The last couple of years might have been a bit of a blur, but trends never seem to slow down. Food, especially, is an area we can all enjoy for comfort, taste, and health.
So what are consumer food and tastes trending towards in 2022?
Indoor Gardening and Ultra-Urban Farming
Whole Foods Market has asserted that hot food trends soon to hit your table include an assortment of natural and healthy foods.
You may not be surprised to learn that urban farming has grown in the last few years, allowing consumers to be more environmentally friendly by sourcing their fruits and vegetables locally. With supply-chain issues on the rise and the pandemic still a part of daily life, consumers are learning how to locate nearby farmers or grow their own food. Mushroom growing kits that allow you to cultivate expensive culinary mushrooms in the comfort of your own kitchen keep you healthy and well-fed.
Anyone can join urban farming! All you need is space and the curiosity to learn about aquaponics, hydroponics, and more. Being sustainable and environmentally sound, helps keep your kitchen stocked with perennial herbs, exotic mushrooms, and a personalized, curated indoor garden with your favorite veggies.
Look Forward to Fresh Fruit Flavors in 2022
Speaking of fresh, Beck Flavor’s Food Trends Report promises a rise in conscientious eating for better, healthier immune systems.
This doesn’t feel like a stretch considering the impact COVID continues to have globally.
Consumers seem to be shifting towards healthier foods with lower calories, less sugar, fewer preservatives, and less processing. We may see food trends that focus on fresh citrus flavors, immune-boosting vitamins, and botanical notes—all of which sound incredibly tasty and refreshing.
Cutting Down on Meat
You have likely noticed meat prices have gone up, which has inspired a movement known as Reducetarianism. This refers to the practice of cutting down on meat and animal products. The keyword is “reduce” because the goal isn’t to stop eating meat or become vegan.
Instead, you might consider only buying high-quality meats, seafood, cheeses, butter, etc. You can still enjoy your favorite meals, but on fewer occasions and with locally-sourced, highly-vetted ingredients.
Their goal is to “improve human health, protect the environment, and spare farm animals from cruelty by reducing societal consumption of animal products.”
As far as food trends go, this one seems conscientious and forward-thinking. The movement has gained a lot of followers, and maybe you are already one without realizing it. If you find yourself looking for pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed meat, raw milk—you’re already being intentional with what you buy.
Food and taste trends for 2022 seem to be more mindful and environmentally aware. This is a beautiful movement, and it’s inspiring to know that more and more consumers are concerned about the greater good. Look forward to more locally-sourced, high-grade foods in 2022!