Food Trends for 2022: 6 Hot Trends To Look For Going Into This New Year

It’s a question I’ve been hearing more in the last few weeks: What will be the top food trends for 2022?

While I don’t have my very own crystal ball (it’s a shame, I know), I do have a pulse (pun intended) on what’s current in nutrition.

So, based on what’s happening in the industry and interests that I’m seeing, I’d like to share my predictions for the top food trends for 2022. Let’s dive right in!

Maya’s Predictions for The Top 6 Food Trends for 2022

Here are my top predictions for 2022 food trends. Take a look and see what’s currently trending and if you want to give some of them a try.

1. Going reducetarian

While the term may be new, the idea of reducing your consumption of animal-based products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, isn’t exactly new. And it’s going to be one of the biggest food trends for 2022!

You’re likely familiar with vegan patterns of eating (eating no animal products) and maybe even flexitarianism (eating only high-quality or local meat, dairy, and eggs). Well, reducetarian is a newer spin on these practices

According to the Reducetarian Foundation, “reducetarians are committed to eating less meat and dairy and fewer eggs—following their own hearts and individual motivations.” [1]

What’s interesting about reducetarianism is that it doesn’t require you to remove animal products altogether. For some this feels easier to incorporate into their lifestyle because it’s more flexible than vegan patterns of eating, yet it is slightly more restrictive than the flexitarian diet, which doesn’t focus on limiting the amount of animal-based foods you consume.

The Reducetarian Foundation shares some simple, straightforward advice for those looking to adopt a reducetarian pattern of eating, including focusing on the importance of starting small, cutting out processed animal-based foods first, and seeking out alternatives.

To learn more, you can read all about the reducetarian lifestyle here.

2. Eating more insects

Officially known as entomophagy, consuming insects is actually becoming more popular—so popular that it may very well be one of the top food trends for 2022!

I encourage you to expand your idea of what animal proteins can have a place on your plate. While you may be cringing at the thought, some cultures throughout the world already consume insects on a regular basis. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 2 billion people already engage in this pattern of eating.

Currently, it’s quite common in Asia, the Pacific, and in the Amazon region of South America, where people are estimated to consume anywhere from 5 to 7 percent of their total protein intake from insects. [2]

So, why is it becoming a trend? According to a 2021 study, consuming just 5 grams of insect-based foods each day could result in less protein deficiency. In fact, they estimate that 67 million fewer people would be at risk. [3]

Additionally, consuming this amount of daily insect protein could drastically reduce the amount of zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiency throughout the world.

The good news here is that you don’t have to go out to your backyard to forage for bugs. Many companies are beginning to release insect-based foods featuring crickets and even cicadas!

Keep an eye out in early 2022 for this upcoming food trend.

3. Increased sober curiosity

Along with plant-based eating, there’s a newer movement bound to become one of the top food trends for 2022: becoming sober curious.

In a nutshell, here’s what it means: Asking yourself why you’re consuming alcohol-based beverages and considering whether or not it’s the right choice for you—for your health and well-being.

The idea revolves around the concept of how drinking less alcohol can benefit your health and overall lifestyle.

In practice, it can look like choosing mocktails (alcohol-free options) over cocktails.

Current sober curious food trends for 2022 to look for include Dry January and Sober October.

4. Less food waste

Food waste in the U.S accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the food supply. Much of this waste is coming from us, the consumers, as well as retailers.

Not only are we wasting food, but the emissions from our cars to get to the restaurant and back are contributing to environmental pollution. This is one the arguments for those pushing for less eating out.

Now, you don’t have to cook every meal; however, you can make mindful and intentional choices around when you eat out and how much you throw away.

As time moves forward, it’s projected that this is one trend that will continue to rise.

5. Eating more sunflower seeds

We’ve known for a while that including nuts and seeds in your pattern of eating is a great way to support your overall health. But sunflower seeds, specifically, are having a moment—and this is expected to become one of the big food trends of 2022.

So, why sunflower seeds? Not only are they a safer alternative for those with tree nut allergies, but they’re also known to contain anti-inflammatory properties and are a rich source of vitamin E (a vital antioxidant), magnesium, and more! [4]

Plus, they’re a great grab-and-go snack, making them an easy go-to as we go about our busy lives.

If you’re not currently taking advantage of the health benefits of consuming sunflower seeds, consider picking some up adding them to your routine.

6. Consuming more plant-based milks

Dairy consumption, and specifically cow’s milk consumption, tends to be pretty polarizing: Either you love it (some associate it with their foodways) or you avoid it (due to lifestyle choices or digestive troubles).

And while plant-based milks such as almond milk and soy milk have been popular for a while, oat milk definitely had its moment in the sun last year and is expected to remain a trend for 2022.

As a result, one of top food trends for 2022 is to continue to consume more plant-based milk. In fact, it’s projected to be so popular that new options are emerging on the market, such as potato milk!

While it currently isn’t available in the U.S., it is becoming more popular in China and throughout Europe.

In the meantime, if you haven’t tried plant-based milks, consider tasting a few options to see if you enjoy them. You may be surprised how your palate expands!