As we move further into the 21st century, new food trends are emerging all the time. Some of these trends like the keto diet and plant-based eating are here to stay, while others disappear as quickly as they came. Here are 8 food trends that are expected to be popular in 2022.
1. Recipes with “Superfoods”
Popular superfoods in recipes include things like kale, chia seeds, and goji berries. A superfood is defined as a food that is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and is highly beneficial for our health. A superfood protein would be something like wild salmon, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
A superfood grain would be something like quinoa, which is a complete protein. Superfood fruits include berries, which are low in sugar and high in antioxidants. Vegetables that are nutrient dense include broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.
Real unadulterated honey is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Herbs like parsley and cilantro are super healthy because herbs have a higher antioxidant level than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are important because they protect our cells from damage.
2. Foods with “Clean” Ingredients
Convenience will always be on trend, but most packaged foods are unhealthy because of all the preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors. 2022 will see a rise in recipes made with ingredients that are considered “clean.” Clean ingredients are things like herbs, fruits, vegetables, unrefined grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and foods sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
The ingredient list on packaged foods will continue to get shorter and shorter as people become more aware of the health risks associated with additives.
MCLEAN specializes in preservative free, organic deli meats made with “clean” ingredients.
3. Ancient Grains
Have you heard the term GMO or bioengineered food? Ancient grains are grains that have been around for centuries and as such are free of GMO’s because they haven’t been modified in a lab or had their DNA altered.
These grains are high in fiber and protein and have a nutty flavor that makes them perfect for recipes like pilafs, salads, and stuffing. These grains have been minimally processed and most are also gluten-free, which makes them a good choice for people with gluten sensitivities.
Examples of ancient grains include Amaranth, Chia, Freekeh, Kamut, Millet, Quinoa, Sorghum, and Teff.
4. Everything Avocado
Avocado recipes seem to be everywhere lately, and they are not going away in 2022. The healthy fat in avocados makes them a perfect ingredient for recipes that call for a creamy texture. They can be used to make sauces, dips, smoothies and even desserts. Chocolate avocado pudding is both keto and vegan, and both are considered superfoods.
The popular Mexican tortilla soup is perfect for winter and includes avocado, chicken, and tomatoes. Another popular meal is avocado toast, which is a piece of toast with smashed avocado and various toppings like salt, pepper, chili flakes, and pumpkin seeds. There are endless opportunities to use avocado in everything from soup to sushi.
5. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are all the rage in the health world right now and for good reason. Fermented foods are high in probiotics, which are the good bacteria that our gut needs for optimal health. Probiotics help to improve digestion, boost our immune system, and can even help with weight loss.
Some of the most popular fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, and sourdough bread. Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lacto-fermentation. This means that the food has been exposed to beneficial bacteria that create lactic acid. Lactic acid is what gives fermented foods their sour taste and it is also what makes them so healthy for us.
A recipe that would include kimchi would be a Kimchi Quesadilla. This would be a quesadilla made with tortillas, cheese, and kimchi. The kimchi would add a delicious sour flavor and some healthy probiotics to the dish.
Make a gut hearty stew with sauerkraut, MCLEAN organic sausage, potatoes, carrots, and onion. Kefir and yogurt go great with fruit and granola.
6. Choosing Seasonal and Local Produce
The farm to table movement is here to stay. People are becoming more aware of where their food comes from and how it’s grown. Seasonal produce is at its peak nutritionally because it is in season close to where you live. This produce is also more affordable because it doesn’t have to be shipped from far away. Buying local produce helps to reduce the amount of pollution that is caused by transporting food long distances. It also supports your local farmers and boosts the economy in your community.
Recipes that use seasonal produce are not only healthier but also full of flavour. In the winter, recipes might include root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. In the spring, recipes might include asparagus, peas, and artichokes. Summer recipes might include tomatoes, corn, stone fruits, and cucumbers. And in the fall, recipes might include Brussels sprouts, squash, apples, and pumpkins.
One recipe that would use seasonal local produce is a Grilled Peach Salad. This salad would include grilled peaches, greens, grilled onions, crumbled goat cheese and balsamic vinegar. The peaches would add a delicious sweetness to the salad and the grilled onions would add a nice smoky flavor.
7. Culturally Creative Recipes
With the world becoming more and more connected, it’s no surprise that recipes with international flavors are becoming more popular. Global flavors combine spices and foods from different cultures.
Some of the most popular global flavors include Indian, Thai, Mexican, and Italian. An example recipe would be an Indian-inspired dish with chicken, cilantro, and ginger. Another example would be a Thai-inspired dish with shrimp, coconut milk, and lemongrass.
Fusion recipes are always popular because they are full of flavor and fewer “rules” apply. You can get creative by combining favorite flavors from different cultures to traditionally western meals. A fusion recipe can be as simple as adding a new spice to a familiar dish. Add ginger to your mashed potatoes and Chinese five spice to your steak.
Or go all out and make a completely new dish like an Indian Mexican fusion dish with chicken, cilantro, and ginger served over brown rice and topped with melted cheese. Speed things up with our pre-cooked, perfectly seasoned MCLEAN Organic Chicken Breast Topper.
8. Recipes with “Alternative” Flours
Alternative flours are becoming more and more popular in recipes. They are made from plants other than wheat, such as almond flour, quinoa flour, coconut flour, and cassava flour. These flours have become popular because they are gluten-free, and many people find them easier to digest than wheat flour. Recipes with alternative flours can include baked goods like muffins and breads, or they can be used in savory dishes like tacos and quesadillas.
One recipe that uses alternative flours is a Quinoa Flour Pancake. These pancakes are gluten-free and made with quinoa flour, almond milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and honey. They are hearty and filling, making them a great breakfast option.
Alternative flours are a great way to add nutrients, flavor, and texture to recipes. Quinoa flour has high levels of protein and fiber, almond milk is high in calcium and cassava flour is a good source of minerals like iron and zinc.
There are many different types of recipes that are becoming popular in the culinary world. Whether it is a recipe combining global flavors, using alternative flours, or seasonal produce, it appears that in the kitchen almost anything goes.