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2021 / 2022 Food Trends with The Food People
The Food People uncover the top 10, new and rising trends to look out for during 2021/2022.
1) Mini splurge
As they feel the pinch and cut back on big blow outs, consumers look for little ways to upgrade everyday rituals. For example, plain back coffee gets upgraded to iced coffee with a salted caramel foam or a Friday night steak dinner is padded out with bone marrow gravy and truffle fries.
At Essential, we are all about upgrading. For an alternative steak sauce, try our Wild Mushroom Sauce from The Sauce Collection. Make it your own by adding fresh, seasonal mushrooms.
2) Comfort
When it comes to cooking and eating, the obsession with baking continues, dovetailing with this years “carb comeback”. Gourmet sandwiches, lasagne and pizza are being embraced by home cooks and professional chefs. There’s a need to be cosy and comfortable - think slippers and slow cooked dinners!
Check out our winter warmer blog post, it’s full of all of the good stuff!
3) Thrift rules
Consumers and businesses are getting thrifty for both wallet and environmental reasons. Throw away culture is rejected in favour of up-cycling surplus food into new products, and make do and mend and sharing economy approaches. Consumers are re-discovering their pantries, growing their own veg and reviving last nights leftovers for breakfast.
We love to use our surplus ingredients to make delicious soups. Check out our top ten soup recipes here.
4) Home delivery
The home delivery revolution has been accelerated by the pandemic. Businesses are turning to ghost kitchens and delivery only concepts. Friday night takeout is just the tip of the iceberg - everything and anything can be delivered, and fast! Meal kits; breakfast, cocktails, snacks… the list goes on.
Take a look at our Valentine's Day and Easter recipe inspiration - all suitable for delivery!
5) Fired up
Cooks are getting ever more creative with fire cooking, experimenting with types of wood and smoke, to layering fire flavours over each other. Think charred steak with blistered tomatoes and smoked hollandaise. They’re embracing global grill techniques, such as Japanese and Thai and Thai BBQ and they are even fire cooking desserts.
Our “Hot off the grill” recipe book is full of all things smokey! Download it for free, here!
6) Power of the gut
Gut health has been a hot topic for some time, but we’re just beginning to understand the impact that our gut health has on the rest of our body, in particular immune function and brain health. Around 70% of the bodies immune cells and 90% serotonin are found in your gut - it may just be the key to holistic well-being.
Together, with Dr Sarah Schenker, we’ve put together a range of recipes, all containing superfoods. Download the book for free here!
7) Alfresco cooking and dining
We appreciate the great outdoors more than ever, for consumers that means lots of BBQ’s, picnics and garden parties. Restaurants have embraced restaurant eating, with terrace, street and curb-side options, and of course, that means lots of outdoor cooking. From low and slow smokers to pizza ovens and fire pits.
Plan ahead for the warmer months with the help of our al fresco recipe inspiration.
8) Frozen
The frozen sector is undergoing a foodie revolution, consumers of all ages are won over by its taste, health and budget credentials. Sustainable seafood, exotic fruit, sushi, the aisle is a treasure trove with more consumers batch cooking, freezers at home are no longer just for vodka and ice cream.
So many of our products are freeze-thaw stable once made up! Find out more about our range here.
9) Head space
Consumers are looking for practical ways to aid sleep, reduce their anxiety and help them on their journey to good mental health. Solutions range from yoga and meditation to CBD and adaptogens. The latter are ingredients like reishi cordyceps that help the bodies natural resistance to stress.
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Dr Sarah Schenker, talks about diet in relation to feeling healthy, happy and energised.
10) Love your veg
As plant based eating moves ever more mainstream, consumer attitudes towards vegan products is evolving. The demand for plant based alternatives that mimic meat continues. Some consumers are seeking out dishes that champion veg, front and centre and products with short and identifiable ingredient lists.
Our brand new range of Vegan Stock Mixes can be used to enhance the flavours of vegan and vegetarian menu options.
Find some of our favourite vegan recipes here.
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