Hyper-local and extra-savory are among the food trends that the Kroger Co. sees as dominating consumer preferences for 2022.
Kroger released its annual list of what it sees as 10 dominant trends for this year, along with examples among Kroger store brands. They include:
Umami Away!: Umami is emerging as a favorite flavor for foods beyond Asian cuisine. Examples include Private Selection Chile Crisp Condiment, Kroger Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Private Selection Sweet & Spicy Soy Chile Sauce.
"Everything" is … everything: Consumers want maximum impact from spices, like the combination on an “everything” bagel. Examples include Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend, Kroger Everything Bagel Sour Cream Dip & Spread, and Private Selection Everything Bagel Flavored Bacon.
Tastes of Tequila: Like umami, tequila appeals to consumers’ desire for savory flavors. Examples include Simple Truth Organic Cilantro Lime Jalapeno Margarita Mix and Private Selection Tequila Serrano Beef Jerky.
#TBT Flavors: Throwback Thursday (or Tuesday) means nostalgia for comfort food from childhood. Examples include Kroger Deluxe Fluffer Nutter Ice Cream, Simple Truth Organic Sour Cherry Fruit Chews and Private Selection All Beef Hot Dogs.
PLANeT-Based Foods: Consumers express concern for the health of the planet, not just through plant-based foods, but through more environmentally responsible packaging and upcycled ingredients. Examples include Kroger Egg & Cheddar Croissant with Plant-Based Breakfast Patty; Simple Truth Plant Based Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Mac & Cheese; and Simple Truth Non-Dairy Cheese Shreds and Slices.
Grocery Glow-Up: Many consumers are raising the bar for the meals they prepare at home, looking for that “Instagram-able” experience. Examples include Private Selection Duroc Baby Back Ribs, Bone in Pork Chop and Boneless Pork Chops; Private Selection Ruby Chocolate Ice Cream Bar; and Kroger Bavarian Pretzels.
Hyper-local: Consumers are looking for food as local as possible. Kroger’s efforts to find more local products have paid off with such items as Nona Lim, Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese Royale, Simply Southern Sides, and Soupergirl.
Natural Health & Beauty: Foods with ingredients that increase beauty “from the inside out” are being sought out by consumers. Examples include Simple Truth Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk with Omega-3s, Simple Truth Organic Low-Sugar/Zero Sugar Kombucha and Private Selection Drinkable Chicken Bone Broths.
Good Enough to Share: Foods that come in portions generous enough to share lead to an inclusive eating experience. Examples include Kroger Pork, Beef, Pepper Jack & Cheddar Party Tray and Kroger Family Size Migas Egg Bake.
All Aboard Charcuterie: Small portions, often served on boards, help consumers make the most out of any meal. Examples include Private Selection Dipped Cheesecake Bites, Kroger Mini Quiche Duo and Simple Truth Almond Butter Filled Pretzels.
