Just as fashion trends come and go throughout the years, food trends are no different! 2022 is here and experts have narrowed down the food trends to watch out for. Trend-watchers and foodies alike are predicting a focus on sustainability, more spice, and entertaining galore.
While you are probably tired of hearing social media trends like 2021’s baked feta pasta and nature’s cereal, rest assured 2022 food trends will extend far beyond the corners of your phone. Almost 2 years into the coronavirus pandemic, you’ll notice many of the trends pivoting to meet the needs of our “new normal”. While other trends are just fun! Think: life with fewer boundaries and tables filled with loved ones.
More Nostalgia
Food that reminds us of good childhood memories like grandma’s pasta sauce or the apple pie after school snack can also be our comfort food. In these topsy-turvy times, more and more people are turning to comfort foods to get through. In fact, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) found that 25% of Americans were eating more comfort foods as a response to the pandemic. Although many of our favorite comfort foods can be high in sodium and sugar (think macaroni and cheese and apple pie), taking a healthy approach to cooking could make a difference. Try making a vegan version of macaroni and cheese (Amazing Vegan Mac n’ Cheese ) that swaps cheese for a cashew cream sauce or mashed cauliflower in place of traditional mashed potatoes for a low carb treat.
More To-Go & Take-Out
Although it seems restaurants are back to packed dining rooms, take-out orders are still a hot commodity. With the ever changing coronavirus pandemic and the many variants, the world will continue to get meals contactless meals delivered in 2022. More than 7 in 10 Americans ordered food directly from restaurants for a meal, while the amount of Americans ordering weekly from a third-party delivery app like Grub Hub and Door Dash spiked to 28% by April 2021.
Resurrection of the Dinner Party
We miss being around people and dinner parties are back on the calendar! Having family and friends over for a meal is the best way to share recipes and stories. We can finally practice our charcuterie board building skills. These fancy meat and cheese boards are the perfect addition to bring people together. After all, food tastes better with loved ones around it, and meeting new people goes hand-in-hand with the desire to try new things.
Reducetarianism
Most of us are familiar with vegetarians, vegans, and those who opt to skip out on animal-based foods. There are even those who will only eat fish or flex their diet to include less meat in the name of health. However, there is a new term for an eating pattern that is sweeping the world in 2022 known as reducetarianism. Selected as a one of the Whole Food’s Market top 10 food trends, “reducetarianism” is a term used to describe folks who are eating more plant-based and occasionally skipping out on all things animal for environmental reasons. These people may choose an oat milk latte over a cow’s milk one, but may indulge in a steak from time to time. All of their efforts are done in order to create a more sustainable world.
Spice Up Your Life
For centuries, spices have been used in different cultures for purposes other than taste. As of late, the U.S. has found turmeric to be “the golden spice” and has grown in popularity as a dietary supplement. Experts predict turmeric to take off in 2022 far beyond the supplement aisle at the grocery store. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, expect to see turmeric in packaged foods like cereals, sauerkrauts, and even plant-based ice cream sandwiches.