The National Restaurant Association has recognized 24 products for their uniqueness, taste, creativity and sales potential in announcing the recipients of its 2022 Food & Beverage (FABI) Awards last week.
“No matter your role in foodservice, you can find inspiration in these products,” Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions, said in a statement. “Whether it be optimizing your menu with more plant-based options, exploring flavors from other countries or seeing how classic brands are re-imagining flavors, these products answer the question ‘what’s next for foodservice?’”
Each FABI award submission was evaluated by an independent panel of judges from across the foodservice and restaurant industry. These are the winners for 2022:
Angel’s Artisan Pocket Bread, Angel Bakeries
Extra-large, fluffy pita breads with multiple uses across the menu
The Better Fish Skinless Barramundi IQF Portion, Australis Aquaculture
Sustainable ocean-farmed 4-ounce fish that’s perfectly portioned for many applications
Beyond Pepperoni, Beyond Meat
A plant-based pizza topping that looks and tastes very much like the meat version
Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails & Mixers, Blind Tiger, LLC
On-trend zero-alcohol beverages to drink on their own or mixed into a cocktail
Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning, Demitri’s Gourmet Mixes
A bartender-created mixer to create a quick, authentic classic brunch cocktail
Impossible Meatballs Made From Plants, Impossible Foods
The brand’s plant-based burger and sausage blends rolled into a savory meatball
Java Trading Thai Iced Coffee Latte, Distant Lands Coffee
The ready-to-drink blend of coffee, milk, sugar and cardamom captures the traditional Thai version
JUST Egg Folded, Eat Just, Inc.
A plant-based egg product ready to pop into breakfast sandwiches or on the plate
Plant-based Salmon Burger, Good Catch
Easy-to-serve plant patty with a rich salmon flavor and touch of citrus
Oatly Frozen Dessert Bars—Strawberry Swirl, Oatly
Nondairy milk swirled with real strawberries and coated with chocolate for a frozen treat
Nitro Pepsi, PepsiCo Foodservice
Nitrogen-infused soft drink with smaller bubbles and smooth, creamy texture
Ripple Dairy-Free Soft Serve, Ripple Foods
Creamy, dairy-free soft serve that goes from machine to cone or cup
Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Parmesan Seasoning, Sabatino Truffles
All-natural truffle seasoning combined with Parmesan to instantly add elevated Italian flavor
Chimichurri, Sevillo Fine Foods
Authentic Argentinian herb sauce in a readily accessible frozen pouch
Cremino Individual Dessert, Taste It Presents
Elegant three-layer mousse dessert with hazelnut and chocolate flavors
Mascarpone Semifreddo Bar Cake, Taste It Presents
Rich Bavarian cream and Italian mascarpone on sponge cake base with touches of chocolate
Sorbissimo, Taste It Presents
Sippable, creamy blend of sorbet and a frappe for a drinkable dessert
TINDLE, Next Gen Foods
Breaded plant-based chicken filet with the seasoning, texture and juiciness to mimic real fried chicken
Taste Republic Pre-Cooked IQF Gluten-Free Four Cheese Tortelloni, Tribe 9 Foods
Gluten-free pasta pillows filled with mozzarella, Parmesan, asiago and ricotta
Nature’s Raspberries Frozen Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate, TruFru LLC
Single-serve fruit snack to grab and go for a healthier indulgence
Pina Colada-Natures Pineapple Frozen Fresh in White Chocolate & Coconut; Tru Fru LLC
Chocolate- and roasted coconut-covered pineapple slices for guilt-free snacking
Hillshire Farm All Natural Fully Cooked Pork Chorizo Crumbles, Tyson Foods Inc
Minimally processed to deliver sought-after flavor, appearance and texture
Tyson Chicken n’ Waffle Sandwiches
A new take on a chicken breakfast sandwich, combining sweet, spicy and savory flavors
Zusto—Sugar Substitute, Zusto
Patented blend of dietary and plant-based fibers delivers true sugar taste
The 2022 winning products will be on display and available for tasting—along with the awardees from 2020 and 2021—at Chicago’s McCormick Place during the National Restaurant Association Show, which runs from May 21-24. A session called “Breaking New Ground in Food and Beverage” will take place on May 22, featuring the FABI judges discussing how food and drink innovations are leading to major shifts within the industry.
The Show is owned and operated by Winsight LLC, the parent company of FoodService Director, in equity partnership with the National Restaurant Association.