Bubble cake, yuzu, potato milk... a look at the latest food trends

Retail giants Waitrose and Whole Food have unveiled in their reports what they believe will be the food trends of 2022. And on the menu: foods good for our health, a pinch of tradition, and a lot of originality!

In general, foods that will nourish us are on trend this year. Dishes that are balanced with foods rich in nutrients; in short, the health food are on the rise.

Turmeric has already been trending for some time, however, in 2022 it may become even more popular. This Asian spice is multiplying its uses and enhances the taste of our dishes, but also of our drinks. The health benefits of tumeric are numerous.

In addition to a delicious fragrance, the hibiscus flower offers a fruity and tangy taste in the mouth. This edible flower is increasingly popular with chefs, in particular in the preparation of sauces. It is also regularly found in cocktails. Not only does it look pretty, it is great for you too!

Hibiscus flower contains vitamin C and antioxidant properties. Often used in beauty products, this ingredient is very good for our skin. It can also help us fight fatigue.

Surely you've heard of soy milk, almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk, but the latest plant milk cited in the UK Waitrose report is out of this world to say the least!

Consumed mainly in Sweden (where it originated) and the United Kingdom, potato milk is made from potato flesh, pea protein, chicory fiber and rapeseed oil. A much more environmentally friendly alternative to cow's milk compared to soy milk or almond milk, as potatoes are a very easy vegetable to grow.

Another trendy ingredient on our plates which also offers health benefits: sunflower seeds. If you aim to keep a balanced diet, you will like to consume these seeds rich in nutrients and vitamins. They are found as an aperitif, in salads, in meat dishes, but also in spreads and ice creams.

Yuzu is a particularly popular fruit among chefs. The latter use it to make desserts (a matcha and yuzu tea cake for example), mayonnaise, sauces and marinades. But what does it actually taste like?

This yellow citrus fruit straight from Asia is the little brother of the grapefruit. Being full of large seeds, yuzu has a lot of flesh but produces little juice. A juice whose acid flavor and tastes like a mix of tangerine, lime and yellow grapefruit.

Because it contains almost as much protein as meat, a ton of vitamins, magnesium, and iron, moringa is considered a superfood. Moringa has been growing in popularity in the past few years,.The leaves of this tree native to India can be eaten in different ways: fresh, dried or powdered. Its seeds and roots are also used in cooking. Moringa can accompany your main course, but it can also be used to prepare a dessert or a drink.

Here is a trend that you can enjoy this summer, to end your barbecues in style! The Waitrose study points out that last August, searches for roasted watermelon recipes increased by 65% on their site. But overall, fruits grilled on the barbecue (melons, pineapples, peaches, watermelons, pears, bananas, etc.) are becoming very popular. Full of flavor, they bring a gourmet and light side to the end of  your meal.

Again, this is not a new trend per se, but rather a way of life which is becoming more and more common. Several studies show that the many households are reducing their meat consumption, for environmental, health or even economic reasons.

Demand from local farmers has increased sharply in the past two years. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have developed an interest in responsible consumption. To eat better and reassure themselves about the origin of the products they consume, many choose local products, and have abandoned supermarkets.

Very colorful, textured, generous, sometimes even a little kitsch, unusual cakes are very trendy this year. Among the most popular recipes are the "lava cake", the "gravity cake", the "bubble cake", the "3D cake". Real works of art.

Rustic traditional dishes are also making a return. Classic comfort foods such as beef bourguignon are making a comeback. Friendly meals to share with family or friends!

To keep up with the interest of health food of the new generations, many brands are launching into the production of non-alcoholic wines, beers and cocktails.