Our 2022 Food Forecast

In 2021, online grocery shopping, takeout, and charcuterie boards dominated our collective palates. Curious which food and beverages will make the cut in 2022? Read on to learn about the food trends we think are guaranteed to make 2022 “one for the cooks”.

Convenience, But Make it Healthy
In 2021, consumers clamored for convenience. In 2022, convenience is still king, but with a twist: can it be healthy, too? Naturally, producers have risen to the occasion, offering fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat meal kits that are specialty-diet friendly, freeze-dried fruit and veggie snacks, fruit jerky, and much more.

Chewy Food
With the rising demand for Asian food in the US, “chewy” foods are (naturally) having a moment. What do we mean by chewy? Think boba, mochi, rice cakes, and beef tendon, all of which start out soft and pliant, then give against the teeth with satisfying “pop”. In America, ‘chewy’ has long been an underappreciated mouth feel, and in 2022, it’s finally earning it’s due.

Reducetarianism
Reductarianism, or the practice of eating less animal products, is on the rise. Consequently, plant-based eating is too, with plant-based meat substitutes, nut milks, egg substitutes and more going mainstream. The Reducetarian Foundation, a group leading the charge to reduce consumption of animal products, hosts a yearly summit which attracts thousands of reducetarians each year.

Tropical Flavors
Reality is stressful, and with US air travel down roughly half of pre-pandemic levels, consumers are increasingly turning to food to transport them to far-flung beach destinations. Pineapple, mango and coconut are familiar favorites, while guava, soursop and lychee continue to trend upward in consumer polls.

Good Mood Food
‘Mood foods’, or food and beverages built to stabilize and boost our moods, are on the rise! Also called ‘functional food’, good mood foods include beverages fortified with adaptogens and nootropics, protein bars packed with moringa, ready-to-drink turmeric smoothies, and other brain-happy goodies.

Potato Milk
Milk made from potatoes? You bet. According to the maker of DUG, the world’s first and only potato milk brand, potato milk is highly-nutritious, has a low climate footprint, and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Potato milk is already making a splash in the UK and could be headed to the US very soon. Experts predict it to be the biggest dairy free milk trend of 2022.