It’s early in the New Year, and that means plenty of exciting things to look forward to. It also tends to mean an onslaught of predictions about trends we’ll see throughout the year.
One category that is pretty relevant to everyone is food trends. Everyone has to eat, right? And it can be fun to see what certain experts predict we’ll see plenty of in 2022. The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel convened in 2021 to analyze data and come up with a few food trends for the year.
Plenty of Pasta
It’s hard not to love a good plate of pasta. If you agree, then you’re probably going to be on-trend this year. SFA’s panel predicts that pasta will be a big thing in 2022. There may even be various shapes of pasta that are likely unknown to many of us here in the United States.
For those who are gluten-free, there should be plenty of gluten-free pasta to go around. That could include pasta made from black rice, pumpkin, and even purple (yes, purple!) carrots.
Vegan-Friendly Foods
Foods that are made of plants have been gaining some traction in recent years. And this year will likely mean we’ll continue to see more plant-based food options. Even better? These plant-based foods will be created to mimic traditional ‘comfort foods’ like chicken nuggets or ground beef that can be incorporated into Taco Tuesday. This is great news for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone who wants to eat less meat without sacrificing flavor.
Travel Snacks
With the tumultuous pandemic years we’ve been through, travel hasn’t exactly been top priority for many people. And that might mean some people are thoroughly missing the chance to explore new cuisines.
This year, we’ll probably see plenty of snack foods that are inspired by foods in foreign countries. You may see turmeric and chili flavored peanuts, for example. That should delight world travelers who haven’t exactly been able to travel the world and sample new foods.
Hot, Hot, Hot
If you like things spicy, prepare for a hot year ahead. Apparently, peppers are making their way into all kinds of foods, from main dishes to snacks and a variety of condiments. There’s even an oil that blends coffee with chili peppers which can be used while cooking.
Health Benefits
Food is fuel. You are what you eat. We’ve all heard those sayings, and these days we’re all likely paying more attention to them as well. Foods that contain added benefits like immune-boosting nutrients are going to be trendy in 2022. We will likely see a range of foods and supplements that will help us get additional vitamins and minerals.
Blockchain and Foods
One other thing to note about food has to do with blockchain technology. IBM created something called IBM Food Trust. It’s hosted on blockchain and is designed to create “a safer, smarter, and more sustainable food ecosystem,” according to their website.
Since the Food Trust is built with blockchain, it offers a digital way to track where food comes from. And the food can be tracked from the farm it was grown on all the way to the supermarket shelf where customers can buy it and bring it home.
Even shipping information is included via blockchain, meaning problems with temperature can more readily be found. That should cut down on food recalls as any potential problems would be identified immediately, before the product ever made its way to anyone’s home, thanks to blockchain.
Ultimately, the Food Trust brings about many food-related benefits. Food distribution is more efficient and food is safer and more sustainable as well as fresher. Plus, the Food Trust should cut back on wasted foods.
Foods of 2022
Whether you’re a foodie or not, keep an eye out on grocery store shelves to see if you spot these predicted trends. And check out the ways that blockchain can help improve foods.
