2022 Summer Food Trends

Cooked Lobster

Each year, a number of factors affect food trends. For the summer of 2022, consumer trends are influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, the war in Ukraine, and other events. 

Search engine data can provide valuable clues about food-related consumer trends.

According to Google's The Thought-Starter: June 6, 2022, search queries using the modifier “cheap” were rising in May as people appear to be looking for help managing their budgets.

Examples of 2022 food-related searches include:

"cheap food near me"

"best cheap food near me"

"healthy cheap food near me"

"cheap food near me open now"

Source: Think with Google - The Thought-Starter: June 6, 2022

Consumers that are looking for inexpensive meals or other foods face an array of challenges. Although purchase price can be a major factor, other expenses can affect the final cost of foods.

Travel costs, tips, packaging, cleaning, waste disposal, and other expenses can drive up meal costs considerably.

Cheap Food Options

Fresh Beets

Backyard gardens can provide valuable food at moderate cost. Favorite small garden crops can include salad greens, onions, beets, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, melons, cilantro, chives, oregano, dill, mint, and others.

For those that are unable to garden, getting to know local gardeners can be useful. Even small garden owners often have excess vegetables and are willing to share.

Anglers can be another source of free food. Anglers and other recreational food harvesters often have access to fresh fish and other seafood. 

Local farmers markets can be a good option for meal ingredients and well as ready-to-eat meals.

In a few areas, foraging can provide free ingredients to supplement meals prepared at home. Foods such as fruits, nuts, and wild greens can be gathered and eaten fresh or preserved for later use.

Food trucks can also be a source of cheap food. Many vendors offer specials via social media or other means.

Even traditional restaurants can offer a variety of cheap meal options. Some restaurants offer off-peak specials or other inexpensive options.

Eating take-out meals can be expensive but it does have its place in food culture. One advantage of take-out food is that it can be combined with home cooked foods and drinks. 

Related Information

Where to Buy Locally Sourced Foods

Things To Do With Excess Fruits and Vegetables

Food Insecurity in the United States