The Top 33 Food Trends for 2025

The ever-shifting patterns of what people love to eat make exploring food trends for 2025 a thrilling prospect. What might food trends for 2025 have in store for home cooking, popular ingredients, beloved beverages and beyond?

Thanks to imaginative culinary leanings and a sense of food-based fun, there’s no shortage of tempting tastes and intriguing elements to try in the new year. 

Will healthful, comforting ingredients dominate the menu of new food trends in 2025? Or will indulgent delights and exotic flavors become the specials of the day? Luckily for us all, it’s a little of both! Dig into the list below and see what food trends of 2025 await you. 

Jump to Section

• What’s Driving Food Trends in 2025?
• Far East Fusion and Island Inspo
• Rustic and Rural
• Influencer Power and Generational Shifts
• Plant and Planet
• Mind, Body and Wallet

What’s Driving Food Trends in 2025?

We’re a society of exciting contradictions when it comes to food trends in 2025. There will be a focus on maximalist dishes and big, loud flavors, experimenting with colorful combinations and taking international inspiration from across the globe. Meanwhile, there will also be a quieter, more local emphasis on enjoying the simple things and leaning into clean, stripped-back flavors that don’t require a lot of fuss.

Differing trends you may tap into include:

• Trying hot chiles, vibrant island flavors and cuisine from across Asia that you haven’t sampled before. 
• Going with back-to-nature, Earth-focused simple living, following the cozy cottagecore and back-to-basics movement. 

Whatever floats your boat, there will be plenty to sink your teeth into when it comes to food trends in 2025. These contrasting themes represent a need for foodies to:

• Get out and about again in the years post-pandemic
• Rebel against “the norm” and seek adventurous tastes from overseas after a period when travel was prohibited. 
• Return to simpler ways of doing things, harking back to our ancestral roots
• Work with nature and return to childhood, grabbing hold of an era that appeared more straightforward. 

It’s hardly surprising with the pace of modern life. With budgets tighter than ever before during a global cost of living crisis, people are looking for new ways to do more with less. It’s understandable why growing your own produce, tapping into local food initiatives and getting smarter with leftovers are also food trends in 2025.

So whatever your New Year’s food resolution looks like for 2025 — whether health, money, adventure or well-being are at the heart of your choices — here are 33 of the top emerging food trends for 2025 that are getting us excited. Here’s to a fun, foodie year of fabulous you!

Far East Fusion and Island Inspo

1. Island Flavors

A splash of tropical sunshine will add some much-needed joy to our eating habits this year! Look for a fusion of traditional and island ingredients to create a food trend in 2025.

A rise in popular picks such as pineapple and passionfruit, as well as more adventurous options like coconut curry, Caribbean spices and yuzu fruit (covered more below), will help turn simple dishes into unique experiences. And beverage flavors taking a turn toward the floral and fruity will help make the new year an escape to paradise. 

We Recommend:

• Learn to cook a three-course Hawaiian-inspired menu full of both traditional and mainland flavors by taking A Taste of Hawaii with Chef Courtney. 
• Prepare a stunning four-course menu of traditional Hawaiian favorites with a fun Tropical Hawaiian Fare experience.
• Mix up some tropical cocktails for your next event or night in, such as a passion fruit and rum hurricane, a sophisticated lychee martini or a tangy passion fruit mojito. 

2. Hibachi 

Hibachi dining is set to continue on its delicious upswing in 2025, promising to be one of the most exciting food trends of the year. From simple moments around an Asian grill to the thrill of a teppanyaki chef spinning samples through the air, this classic blend of cuisine and theater gives maximalists the chance to enjoy dinner and a performance in the same setting. 

A modern twist on the food trend that will also continue to grow in 2025 is the introduction of hibachi food trucks to neighborhood locales. This trend sees talented cooks take their show on the road to serve up convenient hibachi food with all the flavor and quality of dishes served at a sit-down eatery. 

