Today's consumers are environmentally conscious and prioritize their health. These values drive consumer behavior and purchasing decisions, which are evident in this year's biggest food and beverage trends. Each year, trends seem to shift more and more toward sustainability, eco-friendliness, and healthy options.

While 2022 is no different in this regard, there are some trends that are pushing the food and beverage industry into new territories.

Food And Beverage Trends In 2022

Some top consumer-driven trends in food this year include:

Upcycling

Food upcycling is a growing trend that more consumers are seeking out, and it can help reduce the exorbitant amount of food waste that fills our landfills. So, what is upcycling? Upcycled food includes bruised or misshapen produce, leftover pulp from juicing, edible leaves and stems, etc. It's a simple way to use food that would otherwise have gone to the trash.

healthy food trends

Now, the Upcycled Certification Standard has been ratified, and you can find the "certified upcycle label" on products that meet the organization's standards.

Upcycling Ideas for Restaurants

  • Using beet greens and carrot tops as herbs and garnishes
  • Adding sweet potato greens to stocks
  • Infusing oil with fennel fronds
  • Adding stems and peels to stock or juices
  • Using bones to enrich sauces and soups

Regenerative Agriculture

To help combat climate change and improve soil health, farmers are focusing on regenerative agriculture.

So, what is regenerative agriculture?

The standard regenerative agriculture definition is: using farming and ranching practices that rebuild organic matter in the soil and improve soil biodiversity. The process helps reduce carbon while improving moisture retention.

Regeneration International believes issues like soil degradation and erosion will pose serious public health problems within the next 50 years if the farming community doesn't switch to regenerative agriculture. Degraded soil grows crops that are less nutrient-dense and has difficulty retaining water.

Regenerative agriculture practices include composting, cover crops, crop rotation, mobile animal shelters, pasture cropping, etc.

Consumers are taking a closer look at where and how their food is produced. With more being educated on the practice of regenerative agriculture, they're seeking out restaurants and markets that support and promote these practices.

Flexitarian Meal Plan

Restaurants and food producers continue to cater to different diet preferences. One growing trend being fueled by consumers is flexitarian. What is a flexitarian? Just as its name suggests, flexitarians consume primarily plant-based foods with the occasional meat, dairy, and eggs.

trends in food

The flexitarian lifestyle is one of the latest healthy food trends, and it's especially picking up steam among parents. More households are offering their children plant-based foods and snacks.

Going Beyond Reducing Carbon Emissions

In general, many restaurants and businesses are trying to figure out how to reduce carbon emissions, but many are going beyond simply reducing or neutralizing their emissions. Many companies are now looking for ways to become carbon negative.

The trend is being fueled by increased consumer anxiety about the environment and climate change. As a result, consumers are drawn to businesses that prioritize the environment, particularly reducing their carbon emissions.

Due to consumer demand, many businesses are now removing more carbon than they emit.

Synthetic Meat

Alternative proteins are expected to account for about 11% of the protein market within the decade. More consumers are looking for plant-based proteins that can replace their meat counterparts without sacrificing nutrition.

While soy, seitan, and tempeh are all popular alternative meats, there's growing consumer interest in "frankenmeat," or meat that is grown in a lab. In vitro meat has been in development for quite some time. This year, consumers may find more frankenmeat vegan options in restaurants and on store shelves.

What is synthetic meat? Synthetic meat is lab-grown meat. Scientists cultivate meat cells to create a protein that is identical to animal protein. Animals do not have to be slaughtered or raised in big-ag operations to produce lab-grown meat.

Studies suggest that lab-grown meat can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 96% and drastically reduce water consumption. Some research suggests that within the next 20 years, at least 35% of all meat will be grown in a lab.

Adaptogenic Mushrooms

As more consumers have realized the many benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms, demand for these products has increased. Varieties like Chaga, lion's mane, and shiitake offer delicious flavor and help support health and well-being.

new food trends

But what are adaptogenic mushrooms? An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body better adapt to stress and restore balance. Ginseng is a well-known example of an adaptogen. There are several varieties of mushrooms that have these effects. Along with increased energy, adaptogenic mushrooms can support immune function, vitality, and endurance.

Adaptogenic mushroom products also include powders and tinctures that can be added to coffee, smoothies, and more.

Alcohol-Free Spirits

One of the most fascinating beverage trends to emerge over the last few years is alcohol-free drinks. Research has shown that Americans are now drinking less than they have at various points over the last two decades.

More consumers are seeking out the best alcohol-free spirits, allowing them to avoid hangovers and the extra calories. In fact, non-alcoholic beer and cider sales jumped by more than 31%, and non-alcoholic spirit sales skyrocketed by more than 113%.

Consumers are willing to pay top dollar for alcohol-free cocktails. Non-alcoholic gin, tequila, rum, and vodka are all making their way into bars, restaurants, and store shelves. The complex processing to create these beverages makes them more costly, but consumers are happy to pay more to enjoy the flavor of these spirits without the negative health effects.

Food Trends in 2022 and Beyond

The new food trends we're seeing in 2022 are likely to stick around for the foreseeable future. Restaurant food trends will follow these shifts in consumer behaviors and demands, helping drive the industry in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly direction. It's likely that we'll see more eco- and health-conscious food trends in the coming year as consumers grow increasingly more anxious about climate change and mindful of the foods they consume.