If you’ve been thinking about experimenting with new and exotic flavors, you may have noticed a recent surge in Korean and Japanese dishes. Similarly, you’ll find Japanese ingredients adding a new twist to familiar dishes, and Indian toppings are appearing on pizzas made with naan bread crust. These trends are a result of a growing “modern Asian” movement – one that’s being driven by Gen Z.
For centuries, the yellow spice turmeric has been used as a medicinal ingredient in traditional Asian medicines. With its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, turmeric has a growing place in Western diets. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have anti-depressant properties, improve digestion, and improve liver function. Turmeric is becoming increasingly popular in Western diets, and it will no doubt continue to do so.
It has long been used in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine. It’s already widely used in many Asian dishes, such as cereals, ice cream, sauerkraut, and salads. It’s also found in a variety of leafy green vegetables, including kale, which is an important part of the Mediterranean diet. Kale, a relative of turmeric, is packed with antioxidants and high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity.
The food industry is constantly changing, and the latest trends in food are no different. In 2022, turmeric is expected to reign supreme in the superfood category. This spice, derived from turmeric, will play a key role in enhancing the health of Asian-inspired dishes. Turmeric is a superfood that’s already a household name. Expect more turmeric in Asian food trends in 2022.
Hibiscus is another food trend that could be a key ingredient in many dishes. A high source of vitamin C, hibiscus is a popular ingredient in teas. The flavor is also very versatile. It can be added to yogurts, fruit spreads, and beverages. In the post-Corona world, gastronomy will be more vegetable-rich, which means restaurants will need to create unique flavor profiles.
According to the latest survey, consumers are increasingly willing to spend more for plant-based foods, including a growing number of Asian cuisines. Although only a small fraction of the U.S. packaged food market is dedicated to this type of food, more than half of consumers are now actively searching for plant-based alternatives. And more than one-quarter of American adults have tried plant-based alternatives, such as vegan cheese.
While the market is growing for these products, there are still challenges. For instance, Asian cuisine is so diverse that you can’t just substitute a vegetarian or vegan diet with an all-vegan version. For example, a beef noodle soup made of plant-based sausage is completely different from a chicken nugget made from a vegan or vegetarian product. But one of the biggest drivers for the growth of plant-based products is health, so the localisation of the ingredients is an issue.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based foods. In fact, the UK alone throws away 5.1 million potatoes every year. Moreover, plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs are increasingly available. In fact, the trend is also beginning to impact the market for packaged food products, with vegan tuna salad being one of the biggest segments of the market. A plant-based alternative to meat and dairy products is a strong link between the two trends.
The fifth basic taste, umami, was first coined by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. It has only recently begun to seep into popular culture, including the Western world. Today, umami is often used to describe the savoury flavours that we associate with foods from different cultures. Soy sauce, mushrooms, seaweed, truffle, and rich stocks all contain umami. As awareness of this savoury taste continues to rise, we can expect to see a lot more of these products on our shopping lists in 2022.
The umami flavor, also known as savory, is predicted to be one of the most popular trends of 2022. This seasoning is versatile enough to be used on almost any type of food. In fact, you can find everything from dips to specialty cheeses in supermarkets and bakeries. If you are looking for a great recipe for a gourmet bagel, try Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend.
Another ingredient to watch for in 2022 is the use of MSG. You might have heard of the dreaded Chinese restaurant syndrome? That’s right – MSG is now available in bags in Asian supermarkets. It could be the next staple pantry ingredient. A little bit goes a long way in the future. But don’t worry, there are plenty of healthy options available.
With the rising popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, many consumers are looking to switch to a plant-based diet. While some may still favor the flavor and texture of meat, plant-based alternatives are fast gaining in popularity. These alternatives may include vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian and climate-based options. As the shift towards plant-based diets increases, companies are responding by increasing the nutritional content of products and ingredients.
Celebrities are taking the lead. NFL greats such as Tom Brady and Dotsie Bausch have made the switch to plant-based diets. NFL quarterback Tom Brady is one of the most famous plant-powered players, eating an 80/20 plant-based diet. He has even endorsed a vegan egg replacement. Another high-profile vegan is the actress Jennifer Garner. She was inspired by her husband’s vegan diet and made his lunch for the Titans team.
Growing climate consciousness is driving a shift toward plant-based diets. A recent Oxford University study found that more than 80% of farmland is dedicated to raising livestock and meat. Livestock products, however, only make up about 18% of our total protein intake. A 2010 United Nations report stated that a worldwide shift to plant-based diets will save the world from starvation, fuel poverty, and some of the worst effects of climate change.
There’s no denying that plant-based meat alternatives are on the rise. Next Meat, for example, has just introduced vegan yakiniku barbecue meat in Singapore, and Haofood is testing peanut-based chicken in Chinese recipes. These two new products are likely to become more popular over the next few years, and they should also increase meat alternatives’ sales in the region. This trend will likely continue to grow, especially since Asian consumers are becoming more health-conscious, with a growing concern for animal welfare.
Despite the difficulty of obtaining authentic imitations of seafood, plant-based companies are bringing new products to the market, like vegan tuna salad. Asian brand OmniFoods has begun to sell vegan fish filets. Similarly, companies such as Vegetarian Times are releasing vegan tuna products. The future of plant-based seafood is bright, and there’s no better time than the present to jump on the bandwagon.
The Asian-American community, while a small percentage of the total U.S. population, is growing rapidly, with U.S. Census data predicting a 23.8% increase between 2016 and 2026. Despite the challenges of globalization, there’s an opportunity for manufacturers to take advantage of consumers’ growing interest in Asian foods and flavors, and the perceived health benefits of Asian foods. These trends are not only healthy, but also a great way to boost sales.
There’s a huge demand for more plant-based options, especially in Asia, and it’s great news that many major fast-food chains have already begun offering a variety of meat-free menu items. The number of restaurant chains offering meat-free alternatives will likely grow significantly through 2022, according to research conducted by The Food Industry Journal. Several factors will drive the growth of plant-based Asian-style food outlets.
One example of a restaurant that has made the switch is BKLYN Wild in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn eatery features a largely plant-based menu, with a focus on local and organic ingredients. Other plant-based Asian restaurants include Cadence in San Francisco, where the Executive Chef serves dishes like southern fried lasagna, which features Beyond Meat Bolognese and silk smoked grits.
While plant-based meat products are hard to come by, they are becoming more accessible and affordable for consumers. In addition, companies have begun making plant-based versions of popular foods such as cheese, ice cream, and burgers. In addition, many major chains have launched 50%-vegan menus, including Wagamama. And even big-name chains such as Pizza Express have started making their own vegan gammon.
While fully plant-based consumers make up only a small percentage of the population, the growing number of meat-eaters are willing to experiment with meat-free options in restaurants. According to a 2021 survey by the Piplsay Institute, seventy-one percent of survey respondents had heard of or tried plant-based meat alternatives in fast-food restaurants. In addition to this, seventy-two percent of those surveyed also identified themselves as meat eaters.