Turning over the proverbial page to a new calendar year lends itself to renewed spirits, fresh outlooks, and new trails to blaze. Experts in the food and beverage category are doing just that as of late, predicting what trends to look for in 2022. And consumer-driven trend reports are no doubt paving the way for even more walnut inclusion — in many ways, that may come as a welcome surprise.
The Plant-Based Landscape
Every report we uncovered highlights a plant-based diet as not “just” a diet, but a movement. Plant-based eating is one of the world’s biggest food trends, and Glanbia Nutritionals noted in its “Top Diet Trends for 2022” report that plant-forward eating is “fully in line with healthy eating recommendations to support general wellness and immunity.”
Products that feature well-known superfoods have a particular appeal due to high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Protein derived from plant sources, especially with the expansion of center-of-plate entree options, “led to many consumers trying plant-based meats for the first time and undoubtedly discovering how versatile and tasty they are.”
Global leader in human and animal nutrition ADM also discussed its emerging trends for the upcoming year, those of which are driving “incredible product innovation across business sectors.” Flexible, healthier, and environmentally friendly plant-based products will drive consumer interest in 2022, especially those that “deliver on taste and texture without sacrificing nutrition.” In fact, the International Food Information Council’s “Consumption Trends, Preferred Names and Perceptions of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives” survey found that most Americans have eaten plant-based meat alternatives over the past year. Other stats of note:
- Two in five Americans reported consuming plant-based meat alternatives in the past year
- Two in three (65% of 1,000 surveyed) reported eating products that attempt to mimic the flavor and texture of animal protein but are made with only plant products in the past year
- Healthfulness was the No. 1 reason for consuming plant-based meat alternatives
California walnuts are the perfect ingredient for food professionals looking to deliver new, creative plant-based products without sacrificing flavor, texture, or nutrition. From walnut chorizo to walnut stuffed bell peppers to even a walnut-based breakfast frittata, there are countless ways walnuts can be incorporated into a plant-based diet throughout the day.
In a ground meat substitute, walnuts can be blended with any legume at a 1:1 ratio to create a ground-meat-like texture. Food manufacturers can add any type of seasoning to create everything from plant-based tacos to a vegetarian jarred Bolognese sauce.
Nostalgia and Comfort
There’s no doubt that comfort foods rose to the top of consumers’ minds during the pandemic. International bakery, patisserie, and chocolate experts Puratos told Bakery and Snacks that the pandemic “triggered a need for comfort and nostalgia” in food purchases, with three in four consumers “opting for tastes from their childhood or the classics.” But more than half of consumers said they will explore new flavors from other parts of the world, combining familiarity with something new. Blending plant-based and comfort, the Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel Trend Predictions list showcased plant-based patties, crumbles, and more meat mimickers to watch for in 2022.
Walnuts are especially versatile when making delicious comfort food recipes, the perfect go-to. Walnut meat can easily replace ground meat for a rich and satisfying take on a variety of dishes. A blog on walnuts.org provides greater insight into walnut-based products that go beyond standard sweet goods. From a new twist on walnut bread — just add zucchini — to Creamy California Walnut and Tomato Soup to Tuna Casserole with Walnut Crust, walnuts satisfy both our stomachs and hearts with nostalgic products that bring back warm feelings and happy memories.
Turmeric
An example of mixing familiar with globally inspired flavor combinations is the boom of turmeric. Food Navigator reminds us that turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, but it’s finally making its way to U.S. trend lists as an ingredient in a wide range of packaged foods. In fact, turmeric made SideChef’s 15 Food Trends and Flavor Fads for 2022 list. It’s a common ingredient in cereal, granola, salads, bread, and even ice cream. The flavor-filled ingredient is a great mix with walnuts, as evidenced by Tata Raw’s Sprouted Maple Walnuts — Turmeric & Ginger. This exciting flavor combination offers a delicious, nutritious raw snack that’s on-trend for 2022.
Sustainability
Plant-based is market research company Innova’s No. 2 trend, but it’s connected to the No. 1 trending predictor: sustainability. Personal health of course is a driver, but so is the health of the planet. Lu Ann Williams, Innova’s director of global insights, told Baking Business, “Sustainability is no longer just a Wall Street issue. It might not be the top purchase driver for all consumers, but for many it clinches the deal when it comes to choosing between products.” Consumers are more aware of the ingredients in their foods than ever before, and their choices are reflecting a commitment to a bigger cause.
Walnuts, for example, require natural and human resources to produce, and California Walnuts balances the use of these resources by producing a nutrient-dense food that improves human health. For over 50 years, California Walnuts growers and processors have supported research and innovation in sustainable practices. In fact, since 2009, the California Walnut Commission has spent more than $2.2 million on food safety training and research activities.
Keto Lite and the MIND Diet
Glanbia Nutritionals also noted the “keto lite” phenomenon will push forward into 2022. The keto diet was all the rage in the past couple of years, but there will be a shift, the company predicts, with foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, and low net carbs, but may not actually be used to achieve actual ketosis.
Walnuts work well within a keto-friendly diet because they are both plant-based and high in good fats. Almost three-quarters of Americans identify omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat, as being good for them.
Further, the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is a topic of consideration for the new year, according to Glanbia. It combines the DASH and Mediterranean diets, focusing on brain-healthy foods that are high in omega-3s. Good news for product developers that just one ounce of walnuts provides:
- An excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), with 2.5 grams
- Four grams of protein
- Two grams of fiber
- A good source of magnesium (45 milligrams)
Walnuts are an ingredient perfect for the Mediterranean diet and the many recipes, dishes, and products that adhere to the diet’s guidelines. It’s also a diet with solid research behind it. Research from the landmark PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study demonstrates the potential heart health benefits of walnuts in a Mediterranean diet.
For more information on incorporating walnuts into your 2022 product plan, email kseiz@walnuts.org.
