10 Exciting Food & Wine Movements to Watch in 2022
As we bid farewell to 2021 and look ahead, the culinary world continues to be shaped by the transformative effects of the pandemic, just as we saw in 2020. Home cooking surged, dietary mindfulness intensified, and the food industry was thrust into the spotlight, making the past two years a period where gastronomy became central to our daily lives.
This heightened attention has empowered many of us to experiment and gain confidence in navigating the rich tapestry of food and wine. We’ve become adventurous, exploring new flavors, ingredients, and techniques right in our own kitchens.
What culinary innovations, ingredient trends, and nutrition shifts await us in 2022?
Some waves are already forming for 2022, while others are just on the horizon. One thing remains true: time-honored classics will continue to comfort us, offering a reassuring sense of normalcy in changing times.
Yet, the year promises unexpected twists! Let’s dive into the forthcoming trends that are set to tantalize our palates in 2022.
1. Savoring Flavor with Less Alcohol
The trend towards low- and no-alcohol beverages is gaining momentum and isn’t just a fleeting fad. Across Europe, lawmakers are reconsidering how alcoholic drinks are presented and promoted. During the pandemic, the popularity of mocktails—creative, alcohol-free cocktails—soared, especially among those seeking festive flavors without the buzz.
What makes mocktails so appealing?
Creative use of botanicals and fresh, natural ingredients delivers complexity and depth, making these drinks vibrant and satisfying. Even though the call for complete alcohol abstinence—like “Dry January”—may be less prevalent in 2022, more people are exploring moderation over elimination.
Why are Millennials choosing to drink less?
According to a recent survey by Wine Intelligence, 39% of mainstream wine consumers are dialing back their intake. Interestingly, premium wines are still in demand, reflecting a “drink less, but drink better” philosophy. This evolving approach is especially pronounced among Millennials, who are exploring the world of wine with discernment and curiosity.
What does this mean for home drinkers?
The focus is shifting toward mindful enjoyment: savoring high-quality wines and spirits in smaller quantities. The trend is clear—quality is trumping quantity, and the world of home entertaining is all the richer for it.
2. Canned Wine Steps into the Mainstream
Millennials are driving innovation in winemaking, and canned wine is no longer an oddity—it’s fast becoming a go-to option. First rising in popularity during 2021, canned wine is poised for even greater growth in 2022. These lightweight, recyclable containers offer portability, reduced waste, and single-serving convenience—perfect for modern, informal lifestyles.
Canned wine is especially well-suited to lighter, lower-alcohol varieties, with sparkling wines leading the charge. It’s no surprise, given that carbonated beverages have long dominated the canned drinks market worldwide.
Is canned wine a fleeting trend or here to stay?
The United States has already embraced canned wine with enthusiasm, and industry experts predict that Italy and other wine-loving countries will soon adopt it as well. In 2022, expect to see more winemakers popping the top on this innovative packaging, making wine more accessible than ever.
3. Sunflower Butter: The Nutty Spread Rising in Popularity
The United States often leads the way in introducing culinary novelties, and sunflower butter is one such example. Used as a creamy, allergy-friendly alternative to peanut butter, its popularity is growing in Italy and beyond. Home bakers are incorporating sunflower butter into traditional pastries, such as holiday Panettone and Pandoro, adding a nutritious twist to classic treats.
These days, you’ll find sunflower butter lending rich flavor to yeast-based sweets and even some savory baked goods.
Is Sunflower Butter a Healthy Choice?
With a taste reminiscent of peanut butter but free from dairy and common allergens, sunflower butter is perfect for vegans and anyone with lactose or gluten sensitivities. Bonus: It’s packed with vitamins B and E, making it a nourishing addition to your pantry.
For best results, use sunflower butter in no-cook recipes to preserve its nutrients and flavor—it’s less suited to high-heat cooking.
4. Plant-Based Innovations: Vegetables Take Center Stage
The plant-based movement is thriving, with vegetables asserting themselves in new and unexpected ways. From meatless burgers to seafood-inspired creations, the possibilities are endless for those seeking flavorful, sustainable alternatives to animal products.
Spurred by environmental, ethical, and health motivations, the range and quality of plant-based options are expanding rapidly. Producers are working tirelessly to refine flavors and textures, making plant-based foods more appealing than ever.
The challenge now is to push the envelope further—crafting plant-based products that not only mimic but also rival their animal-based counterparts in taste and nutrition.
Why does vegetable variety matter?
A new movement is flourishing: Flexitarianism. Unlike strict vegetarians or vegans, flexitarians embrace a varied diet inspired by the Mediterranean Diet, a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. The emphasis is on legumes, nuts, and plant proteins, reducing—but not eliminating—red meat. Quality, sustainability, and balance are at the heart of this flexible, health-conscious approach.
Flexitarianism champions reduction rather than restriction, encouraging mindful choices that benefit both our wellbeing and the planet.
