White chocolate, foraged findings and punchy pineapple flavours will all be taking centre stage this season, according to Sainsbury’s Summer 2022 Trends Report.
Low-effort, informal dining is now favoured over complicated dinner parties, as over half of Brits (57%) would rather spend less time cooking and preparing food, and more quality time with loved ones. As a result, bright and bold colours and flavours become the main event, from fruit and vegetables to smoker centrepieces.
Nearly half (47%) have become more adventurous with food over the past three years, cooking meals from different cultures and heritage. But while exploring the new, many are also unlocking childhood nostalgia, opting for familiar flavours of Neapolitan and white chocolate for decadent desserts and 70’s fusion flavours.
The top ingredients and flavours the nation will be eating this summer are:
Fruit (and Veg) Pastels
Uplifting and unexpected colours will be making an impact in the fruit and veg aisle. From the soft orange-peach hues of golden raspberries to Pink Fir potatoes, these fresh tones bring sophistication to seasonal meals. Sainsbury’s will also be launching the bright yellow Zephyr courgette later this summer.
White chocolate
White chocolate is evolving from the nostalgic ‘white mice’ to a more complex flavour profile. It’s appearing in caramelised forms or ‘burnt’ in custards, ice creams and even tarts. This creates a Caramac-like flavour which offers an on-trend, more savoury way to enjoy white chocolate.
Chilli
The UK is getting braver when it comes to spice, as 70% now say they enjoy eating spicy food – Glaswegians are the biggest chilli lovers (77%). This love of heat is growing, as over a third (36%) say they have newly introduced chilli into their diets in the last two years, as well as harissa (21%). To keep up with this growing demand, Sainsbury’s is developing new curry products that are hotter than before.
Pineapple
Pineapple is set to be one of the most popular fruits for summer 2022, gracing the menus of high-end restaurants across the country. Sales are up 17% in the last three years and the fruit is being infused in the likes of gin and cider to bring zesty, retro vibes to the party – including Sainsbury’s new Taste the Difference Pineapple and Mango Cider. This comes as avocado searches have decreased by 31% in the last three years, as there are new ingredient trends in town.
Smoke
Smoked food is hitting the mainstream, as 65% of 18 to 24-year-olds are considering buying a smoker to turbo-charge their barbecue this summer. The term ‘charred’ boasts a high trend score, according to Sainsbury’s Product Hunter database, and sales of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt have increased by 51% since 2019, as we add a smattering of smoke to our home cooking.
Foraged flavours
Wild, backyard British ingredients are gaining popularity as a third of Brits (33%) have now foraged for their food, and another 23% would like to, as sustainability plays a greater role in what we eat. Ingredients such as nasturtium, and even seasonal fish such as Cornish crab and queen scallops are set to have a moment – with searches for ‘wild garlic’ on sainsburys.co.uk increasing by 43% over the last three years.
Crucial condiments
Dishes alone are no longer the main event, as condiments become more essential when elevating a meal. Sales of less traditional sauces have grown considerably over the last three years, with flavoured mayos (+84%), aioli (+54%) and sweet chilli sauce (+36%) all increasing. In fact, 65% of Brits also now add spicy condiments to food.
70’s fusion
Nostalgia has shaped our tastes this summer, as we’re reaching for classic childhood and 70’s flavours to bring us comfort. This comes as two in five (43%) are opting for desserts that remind them of happy memories, with those aged 25 to 34 the most nostalgic, and nearly 6 in 10 (58%) turning to familiar foods from their childhood when feeling stressed.
Sentimental cravings can still enjoy a hint of novelty though, as the fusion food and drink trend wraps up food in new and exciting formats. Brits can get their hands on Neapolitan flavours reinvented as cheesecake, Eton mess combined with profiteroles, or Pina Colada Cider.
Sainsbury’s Director of Product and Innovation, Claire Hughes, says:
“Sainsbury’s has been helping customers cater for summer eating and drinking for over 150 years, offering innovative products for occasions such as picnics, parties and barbecues. We often see food and drink trends come back around in popularity, something which has been particularly evident this year, as the nation turns to the comfort of familiarity in these challenging times. However, whilst we seek nostalgia, the pursuit of new flavours, cuisines and formats remains evident.”
Our Favourite Coconut Beauty Buys
