Top 10 Food Trends for 2022

There is a continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience and affordability.

January 20, 2022

10 Food Trends in 2022

CINCINNATI—Grocery retailer Kroger Co. has announced its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead. The findings show that consumers continue to have an increased passion for home-prepared meals, an awareness of both their own health and the planet's and a desire to seek comfort through food, which directly correlates to what will be on shopping lists this year.

Here are Kroger's top 10 trends for 2022:

Asian cuisine has long understood how ingredients high in umami help elevate other ingredients and round out flavors in a dish, but the umami trend is exploding across new products, multicultural cuisines, traditional cooking and hybrid mash-ups.

“Everything” seasoning is the trending flavor for 2022, as consumers top their favorite meals with a savory touch. Kroger says to be on the lookout for “everything” inspired foods from the bakery, to dips and even specialty cheeses to follow the trend.

The biggest beverage taste of 2022 follows the umami trend—savory tequila. As consumers continue to host at home, tequila is a shareable spirit that opens the door to experimentation. Consumers are using tequila as a base to delight guests with diverse palettes.

As consumers cook more at home, recipes from their childhood are delivering comfort and joy to people. Think of the nostalgic ‘90s comeback, but apply it to meals.

Consumers continue to focus on the health of the planet, not just through plant-based foods, but also by reducing their waste impact with upcycled ingredients and more recyclable packaging. Plant-based foods are now being purchased for indulgence, comfort and nostalgia, rather than being solely known as the healthier choice, while still helping consumers lower their carbon footprint.

Cooking at home isn't just about convenience anymore; emulating restaurant and travel experiences at home with upleveled, "Instagram- able" meals is trending today. Consumers are raising the bar when recreating dining experiences at home and have been met with the premiumization of frozen food as well.

Consumers are more conscious about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases and are making it a point to purchase products grown or made close to home. Alternative farms have created a way to get locally sourced, natural ingredients at their peak freshness—so everyone can support and enjoy their local farms—and in-store bakery items are providing consumers a chance to support small businesses.

Eating for beauty and medicine is trending. Food and beverage products that have health and beauty-boosting benefits are gaining popularity. Examples include fermented kombuchas, collagen-rich bone broths, antioxidants, probiotics, reductions of sugar and additions of omega-3s.

Whether vegan, organic, gluten-free or otherwise, consumers want to share their cuisine. Consumers no long want to leave out others with specific diets, so Kroger says sharable foods like party trays and cupcakes are in for 2022.

Charcuterie has created a board craze, especially when it comes to breakfast and dessert. Boards have branched out beyond appetizers to offer consumers a variety of small portions to make the most out of every meal. As "boardies" start or end their day, breakfast and dessert boards open a world of flavors without the commitment to a single dish.

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