The food industry is constantly changing and evolving. And you know why! Food trends are shifting as consumers seek out new and healthier options, influenced by everything from TikTok food trends to one person’s unique identity. We can expect to see a few significant changes in the restaurant industry and food production in the coming years.
In the food world, the biggest trend of 2022 was sustainability. Consumers became increasingly aware of their environmental impact and were looking for restaurants and food companies that take sustainable practices seriously.
And as it was expected, we see more vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based options as consumers seek healthier choices such as potato milk, mushroom protein, and lab-grown meat.
As the old saying goes, “the only constant is change.” The restaurant industry is no exception to this rule, with new food trends emerging every year. If you’re wondering what’s hot in the world of food, here are five big trends to watch out:
5 Big Food Trends to Watch in 2022
1. Plant-based diets will continue to grow in popularity.
One of the biggest food trends in 2022 is the increasing popularity of plant-based proteins. As consumers become more concerned with their health and the environment, we expect to see vegan eating and vegetarian diets become even more common.
Plant-based foods are not only healthier and more sustainable, but they are also increasingly delicious, thanks to innovative companies that are heavily investing in research and development. This marries global influences, creating plant-based options that are incredibly varied and delicious.
For this reason, we can expect to see a rise in the popularity of so-called ‘flexitarian’ diets, which are plant-based diets with the occasional inclusion of meat. This trend is being driven by consumers looking for healthier and more sustainable food to try.
With more consumers seeking out, these options, restaurants and food companies respond by developing more plant-based menu items. For example, we can look to Chipotle, which has recently announced a major expansion of its vegan options.
In addition to plant-based proteins, consumers will also be looking for local produce and food items that have been produced sustainably.
That means that we can expect to see a rise in the popularity of farmer’s markets and an increase in the number of restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local producers.
Here are examples of plant-based snacks and meals you can try today:
- Veggie burgers or veggie hot dogs from your local farmer’s market
- A quinoa bowl topped with locally grown vegetables
- Smoothies made from fresh fruit, veggies, and plant-based milk, such as almond milk
- Wrap filled with avocado, tomato, and other vegetables
- Sushi made with avocado, cucumber, and other vegetables
- A variety of plant-based snacks, such as kale chips or roasted chickpeas
2. More people will start growing their own food.
As the world becomes more connected, we see a trend toward people wanting to know where their food comes from. In the coming years, we can expect to see more people growing their own food as they seek greater control over what they eat.
This trend is being driven by some factors, including concerns about the environment, the safety of food, and the rising cost of food.
Additionally, as people become more interested in cooking and gardening, they are more likely to want to grow their own food.
With this option becoming more popular, we can expect to see a rise in the number of people interested in starting their garden. Many companies are already offering kits that make it easy for anyone to grow their food.
One of the biggest advantages of growing your own food is knowing exactly what goes into it. This is a major concern for many people who worry about the impact of chemicals and GMOs on their health and the environment.
And, of course, growing your food can be a very satisfying experience. Whether you start small with a few pot plants on the balcony or grow an entire garden, there is something gratifying about seeing your hard work produce delicious fruits and vegetables that you can enjoy.
3. Ghost kitchens as a growing trend in restaurant delivery.
Ghost kitchens are a new trend in the restaurant industry, and they are likely to become even more popular in the coming years.
These remote kitchens exist primarily to fulfill online orders and may be located in a different city or state than where the restaurant itself is based.
A ghost kitchen is a space where food is prepared specifically for delivery. These kitchens are often located in industrial areas or warehouses, and a single restaurant or multiple restaurants may operate them.
This trend has been driven by changes in consumer behavior, as many people have shifted to ordering food online rather than dining out. Additionally, ghost kitchens can be a more cost-effective option for restaurants, as they eliminate the need for a physical space.
As the popularity of restaurant delivery continues to grow, we can expect to see more ghost kitchens popping up around the country.
This trend is likely to benefit both consumers and restaurants, as it will make it easier for people to get the food they want and help restaurants cut costs and reach more customers.
One of the best benefits of ghost kitchens is that they can help restaurants reach more customers. For example, if a restaurant is based in New York City but has a ghost kitchen in Los Angeles, they can now get customers in both cities.
Additionally, as delivery becomes more popular, ghost kitchens will become more necessary to meet the demand.
Here are some tips for navigating the world of ghost kitchens:
- Research the different options and find a ghost kitchen that meets your needs.
- Be sure to understand all costs involved, including rent and food costs.
