2022 Food Predictions

At Lundberg Family Farms, we’ve built more than 80 years of earth-friendly, family farming momentum. We’ve cultivated organic rice farming practices from the ground up; built our own nursery, where we preserve and develop natural and heirloom varieties of rice, like arborio rice, basmati rice, and red rice, and organic black rice; partnered with local organic farmers to become the first brand to offer domestic organic quinoa; powered and offset our facilities with 100% renewable energy for 18 years running; and celebrated our fifth anniversary of Platinum TRUE Zero Waste certification.

But we’re just getting started!

Because around here, we take pride in never settling. Always finding a better way. A way to make better food for the table while leaving a better world for the next generation. So, even as we reflect on all that we’ve achieved, we’re looking forward to what’s next so we can keep protecting the planet while perfecting what’s on your plate! Isn’t that delicious?

With a new year on the horizon, we’ve got our eyes on five major food trends we expect to see more of in 2022:

It's no secret that the past couple of years have come with unprecedented stress. So it comes as no surprise that adaptogens—which are traditionally thought to combat stress and fatigue—have emerged as a popular addition to beverages and meals. Lundberg Family Farms expects consumers will continue to reach for adaptogens like holy basil, licorice root, and turmeric in 2022. Matt Slem, the company’s culinary scientist and “rice sommelier,” recommends pairing turmeric with organic white rice, like organic basmati rice or organic jasmine rice:

"Turmeric works well with rice and is becoming a major food trend. I recommend using Organic California White Basmati or Organic California White Jasmine as they both complement the floral, earthy notes from turmeric. Add some black pepper, too, as it allows the active compound in turmeric (curcumin) to be more readily absorbed."

–Matt Slem, Culinary Scientist & Rice Sommelier, Lundberg Family Farms

Try: Turmeric powder in Organic California White Basmati or Ready to Heat Turmeric Rice

While many of us were at home over the last year and a half, we formed a mid-morning munching habit that’s still going strong. Going into 2022, more Americans are looking for sweet and satisfying snacks to tide them over until lunchtime.

According to a recent study by The Hartman Group, nearly a quarter of consumers reported eating early morning snacks in spring 2021, compared to 18% in 2020 and 17% in 2019.

Try: Nut butter and fresh fruit on Lightly Salted Organic Brown Rice Cakes or Lightly Salted Organic Thin Stackers

Asian cuisines are widely reported as the fastest-growing food category in the U.S. (see study from Mordor Intelligence). In 2022, Lundberg Family Farms predicts Asian-inspired culinary influences will take center stage. Hungry for a way to add them to your table? Matt Slem recommends tapping into two trends at once with Lemongrass Infused Thai Blue Rice made with butterfly pea flowers!

"Butterfly pea flowers are usually found dried, so you will have to rehydrate them with water, which you will use to cook the rice. This flower is commonly found in Southeast Asia, so I recommend adding ingredients from that region. Butterfly pea flowers pair perfectly with lemongrass and white rice, like Lundberg Organic California White Jasmine Rice. If you’d like your rice to be on the magenta side, simply add a healthy squeeze of lime to your steeping water."

–Matt Slem, Culinary Scientist & Rice Sommelier, Lundberg Family Farms

Try: Ginger Seaweed Rice Cake Minis and Lemongrass Infused Thai Blue Rice

For many Americans, gut health is top of mind going into the new year. Brown rice can help encourage the growth and activity of healthy gut bacteria. It’s rich in both insoluble and soluble fiber, which help promote healthy digestion and control blood sugars.

"As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I follow the research and the research shows us just how important fiber, both insoluble and soluble fiber, is for a healthy microbiome—specifically it helps increase the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Because of these findings, I recommend eating fiber-rich whole grains like brown rice often to improve and sustain a healthy gut. One of my favorite ways to enjoy brown rice is sprinkled on a hearty kale salad or served alongside a warming stew."

–Carly Knowles, MS, RDN, LD, PCD

Try: Organic Short Grain Brown Rice or Heat & Eat Organic Short Grain Brown Rice Bowl

NielsenIQ reports that “75% of millennials are altering their buying habits with the environment in mind.” This means consumers will be paying closer attention to how their food is grown, harvested, and handled so they can eat the change they want to see in the world.

"Lundberg Family Farms was founded on a promise to leave the land better than we found it. My Grandpa Albert saw how shortsighted farming techniques stripped the land of its topsoil during the Dust Bowl. When he moved to California, he committed to working in partnership with nature by tending to soil, air, water, and wildlife as carefully as his crops. This is the heart of regenerative agriculture, which seeks to improve—not just sustain—the world around us."

–Bryce Lundberg, VP of Agriculture, Lundberg Family Farms

Learn more about how Lundberg Family Farms works in partnership with nature.