Global food trends have never been more popular, and consumers can expect to see more of them in 2022; both in stores and on restaurant menus. For years, The Fresh Market has looked to world class chefs for inspiration with their newest global flavor discoveries and frequently these inspirations create fads; but more often, they transform into food trends that shoppers to incorporate into everyday eating.
The freedom to experiment in home kitchens with ingredients and techniques has never been more popular. Also, many of these global ingredients are also associated with wellness benefits that have become even more important this past year.
Here are some of these emergent food and flavor “Trends to Try” in 2022:
No. 1 – Adaptogens
Adaptogens are gaining in popularity and have made their way to beverages found in the form of oat milk lattes and other coffee beverages and creamers. Herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, adaptogens can be used for achieving health-focused New Year’s goals like managing stress or boosting the immune system. They can also be added to a simple recipe to make your food intake work harder for your body.
No. 2 – Herbs and Spices
Internationally influenced spices and herbs have intrinsic qualities that can contribute to overall wellness. Spices like turmeric, found in both Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The same can be said about saffron, ginger, cumin and clove. For those who crave piquant flavor, chiles are filled with capsaicin – associated with heart health benefits. Furikake, a Japanese seasoning that varies by region, not only enhances umami flavor but is also nutrient rich.
No. 3 – Fermentation
Eating sauerkraut is a great tradition to bring good luck for the New Year – but don’t stop there. Fermentation of foods and beverages dates back thousands of years, and now we associate them with gut health. As Asian flavors continue to gain popularity, kimchi is no exception. A common staple in Korean cuisine, this fermented dish has a tangy, sour and spicy flavor has become so popular, that the once side dish is often used as a topping or condiment.
No. 4 – Micro-regional Foods
Global trends are now leading into micro-regional trends – the subtle nuance of featuring an ingredient or traditional recipe that makes it unique to its origin. It’s even transgressed into the U.S. where regional ingredients and concepts are influencing local cuisine and recipes across the country. For instance, Southern cooking is now broken down into Appalachian and Low Country, depending on where you travel.
No. 5 – Plant Based Dishes
A wealth of dishes with international flavor and flare are plant-based and include a vast variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, mushrooms and cheeses like Halloumi. They can be found in all cultures and ethnicities. Whether they are the main course or side dish, their ingredients are gaining in popularity and accessibility, making it easier to incorporate into your food regime. It could be as simple as using jackfruit for carnitas tacos or fajitas, or maybe try seitan (wheat protein) used in a Makhani curry.
Guests can shop The Fresh Market’s 2022 “Best Tasting Food Trends to Try” items in one of its 159 stores, in the online store or on their mobile app that is available in the App Store or on Google Play.
Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, The Fresh Market has been voted as the “Best Supermarket in America” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and “America’s Best Customer Service 2022” by Newsweek and Statista.