- Look for a ghost kitchen in an area with plenty of foot traffic or easily accessible via public transportation.
- Make sure the kitchen is clean and well-organized to be efficient in your cooking.
- Be sure to promote your ghost kitchen online so that customers can find you.
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4. Regional cuisine will become more popular.
One of the most exciting trends in food is the rise of regional cuisine, influenced by diverse cultural influences, from features British pub fare to Northern Mexico’s Baja region and even Japanese and Italian cuisines. This trend allows people to explore a multitude of flavors and culinary traditions, providing an avenue to express one person’s unique identity through food choices.
For instance, if you’re a fan of spicy foods, regional cuisines like those from Northern Mexico’s Baja region offer a host of exciting options. Alternatively, if you enjoy the hearty, comforting dishes often associated with British culture, there’s a growing number of restaurants that features British pub fare.
One of the reasons regional cuisine is becoming more popular is because it allows people to connect with their heritage and culture through food and global flavors. Additionally, as global influences of travel become more accessible, people are exposed to new and different flavors, eager to try them at home.
For the restaurant industry, this trend presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, there is a growing demand for regional cuisine, which gives restaurants the chance to attract new customers.
However, it can also be challenging to stand out in a crowded market, and businesses need to be sure they are offering something unique and authentic.
If you are a restaurant owner and want to capitalize on regional cuisine trends, here are some tips:
- Seek out unique and local ingredients, and use them in your recipes.
- Develop signature dishes that reflect the region you are serving, such as a New England clam bake or an Italian pasta dish.
- Consider hosting events focused on regional cuisine to help educate customers about your offerings.
- Try to create a dining experience that transports customers to the region you represent.
- Make sure that you have a solid social media presence and use it to engage with customers interested in regional cuisine.
5. Increased use of technology and automation in food production.
As the food industry evolves, we will see increased technology and automation in food production. This trend is already underway, as many large manufacturers use robotics to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
While this may seem like a controversial change for some people, there are many benefits to automation in food production.
First and foremost, it can help reduce food waste by ensuring that only high-quality ingredients are used in the production process. Additionally, automation can help increase productivity and speed up the manufacturing process, which means more food is available to consumers.
Automation may play a key role in ensuring food safety. Many companies have been slow to adopt new technologies such as blockchain and sensors, but these tools are powerful in detecting food contamination.
Additionally, they can help reduce the risk of human error related to monitoring and record keeping.
If you are a food producer looking to adopt automation, here are some steps to consider:
- Complement your workers with advanced manufacturing technology like robotics or digital tracking software.
- Remember that automation may require investment, so carefully assess the costs and benefits before making any changes.
- Be prepared to adapt your processes as technology evolves in the coming years.
- Look for new ways to engage with customers about this change, such as through social media or online forums.
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3 Food Trend Predictions to Watch in 2023
Food industry trends are constantly changing and evolving, and in 2023, the food industry will likely see some major changes.
Here are three emerging trends to watch out for
1. Steam Ovens
Steam ovens are quickly becoming a kitchen staple, as they are extremely versatile and provide an easy way to steam vegetables, fish, poultry, and much more.
These steam ovens allow for healthy cooking without compromising on the taste or texture of your favorite dishes.
Plus, steam ovens offer a range of settings and options, making them ideal for those who want to cook different types of foods without the hassle of transferring ingredients from one pot to another.
The steam oven is quickly becoming a must-have kitchen appliance for home chefs everywhere!
2. Ancient Grains
Ancient grains have been making a comeback in recent years, and that trend is only set to continue. From quinoa to barley and amaranth, ancient grains offer a plethora of health benefits as well as fantastic flavor.
These grains are high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them a great way to add some nutrition to your diet. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast bowls to salads and more!
3. Keto-Friendly Items
The keto diet has been gaining popularity in recent years and it is expected to continue growing in 2023.
Keto-friendly items, such as low-carb snacks, healthy fats, and even low-sugar desserts are becoming increasingly popular.
By opting for these types of items you can enjoy all the benefits of the keto diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
As you can see, many exciting trends are emerging in the food and beverage industry, and they are changing the way we eat and interact with our food. Whether you are a restaurant owner or a manufacturer, it is important to stay up-to-date on these trends to take advantage of them in your business.
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So there you have it – five big food trends to watch in 2022! Whether you are a fan of sweet Italian sausage, crispy rice cake lasagna or are simply excited about the fusion of different regional cuisines that marries global influences, this year promises to be an exciting one for food enthusiasts! Which one are you most excited about?
