Whole Foods highlights product trends for 2022
Whole Foods has revealed its top 10 food trends for 2022, highlighting its own brands along the way.
The seventh-annual trend prediction gives insight into what food categories are expected to become popular in the next year. Over 50 Whole Foods Market team members, including local foragers, regional and global buyers, and culinary experts compile trend predictions based on experience and expertise in product sourcing and studying consumer preferences.
“Last year, we saw tremendous pandemic-related shifts in grocery buying habits as the world adjusted to spending more time at home,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. “As the food industry slowly adjusts to a new normal, we expect to see consumers prioritize food and drink products that deliver additional benefits — like functional sodas and tonics — and products that support their sense of well-being, like urban garden greens and products grown with farming processes that help address soil health. We look forward to watching these trends take form in grocery aisles and on our plates in 2022.”
The Whole Foods Market top 10 food trend predictions for the coming year are:
Ultra-urban farming — Innovations in indoor farming have provided herbs and vegetables using sustainable practices, allowing for maximum farming efficiency and new ways to grow crops at a local level. Products farmed this way are expected to rise
Yuzu — A lesser known Asian citrus, Yuzu, is a tart and sour fruit that is becoming more popular in vinaigrettes, seltzers, and more. Whole Foods’ experts say Yuzu will gain more traction in the coming year.
Sunflower seeds — Sunflower seeds are moving outside of the ballpark and into everyday food items. Sunflower products are a healthy nut alternative delivering protein and healthy fats. In 2022, the trend is expected to grow with Whole Foods Market Sunbutter + Jelly Sandwich coming later in the year, and 365 by Whole Foods Market Gluten Free Almond & Sunflower Seed Flour Crackers being available now.
“Reducetarianism” — For those looking to eat more plant-based foods but not go full-vegetarian, "reducetarianism" may be the answer. Eating less meat, dairy and eggs will soon become a growing trend. 365 by Whole Foods Market Pasture-Raised Large Brown Grade A Eggs is a featured product for this trend.
Hibiscus — Known for its vitamin C and uses in a variety of teas, hibiscus is trending upwards. It may soon be seen in products other than beverages, including fruit spreads, yogurts and more. Whole Foods Market Organic Orange Hibiscus Italian Soda is a Whole Foods own brand product expected to release next year.
Buzz-less spirits— Nonalcoholic spirits saw success during the pandemic, and the trend is expected to continue. The products provide the fun and experience of cocktails, but with none of the buzz.
Turmeric— The popular Asian ingredient and dietary supplement turmeric is expected to take off even more in 2022, expanding from lattes and vitamin shelves to cereals, ice cream, and salad items. 365 by Whole Foods Market Golden Chai Granola is featured in this category, along with Whole Foods Market Salad Bar items including Turmeric Sweet Potato Kale Salad and Curry Tofu Salad and Whole Foods Market Golden Holiday Bread, which are both items coming soon.
Moringa— An herbal remedy in other countries, moringa leaves in powder form pack nutrients into smoothies, sauces, and baked goods. Desserts, protein bars and grain blends are on the horizon for next year.
Functional sparkling drinks — Seltzers and sparkling waters have remained popular for some time now. Soon, the category is expected to grow and include healthy additions like probiotics, prebiotics and more.
Sustainable grains— Finally, sustainable grains are grown via agricultural and farming practices that address soil health. These grains will be found in cereals, pasta, beer and more in 2022.
For the first time ever, Whole Foods Market is offering the Trends Discovery Box, a curated assortment of 10 products to represent each of the 10 trends in the forecast. The boxes, available for $30, allow consumers the chance to taste all of the forecasted trends at once. Boxes go on sale Oct. 18, and are available for a limited time only at wfmtrythetrends.com.