2022 Holiday Food Trends for Farm Markets

Under the current economic conditions, your customers will be looking for value but also want a treat for themselves and their families. According to Mintel (2022a), consumers will look for "simplicity, versatility, escapism, and resourcefulness" in 2023. Consumers are still exploring new and innovative flavors and products this holiday season, but with a more limited budget. Here are some of the food trends for 2022 that you can add to your holiday product line up:

1. Spiced cookies: Consumers are looking for warm, comforting flavors. Cookies spiced with ginger, nutmeg, and cloves will be popular, as well as those with a twist like chai or Earl Grey tea flavors.
2. Popcorn flavor mash-ups: Popcorn is a classic snack for a winter movie marathon, but you can also add a twist. Offer popcorn flavored with spices like cinnamon or sweet and salty combinations like chocolate and sea salt.
3. Offer variants of well-known products. For example, the sales of Stuffed Puffs Marshmallows increased 171% year over year, and ruby chocolate has found its way into many different products (Mintel, 2022b).
4. Some customers need a break from the holiday preparations and will be looking for healthy and convenient meal ideas, so make sure to have plenty of grab-and-go items available.
5. Creative takes on classic holiday dishes. Plant-based diets will continue to grow in popularity, so present plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Offer ingredients for plant-based dishes, including tofu or tempeh, and dairy-free desserts made with ingredients like almond milk or coconut cream.

Sources:

Mintel (2002a): 2023 Global Food & Drink Trends

Mintel (2002b): Chocolate Confectionary – US 2022