Veganism is taking over the world! There is expected to be a boom in vegan options at restaurants and grocery stores. This is thanks to more companies investing in plant-based foods in order to accommodate the growing adoption of the vegan lifestyle. To find out what new vegan trends are hitting 2022, we gathered the most prospective food options that will rise in popularity.
1. Potato Milk
You might be familiar with plant-based milk such as oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk, but potato milk is the vegan drink that is sure to make a splash in 2022. This new type of milk is one of the most sustainable beverages because potatoes are easy to grow and have low levels of greenhouse gas emissions. But that’s not all, potato milk is also full of vitamins that cow milk lacks and is healthy, as it’s free of:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Fat
- Soy
- Cholesterol
- Casein
As for the taste, potato milk is creamy and buttery with a tinge of sweetness despite not having any added sugars. It is perfect for coffee and can be used for cereal and milkshakes. Unfortunately, it is still unavailable in the U.S. because the Food and Drug Administration has not approved potato milk brands. This has led many to make it at home, as it’s easy to make. Simply boil potatoes and add them to a blender with cold water. Then add extra ingredients for flavor like salt, vanilla, and sweeteners.
2. Turmeric
This spice is nothing new to the culinary world. It is the main ingredient of curry and is used to make mustard and different types of cheeses. Recently, turmeric is also being added to foods and drinks such as cereals, sauerkrauts, and coffee. In fact, this spice is trending because it is commonly added to lattes all across Europe.
Besides adding some spice to morning coffee, turmeric is known for its antioxidant effects that may help aid digestion. Expect to see more turmeric in everyday food products.
3. Vegan Chocolate
The cocoa plant, which chocolate comes from, is vegan. However, it is no longer considered vegan when additives like milk or animal fat are added. Luckily, brands are now coming out with a line of chocolate that is vegan-friendly.
These vegan chocolates have a pure taste that is sure to rival traditional chocolate. This type of chocolate is said to have a unique texture that satisfies any sweet tooth. Not to mention, these chocolates are gluten-free, making them a safe option for those with gluten intolerance. To make sure the chocolate that you're eating is vegan-friendly, check for:
- Few and natural ingredients
- No mention of cholesterol
- High amounts of cocoa or cocoa butter
4. Vegan Fast Food
You might have already noticed vegan options starting to pop up in fast food restaurants, but vegan fast foods are sure to become more common in 2022. This is because quick service restaurants are now interested in providing healthier options to attract more customers. You might have heard of vegan burgers, but vegan fried chicken and vegan sausages are sure to be added on menus soon.
5. Vegan Seafood
With vegans taking over beef and chicken, it’s no surprise that they’re taking over seafood as well. In 2020, the banana blossom fish started making social media rounds as a vegan seafood alternative. The banana blossom is a purple flower that grows on banana trees. Funny enough, they don’t taste like bananas. This flower has been used plenty in Asian cuisine but it began to be used as a vegan alternative when people realized they look like fish when fried. So far, there is only the banana blossom fish as vegan seafood, but more options are bound to become available.
More Than Just A Trend
Just as restaurants include more vegan-friendly options, more people are adopting the vegan way of life. Not only is it healthier, but it is also better for the environment. Many young individuals are switching to veganism, making it one of the more predominant diets of the future. With new vegan food becoming more common, it is safe to say that it is here to stay. The only question now is, what else will become vegan?
