First there were avocadoes, then there was salted caramel. Food trends come and go, but they leave a great taste in our mouths and have us wondering what the next big thing is going to be.
Click start to play today’s Word Search, and spot “avocado” among other grocery items.
So, what’s on the menu in 2022? Food and beverage industry experts think it’s going to be the following:
1. Top ingredients
Hibiscus, yuzu and turmeric are going to be among the hottest ingredients of the year, according to US-based lifestyle magazine Martha Stewart. Hibiscus has been an ingredient of herbal teas for centuries; with a tart flavour, it can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Another age-old ingredient, turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb and a spice, and is used in curries, cooked with vegetables and even added to coffees and teas. Yuzu, on the other hand, is a citrus fruit from East Asia that is having its moment, in sushi, sauces, drinks and as preserves.
2. Plant-based chicken
A couple of years ago, the world went ‘beyond meat’ with plant-based options. Today, it’s something that’s a given in restaurants and fast-food joints – a trend that looks like it’s here to stay. According to a November 2021 Forbes report, the volatility of animal protein prices and a shortage in chicken around the world is driving people towards meat-free alternatives, and the market is loving it. There’s also a marked interest in more plant-based diets, like the kind you find in Mediterranean cuisine, with people taking a more holistic approach to cooking, and using nutritious ingredients.
3. Growing grains
At the beginning of the pandemic, supermarkets around the world were running out of flour. We may not be making sourdough bread any more, but ancient and heirloom grains are still seeing an increase in demand. According to US-based nonprofit The Land Institute, ancient grains are expected to pop up in granola, baked goods and even certain kinds of milk (barley and buckwheat milks for instance).
4. Frozen food
In 2020, most people began avoiding entering supermarkets and stores, and that meant keeping the freezer well stocked. According to an October 2021 study by UK-based global auditing firm Deloitte, the fresh food market saw sales increase by more than 10 per cent during the pandemic, but the frozen food category grew by a whopping 21 per cent in the same period. They expect the growth to continue as consumer prefer this convenient option, in 2022.
Which trend appeals to you the most? Play today’s Word Search and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
