Looking Ahead: 2022 Food Trend Predictions

With the fourth quarter of 2021 on the horizon, we’re busy fulfilling orders for new equipment that will be put to use by food manufacturers around the globe in 2022. But it’s never too late to look ahead, ready new recipes, and get the necessary equipment designed and built so that your recipes can be the star of the table (or the car cup-holder) in 2022 and beyond.

Here’s a look at a few of the 2022 food trend predictions that we expect to take center stage in North American food culture in 2022.

2022 Food Trend Prediction: An Intense Focus on Health & Immunity

Here in North America and around the globe, we’ve endured months of devastating wildfires burning in tandem with the COVID-19 pandemic. As public reports began to show that those with greater immunity were less likely to suffer severe cases of the COVID-19 virus, sales of immune-supporting and boosting whole foods, products, and supplements soared. And it didn’t end there. The concept of ‘food as medicine’ is gaining interest from both food manufacturers and consumers alike. As reported on Spoonshot.com, business interest in the ‘food as medicine’ concept increased by 55% between 2020 and 2021. As the Delta variant makes headlines and ensures that COVID-19 remains a household name, for now, we anticipate that consumers will continue taking charge of their health by choosing foods and products that prove supportive to immune building and overall health.

We expect that this adoption of ‘food as medicine’ lifestyle will continue to drive demand for superfood-infused products, fermented foods, plant-based products, and fresh ready meals incorporating ingredients that benefit the immune system.

According to market research by ReportLinker, immunity-boosting products are expected to surpass $17 billion globally by 2025. 

2022 Food Trend Prediction:  Keep it Contactless but Make it Chic

In 2020, COVID kept people at home – often only leaving for fresh air and curbside. As restrictions slowly eased, contactless and alfresco dining options (even in places as cold as Michigan in January) became the ‘new normal’. Today, as many have returned to school and work, these trends have persisted. Particularly the contactless dining adoption. Now, in times when health doesn’t always feel eminently threatened, the convenience of contactless and to-go options as a helpful tool for our (once again) busy lives is welcomed. Dining outside of the home once hinged largely on ambiance and service as much as food choice and quality. COVID changed all of that. At first with shutdowns but now with labor shortages and increasing costs. Restaurants and food providers that have found creative, well-integrated ways to deliver the food quality they’re known for in a quick, contactless manner will likely continue to reign supreme. 

A great example of innovation in contactless is in our own backyard. In Traverse City, Michigan, Jacob’s Farm has evolved from a farm with a small seasonal stand offering to a farm-to-table dining destination. The twist? There’s no indoor seating. There are no waitstaff. Upon arrival on the farm, guests seat themselves, scan a QR code with the camera on their phone to review the unique and fresh menu, place their order, and pay. Food is delivered in packaging that doubles as to-go containers. The atmosphere? Outstanding and fun. The food? Phenomenal. It feels very much like the future of dining and unless you desire a drink from the bar, it can be an almost fully contactless experience.

2022 Food Trend Prediction: Your Carbon Footprint Matters

In the last year, raging wildfires stretched from California to Canada and for the first time in many North American’s lives, the effects were felt hundreds of miles away. From lumber price increases and availability issues to air quality degradation and a visible haze cast across much of North America – the focus on environmental protection and the carbon footprint of food manufacturers has never been more intense. It’s expected that the focus will only grow.

While carbon footprint labeling isn’t new to the food industry, consumer focus on the climate impact of food has never been stronger. Consumers are buying from companies whose actions and values align with theirs. As those purchasing decisions reflect on food manufacturers’ bottom lines, many are now noticing and making changes (both in their processes and labeling) very quickly.

We’re Here to Help You Lead the North American Food Market

After 50 years, trend predicting and innovation in the food machinery industry are in our DNA. We’re here to help you manufacture the most desirable foods in the most efficient and profit-garnering way. Our machinery has been put to the test, in industrial and commercial applications. From the fastest cooking and mixing system on the planet (Jet Cook™) to our cook chill systems that were made for the ready-to-go meal market, we have the machinery your business needs to stay ahead of the 2022 food trend predictions. To speak directly with one of our lead project engineers, contact us today.