5. Yuzu: The Citrus Star from the East
For food lovers drawn to bright, bold flavors, the yuzu fruit is making waves. Grown primarily in Japan, China, and Korea, yuzu is prized for its vibrant acidity and subtle bitterness, making it a chef’s favorite for inventive dishes.
Believed to be a cross between mandarin orange and a regional lemon (pepeda), yuzu thrives in colder climates and ripens in winter. Its uneven yellow-green skin hides an aromatic, zesty interior that’s both refreshing and versatile.
What makes yuzu exceptional?
- Yuzu is a powerhouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a nutritional gem.
- Its flavor is reminiscent of grapefruit, with tart, floral notes that elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Yuzu is a staple in Japanese cuisine, complementing sushi, sashimi, ramen, and grilled fish.
- Beyond food, yuzu is cherished in teas, cocktails, and even traditional remedies. Historically, Japanese warriors consumed yuzu juice for energy and immune support.
- Due to challenging cultivation and limited supply, yuzu commands premium prices and can be difficult to find outside Asia.
6. Potato Milk: Sweden’s Plant-Based Dairy Revolution
As dairy-free alternatives gain popularity, a surprising new contender has emerged from Sweden: potato milk. Driven by an increase in lactose intolerance and the rising vegan movement, plant-based “milks” are continuously evolving.
Swedish scientist Eva Tornberg from Lund University pioneered a method in 2017 to transform humble potatoes into a milk-like beverage by blending them with canola oil, creating a creamy, eco-friendly alternative.
How does potato milk stack up?
Marketed as "Dug," this drink also contains pea protein, chicory fiber, maltodextrin, and natural flavors to mimic the texture and taste of traditional milk. It’s enriched with vitamins D, B12, and folic acid—a boost for plant-based diets.
Potato milk’s environmental impact is remarkably low: potatoes require less land than oats and dramatically less water than almonds. Compared to rice and soy milks, potato milk is a sustainability leader, making it a smart, earth-friendly choice.
7. Culinary Florals: Hibiscus Blooms in Food & Drink
Move over, decorative edible flowers—hibiscus is taking on a starring role in the kitchen. Known for its vibrant magenta hue, hibiscus is transformed into Karkadé powder, a staple in herbal teas and infusions that’s now making its way into yogurts, jams, and artisanal beverages.
Karkadé is celebrated for its health benefits: it’s naturally fat-free, caffeine-free, and loaded with antioxidants. With over 300 known varieties, hibiscus is native to Africa but cherished worldwide for its versatility.
Why does hibiscus captivate food enthusiasts?
Hibiscus powder imparts a gentle tartness that brightens both sweet and savory dishes. Easily found in dried form at herbalist shops, it shines in teas and beverages, supporting heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Its striking color and tangy flavor make it a favorite for creative cooks and health-conscious eaters alike.
8. The Rise of the Tea Ritual
The move to remote work has reshaped daily routines, giving people the opportunity to swap their hurried coffee runs for more mindful tea breaks. The comforting ritual of brewing tea—whether a robust black, soothing herbal, or spicy chai—pairs beautifully with homemade pastries full of wholesome ingredients.
This shift towards leisurely tea moments not only enhances our workdays but also encourages the exploration of global tea traditions and their health-giving properties. Each cup offers a moment of tranquility, connection, and discovery.
9. Fermented Drinks Go Global: Discover Tepache
The fascination with fermented beverages continues to surge, celebrated for their health benefits, bold flavors, and DIY appeal. While Kombucha is widely known as a probiotic-rich, lightly fizzy tea, adventurous palates are embracing new options like tepache.
What makes tepache unique?
Originating in Mexico, tepache is a refreshing, slightly alcoholic drink crafted from fermented pineapple skins and sweetened with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). Sometimes flavored with cinnamon and regional spices, tepache is a staple in southern Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, where ancient Aztec fermentation traditions remain alive.
Tepache is not only invigorating and exotic but also brimming with potential health benefits. Its lively, tropical character has caught the attention of mixologists, who are incorporating it into innovative cocktails for a taste of Mexican heritage.
10. Dining Out Reinvented: What’s on the Menu for Restaurants in 2022?
Restaurants have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, adapting to evolving circumstances with creativity and resilience. In 2022, operational hours are expected to remain reduced, especially among fine dining establishments, as restaurateurs balance guest demand with staff shortages and rising costs.
Menus are set to become more streamlined, focusing on fewer, well-crafted dishes that highlight seasonal and local ingredients. This approach helps control costs and reduces waste, responding to ongoing supply chain disruptions and the need for sustainability.
How is the restaurant experience evolving post-pandemic?
With higher ingredient prices and logistical hurdles, expect an uptick in menu prices. Restaurants are likely to strengthen their ties with local producers, turning necessity into a philosophy of community support and environmental stewardship. Collaboration between chefs—both renowned and emerging—will foster inventive tasting menus and a renewed sense of culinary camaraderie.
As we embrace these changes, maybe it’s time to rediscover the joy of cooking and sharing great food together. After all, what better way is there to celebrate our shared passion for food than by coming together, creating, and savoring every bite?
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