Trends Shaping The Food Truck Industry
1. Increased Demand for Environmentally Friendly Food
The young customers that frequent food trucks are also conscious of the effects of climate change. In 2022, this advocacy will likely impact the food industry, which will face pressure to serve food that is sustainably sourced and is farmed with renewable resources. Food trucks can be expected to supply more organic options and provide more labeling identifying the sources for their ingredients. Accommodating the views of their customer base will help food trucks expand their business.
2. Increased Vegan Options and Meat-Plant Blends
Beyond Meat, products have taken off and have been added to menus of large fast-food chains. The food truck industry can expect this trend to be extended to food trucks as the demand for meatless protein options grows. Food industry experts have taken note of the success of the Impossible Burger and are moving to meet this new demand. Additionally, meat-plant blends are also becoming popular with omnivores who want healthier options. Food trucks are looking into burgers that include mushrooms, beans, and chickpeas.
3. More Event Partnerships and Promotions
Partnerships between food trucks and events such as carnivals, bars, and concerts are becoming more common. This is a win-win collaboration for both parties, as food trucks get more foot traffic and the events attract more fans. Bars are also participants in this trend, increasingly partnering with specific food trucks to park outside their venues and attract more customers. There is often an overlap of clientele, given that the 18-34 group is the demographic that most visit food trucks.
4. More Commercial Restaurants Experimenting with Food Trucks
Established chain restaurants, including Outback, are using food trucks as catalysts to test out new items and concepts. Many new restaurants are supplying food trucks with potential new menu items and tracking how sales perform. These partnerships eliminate the need to fund and implement focus groups providing a space for natural experimentation. Also, if the item is unpopular, negative consumer sentiment is attached to the food truck, not to the restaurant.
Additionally, food trucks are being used to gauge public opinion on types of foods and the potential for local success. Instead of taking surveys on what type of food may be successful in an area, established restaurants may send a food truck to that area and track its performance. There are many examples of restaurants that chose to open up commercial locations after sending food trucks to the area.
5. Increased Technology and Social Media
Food trucks are quickly expanding their social media presence past traditional platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. They are rapidly adopting Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok to keep and expand their customer base that is reliant on the young population. Social media usage also allows food trucks to advertise their locations and hours to regular customers. Additionally, more food trucks are offering Wi-Fi services for their tech-savvy customers to use during their visits.
6. More Peanut Butter Alternatives
Recognition of allergies to peanut butter is gaining traction in the food truck industry and is leading to the consideration of alternatives. Additionally, consumers are choosing to avoid palm oil due to its large environmental footprint. Since it is a key component in peanut butter, many food truck companies are looking at experimenting with substitutes, including pumpkin butter, macadamia butter, and chickpea butter.
7. Flour Alternatives
The gluten-free trend is expected to continue in 2022 and will be extended to the food truck industry. Alternatives that are currently being used in the food truck industry include banana flour, seed flour, and cauliflower flour. Additionally, more pre-made baked goods such as cookies and bread will be made without gluten.
8. West African Cuisine
West African cuisine is set to explode given its novelty and use of superfoods that align with the trend towards healthier food trucks. Millet, fonio, and chili peppers are ingredients that are both good for you and new to many customers. Experts can expect the number of West African food trucks and fusion trucks to increase in 2022.
9. Churros
While churros are not necessarily a new development, there are more twists on the traditional cinnamon sugar churro that are making it to food trucks. They are cost-effective, have low preparation time, and can be personalized. Flavors such as Oreo churros and Fruity Pebbles churros are expected to rise in popularity as the popular dessert reaches new demographics.
10. Refined Sugar Alternatives
Another popular trend that is impacting the food industry is the increased demand for sugar alternatives. Increased awareness of the effects of sugar on obesity and the development of diabetes is leading to increased reception for refined sugar alternatives. In meeting this demand, food trucks will turn to natural alternatives derived from fruits. Natural sugars present in coconuts, pomegranates, and dates are rising in popularity.
