Meal kit service HelloFresh has released its predictions for what the UK’s biggest food trends for the upcoming year will be, based on data and analysis from its customers.

When it comes to cuisines, the UK experienced constant demand for Italian recipes in 2021 with HelloFresh shipping these meals the most out of all dishes. However, fusion food has begun to slowly catch up in terms of popularity, and this looks set to match (or even overtake) the nation’s passion for Italian food in 2022.

Digging deeper into regional ‘cuisine capitals’, the company established preferences based on areas across the nation wher search volume was highest for a particular cuisine.

The results were diverse, and only one location, Middlesbrough, expressed a clear preference for the nation’s own dishes – suggesting that traditional cooking will once again, fall from our radars’ in 2022, despite a resurgence in popularity during the peak of the pandemic.

As palettes adjust, so do the key contents of HelloFresh’s meals, and one key trend to look out for is the addition of new protein sources. While there may still be a rise in veggie options, the company says choices such as pork and beef could become more common in dishes, replacing chicken as the go-to option.

Brits also look keen to experiment with their choice of carbohydrates according to the data. Bulkier, classic carbs look set to take a decline, being replaced by the components needed for fusion-inspired cooking, as rice and noodles overtake potatoes.

The data established that healthy eating will likely underpin food choices more than ever before in 2022, which may be a result of Brits finally committing to habits they’ve picked up during the pandemic.

“The next year of trends looks like it’ll serve up a lot of change across British households, with dinner time becoming more adventurous, all while packing in plenty of goodness,” said Mimi Morley, HelloFresh Recipe Development Manager.

“As we settle into ‘normality’ once again, it’ll be time to take action on those new habits that many of us picked up over the past year, and for many households cooking was one of the key ways to experiment. We’re excited to see new trends that embrace more adventurous eating habits!”