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As a food retail outlet, it is important to keep up with upcoming food trends for your
customers. With wider access to world foods than ever before, customers are becoming
increasingly demanding with the variety of options they want to see not just in the
supermarkets, but also in convenience food stores. Whilst the British food-to-go consumer
hasn’t quite given up on the traditional pasty or sandwich at lunchtime, our modern lifestyles
mean we are constantly seeking new and exciting experiences: including what we are
eating.
We’ve identified 5 food trends that are expected to boom in the second half of 2022 so that
you don’t have to.
1. Flexitarian food
Vegetarian, vegan, meat-free Monday, fish Friday. Whatever you call it, one thing is clear: we
are all eating less meat. In Whole Foods Market’s latest Trends Council report,
‘reducetarianism’ was dubbed a top trend to watch for 2022. This trend is a great segue for
those who are plant-curious, but apprehensive to go totally meat-free. This food trend has
been on a steady incline over the last few years, so convenience food retailers get ready if
you haven’t already!
Need some inspiration? Check out these options…
2. Breakfast
With most, if not all of us working from home for a period of time during the pandemic, sales
in breakfast foods skyrocketed – and it hasn’t stopped. With Brits suddenly having more time
in the mornings due to lack of commute, egg and bacon sales went up by 68% and 21%
respectively over the last few years. Now, with many returning to the office at least part-time, Brits are looking for exciting breakfast options on-the-go.
Some excellent examples of this food trend can be found in Pret:
3. Bottled Cocktails
Bottled booze and cocktails in a can are nothing new, but our endless desire for convenience
combined with the drastic spike in living costs has given these on-the-go tipples a surge in
popularity. The cost of living crisis has left people wanting their money to go further, without
giving up the little luxuries. Popping out with a colleague for a £12 cocktail after work has
been replaced with cosmos in a can on the train home for a fraction of the price – and it isn’t
all about the convenience. In an article from the Speciality Food Magazine online, high-end
supermarket Waitrose indicated that they expect larger bottles of pre-mixed alcoholic
beverages for home consumption to be a trend to look out for in the second half of 2022.
Take a look at some of the brands already adopting one of the more cost-effective food trends…
4. Nostalgic Desserts
Everyone has a fond memory of a dessert from their childhood. Arctic roll, summer trifles,
black forest gateaux, so many delicious sweet dishes that we thought had been forgotten –
but fear not! It seems as with clothing and hairstyles, retro puddings are making a trendy
comeback. Individual pots of trifle to-go, viral video tutorials for school dinner sponges and
Charlie Bighams’ version of a posh Cherry Bakewell have all reignited the nation’s love for an
oldschool pudding.
With this wave of popularity, we can definitely expect to see these retro treats trickle down
into the convenience food category for people to enjoy on-the-go. Here are some nostalgic
treats already available…
5. Spicy Foods
2022 has seen a huge spike in the popularity of spicy foods, especially Middle Eastern
spices. As many dishes from this region offer nutrient-rich, healthier options for both lunch
and dinner, it’s no surprise that Middle Eastern foods became so popular during the
pandemic and thereafter.
Here are some popular options available on the high street…
Have these food trends got you thinking of adding to your existing food offering? If you are unsure about the correct equipment to store your products in please get in touch, our team of experts are on hand for
any guidance you may require.
