10 trends to watch for in 2022

Merryfield’s Clean Council is comprised of four industry experts with decades of experience in their fields: Joe Dickson, Kim McDevitt, Errol Schweitzer and Mia Davis. They shared their predictions of some of what you'll see in 2023, from super-healthy seaweed to botanically-driven cleansers.

1. Plant-based foods Highly processed foods will get the heave-ho, particularly meat alternatives. "The brightest trends in plant-based products will be minimally processed, non-GMO whole foods with fully transparent supply chains,” says Errol Schweizer. Adds Joe Dickson, “People will want real, recognizable ingredients that are truly health-supportive like vegetables, legumes and whole grains.”
2. Avocado Oil Watch for more products like chips, crackers, salad dressings and sauces made with avocado oil. “There’s an increased awareness about the health effects of different seed oils,” says Kim McDevitt. Adds Errol Schweizer, “Avocado oil is high in oleic fatty acids and has an impressively high smoke point, making it good for stir-fry, deep-fry and more.”
3. Upcycled everything There’s a reason that #upcycle has nearly 6 million mentions on Instagram. From using 100% post-consumer recycled material for packaging (as Pete and Gerry’s Organic does) to creating upcycled foods to collecting empty beauty product containers for reuse (thank you, Pact), upcycling will continue to grow as sustainability becomes a bigger priority, predicts Mia Davis.
4. Supporting immunity Watch for a truly integrative approach to wellness and immunity. "We’re increasingly aware of the deep connections between our diet, health-supportive foods we choose, bad ingredients we avoid, and our overall well being,” says Joe Dickson. “We’ll see this trend move beyond food ingredients and supplements to encompass sleep, exercise, community and social connections in a truly integrative approach to our wellness in a deep way.”
5. Sea vegetables The rise of kelp is here! While nori, dulse and kombu have been around for awhile, nutrient-dense kelp is climate-friendly since it naturally grows quickly in the ocean and can absorb carbon from the atmosphere. “You’ll start seeing kelp pickled like kraut, and in the format of burgers, broths, chips and more.”
6. Botanical beauty and household products. Watch for innovative growth in non-food categories. “There is a deep realization that the chemicals we use on floors, dishes, hair and skin are just as important to our health – and the health of the planet – as what we eat,” says Joe Dickson. “From botanically-driven clean beauty products to plant-based laundry detergents, I’m excited and optimistic that innovation and growth in non-food categories will remain vibrant in 2023.”
7. The CGM Diet Not a new bestseller, this plan is based on decades-old technology. CGMs (or continuous glucose monitors) are devices that help people with diabetes check their blood sugar. “Today many companies offer these wearable sensors to anyone who wants insight into their metabolic health through real-time data. They show how different foods affect blood glucose levels,” says Kim McDevitt. “This is a valuable tool because short-term effects on blood sugar can impact long-term health."
8. Organic expansion. Organic will continue to be the gold standard. “With a $300 million USDA Organic farmer conversion program and other programs to support regional food systems and decentralized processing, the organic marketplace is finally getting some modest federal support,” says Errol Schweizer. “There is a shared desire for fewer agrochemicals, cleaner waterways, healthier soils and more transparent production practices.”
9. Short ingredient lists. Less is more when it comes to what’s in your food. “Beyond the nutrition fact panel and packaging claims, people are turning around the package and looking at ingredients. They want to see ingredients they know, ingredients they understand and the shorter the list, the better,” says Kim McDevitt.
10. Smarter shoppers. Coupons, promotional discounts, loyalty programs and rewards platforms (like Merryfield!) will be big. “Shoppers are spending more wisely and thinking twice about impulse buys,” says Errol Schweizer. “High interest rates, persistent price inflation, high gas prices… the hits keep coming for consumers.”