Food Trends We’ll Devour in 2022
From TikTok to the Philippines, chefs and culinary teams find inspiration from many places, and diners will see a lot of that inspiration on their plates next year.
Many trends we predicted for this year will continue or grow in 2022, but a few new ones have emerged from ongoing industry challenges, globalization, and social media. Let’s dive into some of these trends.
TikTok Influences
With TikTok surpassing 1 billion users in 2021, it’s no surprise that the latest social media juggernaut is bringing new food trends to the table. The app has allowed users to connect over recipes and food challenges, bringing people together even when the pandemic kept us at home.
Some of the TikTok food and beverage trends that might find their way into menus includes:
Carrot bacon combines carrots with maple syrup, liquid smoke, and spices to make the vegetable appealing to bacon lovers.
Searches for baked feta pasta increased 3,900 percent over the past year thanks to an easy TikTok recipe going viral. Restaurants can add creative flavors to make their own version.
After the success of “Squid Games,” several TikTok dalgona recipes garnered over 20 million views. Adding this honeycomb sugar candy to dessert or snack menus could make restaurants social media famous.
Social media trends can come and go pretty quickly, making it hard for chefs to capitalize on them. But creating something interactive, surprising, visually appealing, and based on pop culture will engage diners in restaurants and online.
Protein Reinvention
The combined forces of climate change and supply chain interruptions have upended protein offerings, but that doesn’t mean the quality of meals has declined. More plant-based offerings have emerged to appeal to vegans, flexitarians, and a growing number of reducetarians. Dairy-free products, meat substitutes, and vegan seafood are getting tastier and more prevalent.
Prime cuts of meat are also not as readily available, forcing operators to make creative substitutions. Think chicken thighs instead of wings or even seafood balls instead of meatballs. Going for protein that’s less expensive and easier to source could result in delicious new menu staples.
Around the World
Consumers spent a lot of time honing their kitchen skills during quarantine. But when they have global cravings, they head to restaurants. According to a recent Datassential webinar, U.S. consumers still prefer to eat Japanese, Korean, and other international cuisines at restaurants. These global flavors are increasingly appearing on menus and being sought out by diners.
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Filipino foods are taking over multiple menu courses, from chicken adobo to ube gelato.
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Consumers want more spice, especially Indonesian sambal, Mexican tajin, and other global spices that bring sweet heat.
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A little bit of yuzu goes a long way. The fruit is often used in Japanese dishes and can add a citrus kick to vinaigrettes, condiments, and beverages.
Labor-Saving Hacks
Ultimately, the biggest factor for 2022 restaurant menus and operations will be the labor shortage. Establishments are going to have to pull out all the stops to boost hiring, using virtual hiring events, better benefits, and higher wages to attract applicants.
Restaurants will also need to implement some tactics to enhance guest experience and retain their workforce.
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Stick to classic comfort food with a twist. Think fries dusted with za’atar, burgers topped with pickled onions, or mayonnaise mixed with miso paste. Simple additions can make familiar favorites stand out without requiring extra labor.
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Speed-scratch and ready-to-eat products as well as small menus will help make work manageable for kitchen staff.
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Digital solutions such as employee apps, kitchen display systems (KDS), and even robots can improve company culture and efficiency.
Your Sourcing Solution
The labor shortage and supply chain challenges will continue to be pain points for operators, but that doesn’t mean flavor has to suffer. Innovating with smaller menus and simpler menu items will allow restaurants to appeal to consumers and stay on trend without adding strain to their operations.
Get ready for 2022—find trending products today.
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