Year End Review: What was the most surprising food news of 2022?

With 2022 coming to a close, it’s a time of reflection. We will reflect on our greatest memories, most memorable laughs (and sometimes cries), and so much more. But something that a bunch of food writers in New York do every year is reflect on what they think was the most surprising food news of the past year. Anywhere from food trends, shocking news stories, celebrity chefs, etc.

We will be taking a look at what the top 7 famous food writers, and other people within the food journalism community, thought were the most shocking food news of the year and just overall their favorite food stories of 2022, courtesy of The NY Eater.

What was your most surprising food news of 2022? Let’s chat all about it!

In no particular order of importance or shock value, here are the top 7 most surprising food news stories of 2022:

1. Egg Yolk Omelets

The editor in chief of The Eater (NY) had just one very simple food trend from 2022 that absolutely shocked her to her core. She couldn’t believe that there are actually people out there who order strictly an egg yolk omelet. First of all, what’s so wrong or bad about that? Second of all, I didn’t even know that it was a top food trend in 2022, and boy am I hear for it! Bring on the yolks, folks!

2. X-Rated Bakeries

This is also something that I was unaware was super ‘trendy’ in 2022. I mean, some people I guess have an occasion for x-rated baked goods, but in all reality, what’s the point? You’re just going to eat it, so who cares what the heck it’s shaped like. There’s one place in particular called Kinky’s out in NY and their content always gets flagged. If you can’t showcase what you make there’s a problem.

3. The Great Food Hall Revival

A contributor to H*** Gate and Brookyln Magazine listed that she never would’ve thought that the pandemic would’ve brought such a thing back. Some of her favorites are as follows: Urban Hawker (the best in her personal opinion), Google at Pier 57, and Rock Center (runner-up for the best). Over at Urban Hawker, try out their NYE menu with exclusive items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The menu is always changing and the event tickets are almost always sold out! Get their and get tickets while you can – then you can go and enjoy the open bar!

4. James Corden

Okay, so I’m sure that we all remember James Corden’s name being in the news for being asked to never return to some restaurant called Balthazar. The owner of said restaurant said that Corden was one of the rudest and abusive customer that the restaurant had ever seen. Then reports read that that was false, while others still won’t leave it alone. James, if you’re reading this, what actually happened because we’d love to know? Please, and thanks.

These next three are going to be more geared towards some shocking food trends from 2022!

5. Island Flavor Surges

This was something that was super surprising to me, but also something that I’m so here for for this past year. Apparently, pineapple and passionfruit-flavored things were at an all-time high in 2022. From drinks, to baked goods, and just eating the plain ole fruit itself, I think that it’s pretty safe to say that tropical flavors were very well-loved this year. Other savory/sweet options like coconut curry meals were also at an all-time high, though I’ve never ventured out quite that far. If you have, what’s your most favorite thing about it? I’d love to know!

6. International BBQ

BBQ and foods related to it will always be a true American classic and a staple in most, if not all, people’s households (much like it is in mine as we speak right at this very moment). However, other countries were starting to jump on the BBQ bandwagon this year, and boy did they bring the heat; the areas impacted the most and those that shared the most go as follows: Middle East, Mediterranean, South America, and Asia. Try it out, but whatever you do, just enjoy!

7. Higher Usage of Sunflower Seeds

Personally, I absolutely love sunflower seeds, especially those rainbow chocolate and candy-coated ones (although the ranch flavored ones are pretty dang good as well). This stepped into 2022 with full force and promotes itself as a clean eating snack as well, not just for snacking at baseball games anymore, although they are super fun to spit all over the ground if you ask me. They’re being made into breads, crackers, and can even be turned into a plant-based parmesan substitute as well! Lot’s to do with so much yet still to try!

What did you think of the overall foods news and up and coming trends of 2022? Which ones were your favorites, and which other ones not so much? Let’s chat all about it down below – eat up!