Food

National Restaurant Association Show announces 2022 FABI award winners

The annual food and beverage awards recognized 24 products for their uniqueness, taste, creativity and sales potential.
FABI logo
Photo courtesy of National Restaurant Association Show

The National Restaurant Association announced the recipients of the 2022 Food & Beverage (FABI) Awards on Wednesday.

The 24 winning products are recognized for their uniqueness, taste, creativity and sales potential.

“No matter your role in foodservice, you can find inspiration in these products,” Tom Cindric, president, 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 Sunday, 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 Restaurant Business, in equity partnership with the National Restaurant Association.

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