Looking ahead to 2022, there’s really no telling what we’ll be eating and drinking in the months to come, but our friends at Whole Foods helped us out with a few predictions, from Ultraurban Farming and Reducetarianism, to trendy ingredients like yuzu citrus and hibiscus. Ahead, 10 of the hot new food and beverage trends that will light up the aisles in 2022.
1. Ultraurban Farming
In 2013, Whole Foods opened a market store in Brooklyn with a Gotham Greens greenhouse on top, providing fresh and sustainably grown herbs and salad greens in greenhouse systems using sunlight and 100% renewable electricity. Since then, innovation in indoor farming has ballooned, from hydroponics and aquaponics to mushrooms grown above our grocery aisles—and even fresh produce grown by robots. Producers are finding new, boundary-pushing ways to grow hyper-local crops and maximize efficiency. Try the trend: Gotham Greens Vegan Goddess Dressing & Dip; AeroFarms Micro Broccoli; Bowery Farming Green Sorrel
2. You Do Yuzu
Yuzu—a lesser-known citrus mainly cultivated in Japan, Korea and China—is taking the culinary world by storm. Tart and sour, this tangerine-sized fruit is popping up in vinaigrettes, hard seltzers, mayos and more. In the restaurant scene, chefs are using its lime-lemon-grapefruit flavor to accent their soups, veggies, noodles and fish. Get ready to see this fruit shine in 2022 — both on and off the grocery aisles. Try the trend: Rowdy Mermaid ADAPTONIC Matcha Yuzu Sparkling Immunity Tonic
3. Reducetarianism
Are you a plant-curious eater who isn’t ready to give up meat entirely? Try reducetarianism—reducing consumption of meat, dairy and eggs without cutting them out completely. When animal products are on the menu, reducetarians make them count, opting for premium grass-fed meat and pasture-raised eggs.
4. Hibiscus Is Happening
Hibiscus has a long and delicious history in the world of teas, and customers have historically kept it in their rotations for its vitamin C content. Now, producers are harnessing its sweet, tart flavor in the form of fruit spreads, yogurts and beyond. Of course, beverage makers are keeping up, leaning on hibiscus to craft delicious drinks that adopt its signature hot-pink hue. Try the trend: Pompette Rosé Hibiscus Cocktail
5. Buzz-Less Spirits
The dialed-down spirits category experienced record growth in our stores this year. With millennials and Gen Z-ers dabbling in “drysolation” during the pandemic, we don’t see the sober-curious mindset going away anytime soon. Enter a new lineup of drinks that provide the taste and sophistication of cocktails without the buzz. If you want to shake things up, there are elegant mocktail options to explore. Try the trend: Best Dry January Mocktail Recipes
6. Grains That Give Back
Grocery grains are refocusing on the environment in 2022. We’re talking grains grown via agriculture practices and farming processes that help address soil health. Kernza—a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute with a sweet, nutty flavor and long roots—helps with nutrient cycling and overall soil ecology. Find it in cereals and even beer. Try the trend: Annie’s Organic: Macaroni & Classic Cheddar, Shells & White Cheddar with Whole Grains
7. Seize the Sunflower Seed
After fueling grand slams and double plays for years, sunflower seeds are branching out of the ballpark and sliding into crackers, ice creams and creamy cheeses. Delivering protein and unsaturated fats, these mighty little seeds are transforming the 21st century snack game. Parents, take note—many sunflower seed–based products are made without nuts, which means allergy-friendly school snacks (just make sure to always check the label). Try the trend: Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds; Fix & Fogg Nut Butters made with sunflower seeds
8. Moringa’s Moment
Often called the “miracle tree,” moringa is traditionally used as an herbal remedy in India, Africa and beyond. Moringa leaves have plenty of nutrients, and these fast-growing, drought-resistant trees have been used as a source of food to fight malnutrition in certain parts of the world. Gaining steam in the U.S. as matcha’s latest alternative, it can be found in powder form and added to make magic in smoothies, sauces and baked goods. It’s also showing up in unexpected products like frozen desserts, protein bars and packaged grain blends. Try the trend: Kuli Kuli: Daily Green Boost with Moringa & Supergreens; Wella Organics Cashew, Matcha & Moringa Bar
9. Functional Fizz
Today, bubbly beverages are doing double duty. That’s right, people are looking for sparkling drinks that not only taste great, but also offer ingredients that balance out the sweetness. We’re talking soda with probiotics and fizzy tonics with added prebiotics, botanicals and more. Fruity flavors. Unconventional ingredients. Get more from your bubbly drinks. Try the trend: Poppi Prebiotic Sodas; REBBL Sparkling Prebiotic Tonics; Health-Ade Pop Prebiotic Sodas
10. Turmeric Takes Off
Turmeric, aka “the golden spice,” has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, and has become popular in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. While golden milk lattes and turmeric supplements are nothing new, the spice is taking root as an ingredient in packaged foods like cereals, sauerkrauts and even plant-based ice cream sandwiches. People want to have their turmeric and eat it too. Try The trend: Turmeric Chicken Salad Sandwiches; Coconut Curry Soup with Ginger and Turmeric; One-Pot Turmeric Chicken & Rice Next: 70 TikTok Food Trends That Actually Taste Good
