This year we saw the rise of mushrooms as a meat alternative, an influx of vegan sweets and treats, and the success of vegan butcher shops.

So far, the majority of plant-based spending and innovation has been on replicating chicken, beef and cheese. But all this is about to change, as companies are now investing in vegan seafood, pork and chocolate.

Keep reading to find out what vegan food trends for 2022 you should be looking out for next year!

1. Potato milk

Believe it or not, potato milk is a thing now. And we’re predicting it will gain traction at one of the hottest vegan food trends for 2022.

While almond and soya milk are often criticized for their environmental impacts, potato milk is surprisingly sustainable.

2. Vegan pork

This year, groundbreaking Asian plant-based pork alternative OmniPork finally hit UK shelves and restaurants. And throughout October, the London foodie scene is embracing the ‘Big Vegan Pig Out’ campaign, demonstrating the versatility of plant-based pork. 

Moreover, this Christmas Sainsbury’s is launching the first-ever commercially available mock gammon joint made from pea protein and dowsed in a sticky maple glaze. It seems that consumers are ready to ‘pig out’ on plant-based pork!

3. Vegan chocolate

As we see the rise of plant-powered indulgence, major chocolate brands are finally realizing this huge gap in the market and responding to demand. This includes new vegan alternatives from the likes of Cadbury, Nestle, Lindt and even Hershey’s across the pond.

4. Vegan fast food 

Perhaps the most significant indication that fast food is going plant-based is the launch of the McDonald’s McPlant burger in over 250 stores across the UK.

And in January 2022, a full nationwide rollout will take the McPlant into every outlet. The introduction of the McPlant signifies the start of the mainstream plant-based revolution, as it makes vegan food accessible, as well as affordable at just £3.69.

Made with a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheese and vegan sandwich sauce, McDonald’s has effectively normalised veganism and encouraged plant-based choices.

5. Vegan seafood

Due to the exponential success of vegan alternatives across the board and the critical acclaim of Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, multiple companies are investing in the future of vegan seafood. We are expecting to see the commercialisation of vegan salmon, prawns and tuna over the next year.

Dutch brand Vegan Zeastar has the aim of “veganizing every dish that involves fish to fight the destruction of our oceans”. Meanwhile, commercial giant Nestlé is working on a vegan version of shrimp, aptly named ‘Vrimp’. Future Farms just launched its new vegan tuna in Sainsbury’s.