Which food trends are going to be in demand? We need the experts.
Did you want more? This year, 10 products are predicted to fly off the shelf.
1. Flexitarian food
The flexitarian movement is on the rise. In Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council report, “reducetarianism” was a top trend to watch for the year 2022, perfect for plant-curious eaters who aren’t ready to give up meat entirely. According to online food platform ShelfNow, between 2020 and 2021, sales of vegetarian food products increased by 156% and vegan products increased by 150%.
According to Whole Foods, the flexitarian diet means that the highest quality meat, dairy and eggs are in demand. Consumers are focused on quality over quantity because they are aware of animal health and environmental concerns. According to the report, 70% of customers think the carbon footprint of their food is important.
2. Bigger, better breakfast
More consumers have time for a leisurely breakfast because of the shift in grocery buying habits caused by the home working boom. One survey found that Brits ate eggs for breakfast more than in the previous year, while bacon sales were up 21% and pastries were up 25%.
3. Mushrooms
The cult-like status of versatile mushrooms is making them popular. Not only is the consumption of ordinary mushrooms on the rise, but they are being found in more and more unexpected places, from mushroom powder adding flavour to alternative meats to varieties like Lion’s Mane.
4. Bottled cocktails
Premium pre-batched bottled cocktails on the market are convenient, cost-effective and delicious. Whether sold in ready-to-drink cans or in larger bottles that consumers can return to for an evening drink, pre-mixed cocktails have shed their less than sparkling reputation as speciality drink industry brands rethink the category to ride the wave of premiumisation in drinks Pre-batched bottled cocktails are expected to be one of the top food and drink trends of the future.
5. Nostalgic desserts
The novelty of retro foods has not worn off on British consumers who are still returning to nostalgic recipes for a dose of comfort food One video of a school-dinner-style tray bake received more than 100,000 views on TikTok. According to the retailer, searches of knickerbocker glory increased by 171%.
6. Japanese flavours
Since the Pandemic hit, dishes inspired by foreign countries have flourished in Britain, and experts have tracked a particular interest in Japanese flavours in the build-up to and after the Tokyo Olympics. Sales of the retailer’s own brand Umami Paste were up 17% compared with the previous year. Consumers were interested in trying their hand at creating their own sushi, with the sales of sushi mats and nori increasing in the year 2021.
Yuzu, a fruit from Japan, Korea and China, is found in a growing number of products, from vinaigrettes to hard seltzers to mayos and more. They think it will shine even brighter in 2022.
7. Levantine food
There is a large area in the Eastern Mediterranean that is inspired by the food of the Levant. The retailer said that searches for Levantine rose by more than 2,500%, with products like pomegranate molasses, Turkish Urfa chilli flakes and Feta parcels flying off the shelves.
8. CBD
The Cannabidiol market has seen an explosion of interest in recent years due to the growing demand for healthy foods and the claimed benefits for mental health and wellbeing. It is an area worth exploring for fine food retailers because it is moving away from the health food shops and into drinks and food products. Cannasa, a premium CBD- infused drink, is in high demand because of a growing interest forCannabidiol.
9. Potato milk
Is potato milk the next thing to disrupt vegan milk alternatives? The innovative brand DUG has caught the eye of experts and is excited by its sustainable credentials and creamy flavour. With alternative-milks like oat milk and almond milk continuing to penetrate the diary market there is good reason to believe that plant-based milk will grow in popularity.
10. Spicy foods
Brits are showing a growing interest in adding a pop of flavour to their dishes with flavours like gochujang and American-style barbecue rubs. The retailer’s sales of herbs and spices have increased by 41% this year. Middle Eastern spices are tied to the trend of Levantine food and speciality salts.