detoxes at bay and enjoy this real food instead!
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