For curious eaters looking to work this joyful cuisine format into their next event, hibachi catering near you recreates the restaurant experience in a venue of your choice. This shift brings the freshness and community vibe of hibachi even more up close and personal than in a traditional eatery. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, looking for an out-of-the-box anniversary date idea or anything in between, this one-of-a-kind culinary event led by an expert in the hibachi world is sure to impress!

3. Yuzu Fruit

According to Healthline, this small, pebble-skinned fruit helps reduce inflammation and promotes heart health. It also packs a powerful antioxidant-and-vitamin one-two punch for its size, similar to a mandarin.

This power fruit can also be found in juice and jams, as well as in whole form in grocery store produce sections. And with a taste profile more sour than citrus, it can easily replace lemons and limes for a tangy kick in all sorts of recipes, from salads to desserts. Look for it to become a prominent superfood as the new food trends of 2025 rollout. 

We Recommend: 

• What is yuzu? Learn even more about this unique fruit by reading our in-depth guide.
• Incorporate this delicious ingredient into your cooking by trying a recipe like ponzu sauce with yuzu juice.

4. Asian Sweets 

Thanks to the global reach of the Internet, Asian candies and sweet treats have come to the forefront and gained popularity even among those who have never been to the continent. As a major food trend in 2024, the popularity of Asian-inspired sweets is predicted to continue as a food trend through 2025. 

2024 snack trends in food notably saw domestic viral treats like peelable mango and banana gummy candies from Walgreen’s Nice! hit the scene. This viral product alone helped American retailers introduce Korean foods into the mainstream and set the path for a continuation of this sweet trend into 2025.

Viral exposure on TikTok for delights like Hwachae, a sweet Korean fruit punch, and tanghulu, fresh fruit encased in a transparent sugar shell, has additionally forged a cultural bridge that shows no signs of slowing down. 

Neighborhood Asian markets and the handy listings found on Amazon mean finding a selection of Asian-inspired goodies to sample is a simple task. And with crossover creations like mochi donuts and desserts featuring flavors like matcha and yuzu showing up in restaurants and bakeries around the country, the coming year should be an era of sweet discovery. 

We Recommend: 

• Whip up some Asian-style sweets in your own kitchen by trying delightful recipes like strawberry mochi, Japanese fruit sandwiches or mochi donuts.

5. Korean Barbecue and Beyond 

Expect barbecue food trends in 2025 to borrow the best bits from a range of Asian cuisines. Expanding our domestic barbecue palate, flavors from Thai, Chinese and Korean BBQ — also known as Asian grills — will be lending their magic to traditional barbecue options in the coming year.

Regional spice profiles with smoky, fragrant and peppery notes from Asia will be rising in popularity. Remember the Chinese BBQ obsession of 2023 when the small town of Zibo in China became the focus of TikTok for its enviable barbequing culture? Well, look for an uptick in Korean and Thai barbecue techniques in 2025 to add some exciting Asian flavors to your usual barbecue sensibilities. 

Add the spicy, salty and sweet Korean gochujang paste to your meat as an earthy marinade or try the Thai technique of braising chicken wings in a punchy broth overnight before drying them off and getting some smoke through them on the barbecue.

We Recommend:

• If you live in a barbecue haven, local chefs can even help you sort out fusion flavors blending classic American barbecue with international flare. Check out cooking classes in St. Louis or cooking classes in Denver for a start.
• And while you're at it, why not up your cutlery collection for the best knives to slice and serve your favorite barbecue options? We recommend the Cuisine::pro Sabre 9-Piece Knife Block Set or Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Cutlery Set.

6. Peppers and Hot Flavors

Expect peppers of all shapes, sizes and heat profiles to get things sizzling in the coming year with this next food trend. Peppers and other hot flavors will be making appearances in snacks, exotic condiments and exciting seasonings; so if you don't know how to eat hot peppers, now's the time to learn

As well as ever-increasing types of hot sauce available, don’t be surprised to see adventurous flaming hot flavors expand beyond chips and popcorn. Inspired by the chiles of the world, look out for dishes using the Caribbean’s Habanero and Thailand’s prik kee nu chile, among other varieties. 

