From TikTok to the Philippines, chefs and culinary teams find inspiration from many places, and diners will see a lot of that inspiration on their plates next year.
Many trends we predicted for this year will continue or grow in 2022, but a few new ones have emerged from ongoing industry challenges, globalization, and social media. Let’s dive into some of these trends.
TikTok Influences
With TikTok surpassing 1 billion users in 2021, it’s no surprise that the latest social media juggernaut is bringing new food trends to the table. The app has allowed users to connect over recipes and food challenges, bringing people together even when the pandemic kept us at home.
Some of the TikTok food and beverage trends that might find their way into menus includes:
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Carrot bacon combines carrots with maple syrup, liquid smoke, and spices to make the vegetable appealing to bacon lovers.
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Searches for baked feta pasta increased 3,900 percent over the past year thanks to an easy TikTok recipe going viral. Restaurants can add creative flavors to make their own version.
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After the success of “Squid Games,” several TikTok dalgona recipes garnered over 20 million views. Adding this honeycomb sugar candy to dessert or snack menus could make restaurants social media famous.
Social media trends can come and go pretty quickly, making it hard for chefs to capitalize on them. But creating something interactive, surprising, visually appealing, and based on pop culture will engage diners in restaurants and online.
Protein Reinvention
The combined forces of climate change and supply chain interruptions have upended protein offerings, but that doesn’t mean the quality of meals has declined. More plant-based offerings have emerged to appeal to vegans, flexitarians, and a growing number of reducetarians. Dairy-free products, meat substitutes, and vegan seafood are getting tastier and more prevalent.