The end of the year is not only a good time to reflect, but also look ahead. A prime case in point would be in the food and beverage world. Culinary trends come and go. The pandemic has shaped many into new norms. Whole Foods Market recently weighed in with its take on food trends predictions for 2022.
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Ultra-Urban Farming
In 2013, Whole Foods Market opened a store in Brooklyn with a Gotham Greens greenhouse on top, providing fresh and sustainably grown herbs and salad greens in greenhouse systems using sunlight and 100% renewable electricity. Since then, innovation in indoor farming has ballooned. Producers are finding new, boundary-pushing ways to grow hyper-local crops and maximize efficiency.
Photo by Chieri Kubota, University of Arizona
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Do You Yuzu?
Yuzu — a lesser-known citrus mainly cultivated in Japan, Korea, and China — is taking the culinary world by storm. Tart and sour, this tangerine-sized fruit is popping up in vinaigrettes, hard seltzers, mayos, and more. In the restaurant scene, chefs are using its lime-lemon-grapefruit flavor to accent their soups, veggies, noodles, and fish.
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Hip to Hibiscus
Hibiscus has a long history in the world of teas, and customers have historically kept it in their rotations for its vitamin C content. Now, producers are harnessing its sweet, tart flavor in the form of fruit spreads, yogurts, and beyond. Beverage makers, too, are leaning on hibiscus to craft drinks that adopt its signature hot-pink hue.
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
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Spirits Without the Punch
The dialed-down spirits category experienced record growth in Whole Foods stores during 2021. With millennials and Gen Z-ers dabbling in “drysolation” during the pandemic, we don’t see the sober-curious mindset going away anytime soon. Enter a new lineup of drinks that provide the taste and sophistication of cocktails without the buzz.
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Giving Grains
Grocery grains are refocusing on the environment in 2022. These grains are grown via agriculture practices and farming processes that help address soil health. 'Kernza' – a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute with a sweet, nutty flavor and long roots – helps with nutrient cycling and overall soil ecology. Find it in cereals and even beer.
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Spotlight on Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are branching out of the ballpark and sliding into crackers, ice creams, and creamy cheeses. Delivering protein and unsaturated fats, these seeds are transforming the 21st century snack game.
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Moringa Movement
Often called the “miracle tree,” moringa is traditionally used as an herbal remedy in India, Africa, and beyond. Moringa leaves have plenty of nutrients, and these fast-growing, drought-resistant trees have been used as a source of food to fight malnutrition in certain parts of the world. Gaining steam in the U.S. as matcha’s latest alternative, it can be found in powder form and added to make magic in smoothies, sauces, and baked goods. It’s also showing up in unexpected products like frozen desserts, protein bars, and packaged grain blends.
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Big on Bubbly
Today, bubbly beverages are doing double duty. People are looking for sparkling drinks that not only taste great but also offer ingredients that balance out the sweetness. These are soda with probiotics and fizzy tonics with added prebiotics, botanicals, and more. Fruity flavors; unconventional ingredients.
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Tumeric Ready for Takeoff
Turmeric, aka “the golden spice,” has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, and has become popular in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. While golden milk lattes and turmeric supplements are nothing new, the spice is taking root as an ingredient in packaged foods like cereals, sauerkrauts, and even plant-based ice cream sandwiches.
This marks the seventh year the supermarket retailer has provided feedback compiled from a council of more than 50 people, comprised of its own members, growers, buyers, and culinary experts.
According to Whole Foods, the predictions are based on decades of experience and expertise in product sourcing and studying consumer preferences, as well as in-depth workshopping with emerging and existing brands.
Specialty crop growers looking for a niche should check for opportunities on this list.
Health, wellness, and a passion for cooking at home were food trends that defined 2021. What about 2022? Scroll through the slideshow above to see what’s cooking now through the eyes of Whole Foods.
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Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media Worldwide brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.
November 22, 2021 
