CINCINNATI — Kroger announced its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead. This fourth-annual report centers on the continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience, affordability, social gatherings, and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items.

Kroger’s 2022 Food Trends Report is thoughtfully curated by Kroger’s food experts – from Our Brandsproduct developers to culinary specialists. The report contains 10 top trends that will influence consumer food purchases in 2022, while uncovering the “why” behind the trends. Overall, the trends can be broken down into emerging flavors, food item premiumization, and behavior shifts, all of which paint a picture of what consumers are sourcing and the ways in which they are preparing food in 2022. The findings show that consumers continue to have an increased passion for home-prepared meals, an awareness of both their own health and the planet’s, and a desire to seek comfort through food, which directly correlates to what will be on shopping lists this year.

“Last year, even as many Americans returned to work and eased back into social gatherings, it became apparent that new habits were formed in 2020 and that they are here to stay – including cooking more at home. Customers are enjoying the convenience, affordability and just plain fun that comes from preparing meals at home,” said Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s senior vice president, chief merchant and marketing officer. “As at home meals remain a staple, Kroger is proud to provide customers with fresh food options that meet them where they are in the kitchen – whether that’s a fresh heat-and-eat meal on a busy school night or a four-course recreation from your favorite restaurant you’ve missed.”

“Unlocking these trends allows us to prepare for the year ahead, adapt our offerings, and innovate within Our Brands to ensure we continue to provide customers exactly what they need and want to delight themselves and their guests in 2022 and beyond,” said Juan De Paoli, vice president of Our Brands. “At-home meals hold major significance for our customers, and we take the importance of supporting these moments very seriously. The Our Brands team is endlessly striving to provide quality items that become the perfect backdrop as customers pridefully serve as they celebrate holidays, birthdays, milestones, anniversaries, and other get-togethers. We’re excited to unveil new offerings in the year ahead that will add a wonderful – and tasty – touch to these gatherings.”

The latest tastes and freshest trends can be found on Kroger.com and in the aisles where customers shop for Simple Truth, Kroger’s natural, organic and free-from brand; Kroger, customer favorites that exceed expectations while fitting budgets; and Private Selection, a collection of culinary creations designed to elevate every occasion.

To download Kroger’s 2022 Food Trends Report graphic, visit here.