As we begin a new year, many of us are once again making health-focused resolutions: eating better, cutting out our vices and achieving overall wellness.  

Nutrition certainly isn’t a new idea (even the ancient Greeks made the connection between diet and wellbeing), but our understanding of it is constantly evolving, which has rapidly changed the healthy eating landscape. 

Today’s consumers are more educated than ever, and once “fringe” foods (think kombucha) are now mainstream. Most of all, diners expect menu items to not only cater to their diets, but heal the body and prevent disease, too. 

So what does healthy mean in 2022? Here’s how you can bring wellbeing to the menu in the next year: 

IMMUNITY FIGHTERS 

The biggest buzzword in healthy foods right now is “immunity.” We’re all looking for that magic superfood that will protect us and our families from illness – in fact, online searches for “immunity” tripled in the first two months of the pandemic. 

While some of these “functional foods” – like moringa (a tree native to West Africa) and ajwain (an Indian spice) may not be accessible for you right now, it’s easy to add Vitamin-C-packed citrus, fresh herbs and spinach (full of Vitamin D) to the menu for added immune-boosting power. 

By showcasing these ingredients on your menu (and sharing them on social media) you can build interest and increase traffic to your establishment.

GUT BUSTERS 

One subset of the immunity trend is gut health. As we have greater awareness of our own microbiome and its relationship to physical and mental health, fermented foods and other immune-supporting ingredients have taken center stage.  

Consumers are flocking to probiotics and prebiotics for their gut health-supporting properties. Buzzy foods like kombucha, kefir and kimchi in particular are leading the way on retail shelves and on social media. 

But if those trendy ingredients aren’t the right fit for your establishment, you can still add immunity power to the menu with fermented foods and other fiber-rich produce your customers already enjoy, like brined peppers, cabbage and pickles. 

PLANT POWER 

Whether for health, ethical or climate reasons, more Americans than ever – about 28%, according to a recent survey – are seeking out plant-based proteins, veggie-forward entrees and non-dairy milks when dining out. 

Versatile, affordable tofu is seeing a resurgence in dishes from silken smoothies to scrambled egg substitutes, with bold seasonings pulled from across the globe. And along with meat alternatives made from soy, potatoes, jackfruit and peas, one addition to the plant-based scene you’ll be seeing more of in 2022 is mushrooms. With their on-trend umami flavor and meaty texture, mushrooms are a vitamin-rich alternative to animal proteins. 

As the culture shifts toward plant-based dining, having vegetarian and vegan options is crucial to remaining competitive in 2022. Be mindful about highlighting meat-free items on your menu and on social media to reach this growing audience. 

MORE HEALTHY SWAPS  

Today’s consumers are interested in foods that offer not only an enjoyable taste experience, but also perceived health benefits – and the industry is evolving to meet that need with a whole slew of inventive products. 

For every indulgent item on a menu or store shelves, there is a more healthful alternative: cauliflower as a gluten-free challenger to classic pizza crust, CBD- and adaptogen-laced beverages as a jitter-free substitute for energy drinks, or “NOLO” (no- or low-alcohol) versions of their favorite cocktails. 

Three in five Americans say they are also working to reduce their intake. But rather than replacing their favorite treats with artificially sweetened varieties, many consumers are turning to “clean” alternatives like banana, brown sugar, coconut sugar and more. 

The takeaway? We’ll do almost anything to ensure our wellbeing, starting with improving our diets. By providing delicious dishes with a side of immune-boosting, health-supporting functionality, operators can serve up the physical and mental benefits diners are craving in 2022.