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Flexitarian diet -

Reducing meat consumption is an increasing trend and it will only grow in 2022.

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Flexitarian diet -

Those following a flexitarian diet increase their consumption of plant-based products, without quitting animal products completely.

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Meat alternatives -

As meat consumption decreases, better, more tasty substitutes are on the rise. Meat grown in labs will likely go mainstream at some point, as other meat substitutes are becoming an option in many restaurants all over the world.

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Quality animal products -

Along with the decrease in the consumption of animal products, the search for quality meat, dairy, and eggs will also increase.

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Quality animal products -

This is because people are more and more aware of animal wellness and the environmental impact of consuming poor-quality, cheap animal products.

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Potato milk -

Looking for another milk alternative? Potato milk might just be the answer. This dairy-free alternative is made from boiled potatoes and the water the potatoes are cooked in.

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Potato milk -

It’s getting increasingly popular in some parts of Europe and China, and might give dairy a run for its money in 2022 in other parts of the world.

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Mushrooms - The consumption of mushrooms will also increase in 2022. So much so that more people are growing them indoors in urban settings.

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Mushrooms -

These fungi have a great texture and are often used as a meat replacement.

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Mushrooms -

And not only are they delicious and nutritious, mushroom fibers can also be used as a cheap compostable material for packaging.

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New grains -

A focus on sustainable grains that will not deplete the land will increase in 2022. An example includes Kernza, which is a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute.

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Edible tableware -

What better way to reduce packaging and waste than having edible tableware, right? In 2022, expect an increase of edible plates, bowls, and cups, among other items.

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Robusta -

Coffee is not going anywhere, but the production of Arabica coffee beans, which are the most popular ones, is decreasing. These are getting harder to grow and increasingly more expensive.

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Robusta -

Robusta is a great alternative to Arabica coffee. It has a higher caffeine content, it’s slightly more bitter, and it’s cheaper to produce when compared to Arabica beans.

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Cannabis edibles -

This one is particularly true in US states that decriminalized the use of marijuana, for both medical and recreational use. Cooking with cannabis will likely rise in 2022.

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Turmeric -

The golden spice saw a rise in popularity in the last couple of years and it’s not going anywhere in 2022. In fact, it will likely be added to other foods, including cereal and even ice cream!

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Fizzy drinks -

We’re not talking about your regular sugary soda. Bubbly beverages that actually have a purpose will rise in popularity in 2022. Think fizzy drinks with prebiotics and botanicals, among others.

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Matcha -

Matcha has become more popular over the years and its use will likely increase in 2022. The way it’s used is also changing, so expect to find it in cakes, smoothies, and sauces.

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Sunflower seeds -

Expect these to be added to a lot more foods in 2022. From crackers to ice cream, sunflower seeds will no longer be just an addition to your granola or trail mix.

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Sunflower butter -

And if you thought seeds were the only sunflower product to trend in 2022, think again. Sunflower butter will become a great peanut butter alternative.

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Seaweed -

Kelp consumption will become more popular in 2022. Farmed seaweed grows fast, is very nutritious, and even helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so it’s a no-brainer.

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Seaweed -

In 2022, we will see kelp moving from specialty restaurants to our kitchens as more products become available and its popularity rises.

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Yuzu -

This fruit, typically found in countries such as Japan, Korea, and China, is moving West, so other countries can expect to see and taste more of it.

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Nostalgic recipes -

Good ol’ comfort food still scores points this year. The rise in popularity of retro foods can be seen all over social media and it’s not going anywhere.

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Classic cocktails -

Blame social media and the pandemic for "quarantinis," but there’s more in the world of cocktails coming in 2022. One is the return of old school classic cocktails such as Blue Lagoons, Tequila Sunrises, and Long Island iced teas.

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Cocktails -

But these will grow in parallel with the consumption of "ecospirits," which are made with ingredients from food waste or produce from local farms. Hence, a more sustainable option.

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Mocktails -

But if you think boozy cocktails are the only ones on the rise, think again. Particularly millennial and Gen Z consumers are increasing the consumption of alcohol-free cocktails. A trend that will continue into this year.

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Bottled cocktails -

Yes, more cocktails! In cans or in bottles, ready-to-drink cocktails will also see a rise in popularity in 2022.

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New flavors -

If you’re in the US, expect hibiscus to be used to flavor numerous things, including cocktails and yogurt. This edible flower is packed with lots of vitamin C.

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New flavors -

And on the other side of the pond, in the UK, the preference goes to spices and Asian flavors such as gochujang.

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Boosted breakfast -

Working from home during the pandemic also changed many people’s eating habits. The first meal of the day was the one that triggered the biggest change in grocery-buying habits.

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Ghost kitchens -

Many restaurant kitchens were set up during the pandemic to sell food only for delivery. This trend will continue to grow in 2022.

Sources: (Specialty Food) (The New York Times) (Real Simple) (Eating Well) (Delish)

See also: How to eat to save the planet

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