Whole Foods Market Reveals Top 10 Food Trends for 2022 – Retail Times

Global buyers and experts from Whole Foods Market introduced theirs Top 10 expected food trends for 2022 in the retailer’s seventh annual trend predictions. Ingredients like moringa, turmeric, and yuzu are expected to grow in popularity, while movements like ultra-urban agriculture and reductionism are expected to gain momentum over the next year. The 2022 trends represent what’s new in the coming year and what consumers should expect in the food scene.

Every year, a Advice for trends of more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members, including local collectors, regional and global buyers and culinary experts, create trend forecasts based on decades of experience and expertise in product sourcing and researching consumer preferences, as well as in-depth workshops with emerging and existing brands.

Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market, commented, “Over the past year we have seen tremendous changes in shopping habits related to the pandemic as the world adjusted to spending more time at home. As the food industry slowly adapts to a new normal, we expect that consumers will prioritize foods and beverages that offer additional benefits – like functional sodas and tonics – and products that support their wellbeing, like green plants for urban gardens and produce cultivation with agricultural methods that help improve soil health. We look forward to seeing these trends take shape on grocery shelves and on our plates in 2022. “

Jade Hoai, UK Director of Purchasing and Operations, comments: “At Whole Foods Market, we pride ourselves on leading the way on the latest food and beverage trends. Our customers rely on us to offer the absolute highest quality alternative products that are unique to our stores. In 2022 we want to have 20 more products in stock, as the trend towards yuzu is growing, as well as a dozen more products for spirits without noise. “

As the Whole Foods Market predictions for 2021 – including upcycled groceries, moist kombucha, and the upscale pantries – continue to evolve, the 2022 trends represent the future of food and beverages.

The top 10 food trend predictions of the Whole Foods Market for 2022:

ULTRAURBAN AGRICULTURE

In 2020 we welcomed Infarm, the fastest growing urban farming network in the world, to install two of its vertical farming units, enabling shoppers to purchase fresh produce directly in the store. Since then, innovation in indoor farming has grown rapidly, from hydroponics and aquaponics to mushrooms grown over our food shelves – and even fresh produce grown by robots. Producers are finding new, cross-border ways to grow hyperlocal crops and maximize efficiency. Try the Trend: Infarm, Red Veined Sorrel

YOU MAKE YUZU

Yuzu – a lesser-known citrus fruit mainly grown in Japan, Korea, and China – is taking the culinary world by storm. This tangerine-sized fruit is tart and sour and appears in vinaigrettes, hard seltzer, mayos and more. In the restaurant scene, chefs use the lime-lemon-grapefruit flavor to highlight their soups, vegetables, pasta, and fish. Get ready to see this fruit shine in 2022 – both in the aisles of grocery stores and outside. Try the trend: The Wasabi Company, Mustard Yuzu

REDUCETARISM

Are you a plant-curious eater who is not ready to give up meat altogether? Try reductionism – cut down on your consumption of meat, dairy products, and eggs without leaving them out entirely. When animal products are on the menu, they are part of the reduced tariffs and opt for first-class grass-fed meat (and our meat department does not allow antibiotics) and pasture-raised eggs. Try the trend: Osius bone broth, organic bone broth with turmeric

HIBISCUS HAPPENS

Hibiscus has a long and delicious history in the world of teas, and customers have kept it in their rotations in the past because of its vitamin C content. Now manufacturers are using its sweet and tart taste in the form of fruit spreads, yogurts and more. Of course, beverage makers are keeping pace and relying on hibiscus to create delicious beverages that take on its signature pink hue. Try the trend: Something and Nothing, Hibiscus and Rose Seltzer

Buzz-less spirits

The dial-down spirits category has seen growth in our branches this year. As millennials and Gen Z-lers try their hand at “dry isolation” during the pandemic, we don’t see that the sober, curious mindset will disappear anytime soon. Step into a new selection of drinks that add the taste and sophistication of cocktails without a stir. If you want to shake something up, there are elegant mocktail options to explore. Try the trend: Gimber, Peruvian Ginger Concentrate

GRAIN THAT RETURNS

Food grain will be reoriented towards the environment in 2022. We’re talking about crops grown through agricultural practices and cultivation practices that help improve soil health. Known as tiny grass seeds with a mild nutty taste, teff is known for its efficiency – as the grain is highly adaptable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Add it to your porridge, pancake, or cake. Try the trend: Lovegrass Teff Waffle and Pancake Mix

USE THE SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sunflower seeds now slip into crackers, ice cream, and creamy cheese. Providing protein and unsaturated fats, these powerful little seeds are transforming the snack game of the 21st century. Parents, take note – many sunflower seed-based products are made without nuts, which means allergy-friendly school snacks (just always pay attention to the label). Try the Trend: Indie Bay Snacks, Sunflower Pretzel Bites Superseeds

MORINGAS * MOMENT

Often referred to as the “miracle tree,” Moringa is traditionally used as a herbal remedy in India, Africa and beyond. Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients, and these fast-growing, drought-resistant trees have been used as a food source to combat malnutrition in certain parts of the world. Steamed as the newest matcha alternative in the US, it can be found in powder form and added to make smoothies, sauces, and baked goods. It also shows up in unexpected products like frozen desserts, protein bars, and packaged cereal mixes. Try the trend: Aduna, Cleanse Tea Moringa Mint and nettle

FUNCTIONAL FIZZ

Today, fizzy drinks serve a dual purpose. Right, people are looking for sparkling drinks that not only taste great, but also have ingredients that balance out the sweetness. We’re talking about soft drinks with probiotics and carbonated tonics with added prebiotics, botanicals, and more. Fruity aromas. Unconventional ingredients. Get more out of your fizzy drinks. Try the trend: Humble Warrior, Mango Turmeric Sparkling Drink

TURMERIC IS STARTING

Turmeric, also known as “the golden spice”, has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is popular as a dietary supplement. While golden milk lattes and turmeric supplements are nothing new, the condiment is becoming more and more accessible and taking root in the form of zesty paste and sauces. People want their turmeric and they want to eat it too. Try The Trend: Turmeric Dealers, Turmeric Paste