2025 Food Trends

The culinary world is always evolving, with new trends capturing the imaginations and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. With food becoming more global and social media stars weighing in (75% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials find out about new products through social media), consumer preferences rapidly evolve. Food manufacturing leaders are pressured to keep up with shifting demands to maintain a competitive edge. As we enter 2025, the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and health-conscious dining will define how and what we eat. Here's a look at some of the most exciting food trends on the horizon.

The Global Palate Diners are looking for a blend of authenticity and convenience, says Leana Salamah of the Specialty Foods Association, a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 3,600 businesses worldwide. After COVID, when people began traveling again, they came home from trips wanting to recreate the traditional flavors they had tasted. That has led to a lot of unique spinoffs of more authentic snacks from all over. Asian cuisine has been on the rise recently, and is influencing many kinds of cooking. Gochujang, sambal, yuzu, calamansi, matcha, and kimchi (to name a few) appear more and more on packaging and menus. In 2025, global cuisine will go deeper than ever before by blending unexpected flavors and techniques. Think Indian-Mexican street food, Middle Eastern-Korean BBQ mashups, and Scandinavian-African fusion. Diners are seeking bold, authentic experiences that reflect the diversity of modern cultures.

Heat is Hot Our love of chiles continues, and in 2025 it will be "less about how much heat you can stand, and more about exploring the flavor nuances," Salamah says. Whitney Herrera, of Whole Foods' functional snacks division, agrees: "Heat is bigger than ever, with more of an emphasis on complex notes of sweet and spicy." One popular product is chile crunch - a chile oil that is infused with crunchy bits, usually fried garlic or shallots, sometimes with other added ingredients. In 2025, look for various chiles to be used in chocolate, cheese, nuts, and trail mix.

Functional Foods The "food is medicine" philosophy has evolved as consumers are increasingly looking for foods that do more than satisfy hunger. People are now thinking more about what foods will enhance their mood or their health, and less about what to avoid. Functional ingredients that target specific health concerns - like gut health, immunity, and mental wellness - are booming. Fermented foods, adaptogens, and CBD-infused treats will remain popular, while new superfoods like moringa, seaweed, and sea moss aim to take center stage.

Crunchy Texture From crispy grains and granola to sprouted and fermented nuts to roasted chickpeas and mushroom chips, consumers are increasingly reaching for these items to enhance meals and add a crunchy texture to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brands are creating crunchier versions of the ever-popular chili crisp, while new seasonings marketed for their texture are stars of salads and roasted veggies. Dehydrated fruits and candy are taking over social media, with consumers seeking that light, airy crunch. This trending texture can also be seen in beverages and desserts, like creme brule espresso martinis or pistachio-topped pastries.

Added Protein "The 'proteinization' of foods is here to stay," says Salamah. "Makers are finding new and innovative ways to pack more protein into foods." Consumers are looking to incorporate more protein in their diet beyond the traditional powders and bars, with an emphasis on ramping up protein consumption at meal times and with whole food snacking. One Tik-Tok craze in 2024 promoted cottage cheese to build protein into flatbreads, dips, and even cookie dough.

Food Waste and Sustainability According to retailers and restaurant owners, more than ever, consumers want to know how their food was raised, harvested, and produced. Companies are becoming more transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing in response to customer demand. In addition, attention to packaging and efforts to reduce food waste are growing. Young consumers actively seek sustainable products, with many willing to pay more for them, while older generations show less interest in learning about company sustainability practices.

Plant-Based Diets Animal welfare continues to be a key issue across all generations. Lab-grown meat and dairy will become more widely available, appealing to sustainability advocates and curious consumers alike. The plant-based movement is evolving beyond imitation meat and dairy: look for innovative uses of jackfruit, mushrooms, and algae as standalone stars, rather than as substitutes. Whole food-based plant dishes that celebrate natural flavors will gain popularity over their heavily processed alternatives.

As 2025 unfolds, these trends will shape how we approach food - blending tradition with innovation. Whether you're an adventurous eater, a health enthusiast, or a sustainability advocate, there's something exciting to savor.