The New York Times makes its annual food predictions for 2022

Courtesy of the New York Times, here are some potential developments that could define how we eat in 2022, based on trend reports, interviews with food company executives and global market researchers.

The predictions?

Ingredient of the Year: Mushrooms

Flavor of the Year: Hibiscus

Vibe of the Year: Kind and Patient

Drink of the Year: 1980’s cocktails

Chicken Gets Re-hatched (Plant-based, thighs instead of wings, vegan-based … you get the idea.)

Seaweed Makes a Statement (The prediction? Farmed kelp will move beyond dashi and the menus at high-end restaurants and into everyday foods like pasta and salsa.)

The Rise of Robusta. (According to the NYT, robusta is a bitter, heavily caffeinated bean that is less expensive and easier to cultivate than arabica, the world’s most popular coffee. It is the predominant bean grown in Vietnam.)

Candy Makes a Comeback (Childhood favorites from China and South Korea just might start appearing in desserts and drinks.)

“Swicy” treats and meals. (Will we see a new love for sweet and spicy mixed together?)

Edible tableware (Is this the start of a revolution that will reduce single-use waste?)

Other trends: Koji bacon, the Chinese spirit baijiu, the noodle soup laksa, jollof rice, seeds instead of nuts, animal-free cheese, potato milk, moringa, Taiwanese breakfast dishes, high tea and olives

For the full story, visit:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/28/dining/food-trends-predictions-2022.html