The Hottest Healthy Food Trends to Look Out for in 2022

Whether you're cooking from scratch, dining out, or simply looking for new dishes to try, check out some of the food trends on the horizon for 2022. There are plenty of options for adding healthier, more nutritious foods and ingredients to your diet.

Comfort Food Reimagined

During the last two years, people have been cooking more at home and rediscovering classic childhood dishes. You're not alone if you're turning to foods such as casseroles, stews, fresh-baked bread, and macaroni and cheese for nostalgia. According to Food and Wine, the comfort food trend is continuing with a healthy twist. Keep an eye out for lighter alternatives made with lots of vegetables, high quality ingredients, and bolder flavors.

Spicing Things Up

Eating healthy doesn't mean being boring. Home cooks and restaurant chefs alike are finding new uses for spices and condiments such as Sriracha, chili crisp, garam masala, harissa, and gochujang. While these flavorings have roots in a variety of international cuisines, expect to see spices adding heat and complexity to a broad array of dishes.

Sea Moss in the Spotlight

Foods that have health applications beyond nutrition continue to draw attention, with sea moss leading the way. Tastewise reports that interest in the sea vegetable is up 384% over two years. Sea moss is brimming with zinc and folate and also has a reputation for boosting fertility. It comes in powdered, pill, and gel form and can be used to thicken foods and beverages such as smoothies. Other functional foods piquing consumer interest are passionflower for sleep improvement, rhodiola for gut health, and starfruit for energy.

Lower Alcohol Beverages

Health-conscious consumers are turning to low- and no-alcohol beverages, driving this market up by a projected 31% between 2020 and 2024. Market research company IWSR reports that 58% of people who consume reduced-alcohol beverages do so to drink in moderation rather than abstaining completely. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by introducing new products with lower alcohol by volume. Beer makes up most of this market right now, but spirits such as gin and vodka are going to take a bigger share.

Mushrooms on the Rise

The reputation of mushrooms as a superfood continues to grow. This versatile food is packed with vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium, fiber, riboflavin, zinc, and selenium. Portabella, cremini, and white mushrooms are already common in many diets, but chefs are experimenting with varieties such as shiitake, oyster, trumpet, and maitake. Watch for the edible fungi — which delivers texture and earthy flavor with little fat, calories, and sodium — to feature on menus as a main dish and meat substitute. It's also making an appearance as an ingredient in packaged foods such as tea, jerky, vinaigrettes, and bacon alternatives.