Food Trend Predictions for 2025
Consumers are looking to increase their protein intake by incorporating more protein-rich ingredients into their meals and snacks.
Whole Foods Market identified organ meats as a noteworthy superfood, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They anticipate a growing demand for products blending muscle and organ meats, providing a convenient way to enjoy these nutrient-rich foods without needing to learn how to prepare organ meats.
Fresh Thyme Market foresees protein expanding beyond traditional sources like meat and fish into new categories of protein-rich processed food products, such as chickpea pasta and protein-enriched oats, which are on the rise. Natural Grocers encapsulates this trend with the phrase “it's all about protein, in quantity and quality!” This retailer plans to expand its product lineup in 2025 with convenient, high-protein snacks, including protein powders, jerky, and protein bars.
Consumers’ interest in exploring new flavors and incorporating healthy international foods into their diets is on the rise.
Whole Foods Market is particularly focusing on snacks, creating a fusion of classic favorites like popcorn with flavors from around the world. It is also introducing traditional treats that are much-loved in their home countries, such as Mexico’s chamoy candies.
Fresh Thyme Market's focus is on Korean cuisine. The company predicts that “the rising popularity of Korean BBQ in recent years will pave the way for other Korean ingredients like gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) and kimchi popping up in even more kitchens.”
Natural Grocers also predicts that “in 2025, grocery aisles will transform into a culinary adventure, offering a world of authentic international flavors right at our fingertips.”
Diverse commercialization of food products from around the world, such as North African harissa seasoning and Chinese five-spice powder will make it easier for consumers to recreate authentic traditional dishes at home.
Growing concerns about climate change and soil degradation are driving interest in innovative practices like regenerative agriculture, which restores soil and ecosystem health, and controlled-environment agriculture.
Whole Foods Market has begun carrying non-alcoholic beer brewed with certified organic Kernza, a soil-saving, carbon-capturing perennial grain that is grown using regenerative agriculture.
Natural Grocers plans to actively stock products with international certifications, such as the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC).
Fresh Thyme Market predicts an increasing demand for controlled-environment agriculture, which reduces environmental impact while providing a stable supply of crops that are similar to those produced using conventional farming methods.
In October 2024, US retail giant Kroger announced its five major food trend predictions for 2025.
The first trend is the rise of “food dupes” (private label brands). In recent years, more and more private label products that rival or even surpass national brands have been developed and consumers are tasting the high quality and receiving the savings that shopping private labels offers. Kroger expects more shoppers to regularly choose store brand alternatives instead of national brands in 2025, as well as continued private-label innovation to match this demand.
The second trend highlights "bold and briny” flavors. Consumers are looking to incorporate acidic, briny and fermented flavors into their meals to enhance the overall freshness, color, and texture. In 2025, super briny foods like olives, pickles, and sauerkraut are expected to gain popularity. Kroger's specialty private label brand Simple Truth offers Korean-style kimchi and sauerkraut made with organic cabbage.
The third trend is referred to as the “protein renaissance.” In addition to animal-based proteins such as chicken, yogurt, and cheese, there is a growing trend to incorporate plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, and hemp seeds into the diet. Simple Truth has already started introducing plant-based items that include gluten-free pastas made from hemp seeds and red lentils.
The fourth trend revolves around chilies - the “pepper palate.” While the past focus was on maximizing heat, the new emphasis is on how heat maximizes flavor.
The fifth trend, “Hail, Caesar,” points to how a viral social media trend has sparked an evolution in Caesar salad recipes. The pairing of Caesar salad with french fries going viral on social media led to the creation of a large variety of new recipes, breathing new life into this century-old salad classic.
In October 2024, the UK supermarket chain Waitrose surveyed 3,239 British consumers who had shopped at its stores in the past three months.
Survey results reveal that cooking and dining at home are now firmly established habits.
In addition to lifestyle changes brought on by the COVID pandemic and rising living costs, concerns about ultra-processed foods (UPF), which are high in sugar, salt, and fat, were cited as factors in this trend. Notably, 61% of respondents said they cook at home to reduce UPF consumption.
Another recent trend is the rise of the “fakeaway”— a homemade version of an authentic restaurant takeout meal. Fifty-five percent of respondents indicated they would “opt for a home-cooked meal over a takeaway,” and 72% said “Indian food is the most popular fakeaway to attempt at home.”
Sustainability remains a high priority for consumers, with 59% saying they “were more likely to buy a product if it had sustainable credentials.” Moreover, Waitrose customers indicated that they love food with a story. This suggests a growing interest in the story behind products, together with their cooking and processing techniques.
While convenience and quick recipes are in demand, some respondents are trying their hand at preparing foods from scratch at home. Among the survey respondents, 38% said they “make bread from scratch” and 28% have “tried their hand at pickling in the past year.”
