Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and what they eat and this focus is expected to remain for the years ahead, bolstered by the changes caused by the onset of COVID-19. That is according to Canada-based flavors and ingredients manufacturing company Embassy Ingredients, who envisions the latest trends predicted to boost the bakery sector in 2022.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Ritika Mehrotra, marketing coordinator, expects to see continued growth and interest in plant-based, clean label bakery solutions and new spice and fusion flavor trends.  

Spice fusions spotlighted 
With these trends, the focus to deliver new and exciting flavors hasn’t slowed down. 

“Last year was all about comfort and indulgence, but 2022 will see spice and fusion flavor come to the table,” Mehrotra explains.

Comfort and indulgence bakery trends will prevail this winter season, says Embassy.Flavors like Nashville mac ‘n’ cheese, buffalo, mango habanero, chili raspberry, Mexican hot chocolate, cardamom, all-spice will bring a new twist to pies, cookies and pastries, among other applications. 

With spicy trends predicted to get even hotter in the new year, fusion flavors won’t lose their charm either, according to Embassy. 

Combining familiar flavors with an all-new one is how bakers will bring global flavors in their applications. Cultural food trends will appear in food truck formats offering exciting novel flavors. 

BBQ, olive-pesto, onion and cheese and chili-garlic will be some of the top picks.

In the coming years, Embassy forecasts clean label and plant-based products with some exciting flavors and vibrant natural colors in all market segments.

The importance of health
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of health, well-being and community, shifting consumer demands. 

“Consumers are interested in recognizing and understanding ingredients used in products, the health benefits they offer, and plant-based options promoting environmental sustainability,” explains Mehrotra. 

Health and wellness goals remain a priority among consumers looking for ingredients that provide nutritional benefits in their everyday diet, she notes.

These consumer habits will increase the demand for natural, clean label and plant-based products into 2022 and beyond.

Plant-based power
Embassy underscores the sustained appeal of plant-based foods. 

With every passing year, there is growth in the percentage of consumers moving toward vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian lifestyles. 

To keep up with the trend and growing demand, international F&B companies have started to broaden their portfolios of plant-based options.

For instance, at the recently culminated Anuga 2021 trade show in Cologne, Germany, vegan offerings were branching out into new cuisines, targeting adventurous consumers with cravings for grilled Middle Eastern meats, Asian satays and the Mediterranean palate.

In line with Innova Market Insights’ number two Top Trend for 2022, “Plant-based: The Canvas for Innovation,” plant-based foods will continue to be an integral part of all restaurants and grocery stores. 

In addition to this trend, Mehrotra flags a growth in superfood inclusions, such as” berries, green tea, ginger, nuts and seeds which are proving popular in bakery products.”

“These superfoods not only provide unique health benefits and flavor, but they are also sources of natural colors and provide texture differences to enhance the eating experience,” she says.

Clean label natural colors
The act of food consumption is a multi-sensory experience and how food looks is as important as how it is prepared.A clean label indicates that the food is prepared with natural color and flavor.

In an increasingly health-conscious world, the terms organic and natural are becoming more significant. And when it comes to color additives, the solution comes from nature itself, says Embassy. 

Natural food products offer various health benefits to consumers, accelerating the shift from synthetic products.

Embassy sees significant growth in the natural space and predicts that the natural color market is estimated to double in the next ten years.

To keep up with this demand, Embassy has unveiled a line of clean label Necol colors which offer a variety of vibrant natural colors derived from plant pigments for a wide range of applications.

According to the company, consumers are also looking for products that ignite appeal on social media. 

Seasonal flavors in demand
Meanwhile, comfort and indulgence bakery trends will prevail this winter season, says Embassy. 

From gifting the perfect indulgent treat during the holiday season to cuddling up with comfort food on a cold day, warmth and comfort are a constant focus. 

Some key winter flavors for bakery products include spiced brown butter, hot chocolate and hazelnut.