As we say farewell to 2021, it’s time to look ahead at what’s to come for food and flavor in 2022. Our marketing research experts have been tracking the trends all year long, paying close attention to what’s been gaining traction in foodservice and retail to make their predictions for the trends that will take off in 2022. Here are the top 5 trends to keep your eye on as we enter the new year:
Plant-Based Takes Hold. This one should come as no surprise. Over the past few years, innovations in the plant-based market, as well as the renewed focus on health and wellness spurred on by the pandemic, have put plant-based on the map. With more consumers embracing the plant-based trend, we are anticipating that meat substitutes, and especially chicken substitutes, will move past being novelty items on menus and become staples at foodservice establishments of all sizes and types in 2022. Consumers aren’t just trying these products out of curiosity anymore; they’re specifically seeking them out to incorporate into their diets on a regular basis, which will only continue to fuel this trend in the new year – and beyond.
Plant-Based Takes Hold. This one should come as no surprise. Over the past few years, innovations in the plant-based market, as well as the renewed focus on health and wellness spurred on by the pandemic, have put plant-based on the map. With more consumers embracing the plant-based trend, we are anticipating that meat substitutes, and especially chicken substitutes, will move past being novelty items on menus and become staples at foodservice establishments of all sizes and types in 2022. Consumers aren’t just trying these products out of curiosity anymore; they’re specifically seeking them out to incorporate into their diets on a regular basis, which will only continue to fuel this trend in the new year – and beyond.
- Food with a Backstory. Consumers have become more interested in where their food is from and what inspired the products and menu items they’re purchasing. This is giving rise to brands and foodservice establishments prominently featuring foods and flavors with a backstory – and telling that story to consumers who are eager for new experiences and being educated about different cultures. Expect to see more international-inspired foods and flavors that callout very specific regions and cities in their names. We also anticipate that consumers will demand that brands provide them with more information about their sourcing and the inspiration behind their products.
Indulgent Innovations from Asia. Asian cuisine is fueling global food obsessions these days, trending in Europe, South America, the United States, and beyond. While Asian cuisine is often perceived as being healthy, more indulgent food items from Asia, and South Korea in particular, are beginning to gain traction. Items like Korean Corn Cheese, Mochi Donuts, Korean Hot Dogs, Hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), and Egg Drop Sandwiches are sure to be a hit with consumers in the coming year.
Indulgent Innovations from Asia. Asian cuisine is fueling global food obsessions these days, trending in Europe, South America, the United States, and beyond. While Asian cuisine is often perceived as being healthy, more indulgent food items from Asia, and South Korea in particular, are beginning to gain traction. Items like Korean Corn Cheese, Mochi Donuts, Korean Hot Dogs, Hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), and Egg Drop Sandwiches are sure to be a hit with consumers in the coming year.
- Mocktails > Cocktails. The pandemic led many consumers to cut back on their alcohol consumption, with many giving it up altogether. While mocktails had made waves briefly in the years leading up to the pandemic, they weren’t widely accepted thanks to competing trends in craft cocktails and rosé all-day. But now, with health and wellness on the mind, the mocktail trend will really take hold. Expect to see innovations in non-alcoholic beverages in the next few months.
- Alternative Alternatives. In recent years, alternatives for everything from peanut butter and pizza crusts to milk and meat have grown increasingly in demand. The plant-based trend, health and wellness trends, and new trends in diets have all given rise to a desire for better-for-you alternatives. Items like cauliflower rice and cashew milk have seen massive growth as a result. But now, new alternatives – or alternatives to those alternatives – have begun to pop up on menus and grocery store shelves. In particular, items like sunflower butter, potato milk, almond flour, broccoli rice, and chickpea flour will be put in the spotlight in 2022 as consumers get tired of the old alternatives and seek new ones.
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