The Kroger Co. has predicted emerging food trends, consumer behaviors, and popular items for the year ahead. Its fourth-annual report centers on the continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience, affordability, social gatherings, and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items. It was curated by Kroger's food experts, from its private label Our Brands product developers to culinary specialists.
"Last year, even as many Americans returned to work and eased back into social gatherings, it became apparent that new habits were formed in 2020 and that they are here to stay, including cooking more at home. Customers are enjoying the convenience, affordability and just plain fun that comes from preparing meals at home," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger's senior vice president, chief merchant and marketing officer, in a statement.
Kroger's top 10 trends for 2022 are:
1. Umami away! Asian cuisine has long demostrated how ingredients high in umami help elevate other ingredients and round out flavors in a dish, but the umami trend is exploding across new products, multicultural cuisines, traditional cooking, and hybrid mash-ups, according to the retailer.
Among the products that tie into the trend are Kroger's Private Selection Chile Crisp Condiment; Private Selection Premium Truffle Butter; Simple Truth Plant-Based Korean Style Meatless Meatballs; and Private Selection Sweet & Savory California Tomato Jam.
2. "Everything" is … everything. 'Everything' seasoning is the trending flavor for 2022, as consumers top their favorite meals with a savory touch, according to Kroger. "Everything" inspired foods can be found in a variety of places, from the bakery, to dips and even specialty cheeses.
Products the retailer recommends trying include its Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend; Kroger Everything Bagel Sour Cream Dip & Spread; and Private Selection Everything Bagel Flavored Bacon.
3. Tastes of tequila. The biggest beverage taste of 2022 follows the umami trend—savory tequila, says the retailer. As consumers continue to host at home, tequila is a shareable spirit that opens the door to experimentation. With tons of mixes to explore and custom cocktails to create, consumers are using tequila as a base to delight guests with diverse palettes.
Kroger items that tie into the trend include its Simple Truth Organic Cilantro Lime Jalapeno Margarita Mix; Private Selection Bloody Mary Cocktail Mixer; and Simple Truth Organic Ginger Lime Mule Mix.
4. #TBT flavors. As consumers cook more at home, recipes from their childhood are delivering comfort and joy to people, according to the retailer.
Products to try include Kroger Deluxe Fluffer Nutter Ice Cream; Kroger Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Cookies; and Kroger Mini Pizza Bagels.
5. PLANeT-based foods. Consumers continue to focus on the health of the planet, not just through plant-based foods, but also by reducing their waste impact with upcycled ingredients and more recyclable packaging. Plant-based foods are being purchased for indulgence, comfort, and nostalgia, rather than being solely known as the healthier choice for our bodies, while still helping consumers lower their carbon footprint, according to Kroger. Customers can also recycle flexible plastic packaging from Kroger Our Brand products through its national partnership with TerraCycle.
Products to try include Kroger Egg & Cheddar Croissant with Plant-Based Breakfast Patty; Simple Truth Plant Based Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Mac & Cheese; and Simple Truth Plant-Based Baking Mixes made with upcycled Okara Flour.
6. Grocery glow up. Emulating restaurant and travel experiences at home with "Instagram-able" meals is trending today. Consumers are raising the bar when recreating dining experiences at home and have been met with the premiumization of frozen food as well.
Kroger recommends trying Private Selection Duroc Baby Back Ribs, Bone in Pork Chop, Boneless Pork Chops; Private Selection Macarons; and Simple Truth Grass-fed Beef Burgers, Beef Hot Dogs.
7. Hyper-local: Consumers are more conscious about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases and are making a point to purchase products grown or made close to home. Alternative farms have created a way to get locally sourced, natural ingredients at their peak freshness, and in-store bakery items are providing consumers a chance to support small businesses.
Last year, Kroger launched Go Fresh & Local, which offers additional opportunities for fresh suppliers to become part of the organization's supplier network. Last year's winners will soon be appearing on shelves and include Maazagh, Nona Lim, Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale, Simply Southern Sides, and Soupergirl. As part of Kroger's Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion plan, the organization is committed to increasing its spend with diverse suppliers to $10 billion by 2030, after reaching $4.1 billion in spend in 2020, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous year.
8. Natural health & beauty. Consumers are seeking out natural products to increase beauty from the inside out. Eating for beauty and medicine is trending with food and beverage products that have health and beauty-boosting benefits are trending in 2022, with examples including fermented kombuchas, collagen-rich bone broths, antioxidants, probiotics, reductions of sugar, and additions of omega 3s, according to Kroger.
Products to try include Simple Truth Beauty Crate Avocado Coconut Papaya Bar Soap; Simple Truth Beauty Crate Almond + Oatmeal + Honey Effervescent Bath Bombs; and Simple Truth Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk with Omega-3s.
9. Good enough to share. No matter if someone eats vegan, organic, gluten-free or otherwise, foods for specific diets or eating styles taste good enought today so everyone can enjoy them and no one is left out of a great eating experience, Kroger says.
It recommends its private label Kroger Family Size Migas Egg Bake; Kroger Pork, Beef, Pepper Jack & Cheddar Party Tray; and Kroger Carbmaster Classic White Bread.
10. All aboard charcuterie. Charcuterie has created a board craze, especially when it comes to breakfast and dessert. Breakfast and dessert boards open a world of flavors without the commitment to a single dish, according to the retailer.
It recommends Private Selection Dipped Cheesecake Bites; Private Selection Caramelized Onion Burger Topper; and Kroger Mini Quiche Duo.
Related: Fairtrade America Reveals Top 2022 Consumer Trends; Top Cheese Trends to Watch in 2022.