Fast food outlets, food trucks and even home cooking options will have their own spiced-up versions of hot offerings as a food trend for 2025. So why not seek out chile versions of mac and cheese, peanut butter, cinnamon rolls and, of course, trending cocktails like the Picante. Expand your world foods intake by sampling traditional chile dishes, too, such as Malaysian laksa and blackened pineapple chow from Trinidad and Tobago.   

We Recommend:

• If you want to crank up the heat in your own recipe rotation, connect with a local chef to learn how to create some delicious spicy recipes. From cooking classes in Napa to cooking classes in NYC or Toronto, there’s guaranteed to be a chef near you to help you take advantage of this spicy food trend.
• Find out more about the global evolution of our love affair with chiles, including how to try the swicy food trend for 2025.

7. Sake

Spirit fans will have something new to enjoy in 2025 with a continued increase in the presence of sake, a Japanese rice wine, on the food and drink scene.

This food trend can be seen in various forms, with more sake options in bars, restaurants and liquor stores, plus the introduction of sake-based cocktails and sake tastings in higher-end bars and eateries. In addition to the old-fashioned sake swigs, modern spins like sparkling sake and flavored variations expand this food trend to reach a wider swath of beverage lovers. 

In fact, the Japanese sake market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% each year from 2024 through 2025 and into 2032 according to Expert Market Research. This growth will amount to a market worth an estimated 1.67 billion USD by 2031. The trend began around 2022, when approximately nine million liters of sake were imported into the U.S. Around two million liters were imported to the U.K. in 2023 alone as well, showing the global reach of this beverage trend. 

Sake isn’t the only Japanese beverage you might be seeing more of in 2025. The Japanese whiskey market is set to continue expanding through to at least 2027, with an estimated growth of USD 614.15 million between 2022 and 2027 according to Technavio. So if sake isn’t your thing, there’s a good chance a great selection of Japanese whiskey will also be available near you this year! 

We Recommend: 

• Amp up the fun at your next event by serving sake bombs!
• Incorporate this beverage and food trend into your savory recipes, trying something like flavorful sake salmon.

Rustic and Rural

8. Eating the Seasons

Seasonal eating is already popular among high-end restaurants where farm-to-table rules the menu and selections change from week to week. While seasonal eating has somewhat made its way into the general market already, this food trend is set to become even more popular among individual consumers in 2025 and beyond. 

Farmers markets with in-season goods and produce subscription boxes will provide regional specialties for the season provided at the peak of freshness, often grown under organic and planet-friendly conditions. A move to growing food at home and making the most of nearby U-Pick offerings will play into the overall food trend as well. 

This hyper-local movement also provides a communal aspect to eating and lets nearby food providers shine in their element. Having access to food grown nearby and delivered in season means a more direct line from grower to consumer, with fewer miles between harvest and household.

We Recommend:

• Make the most of peaches when in season with these tasty peach recipes.
• Consult our guides on spring recipes, summer vegetables and fall produce to see what seasonal items you can be cooking with. 

9. Urban Farm Produce

Addressing the issue of urban food deserts, growing ultra-urban farm produce as a food trend in 2025 will bring fresh foods to places where it’s needed the most. 

With options for local community gardens, kitchen crops and home-based hydroponics, there’s a world of novel growing methods to be explored when enjoying this food trend — from rooftops to backyards to balconies. And every option provides critical access to healthy ingredients grown in responsible ways. 

We Recommend: 

• Even if you don’t have much (or any) outdoor space or access to a community garden, you can try your hand at growing your own food by growing a herb garden kitchen.
• Once you’ve got your harvest, there are a myriad of cooking classes near you to help you learn to create salads, sides and vegetable-forward dishes that sing with fresh flavor and goodness. There are also online cooking classes available that allow you to boost your culinary skillset from the comfort of your own kitchen.

10. Butter Boards

Butter is definitely having its moment in 2025 with various flavored butters and those with different kinds of dairy, such as goat butter, springing up in shops and restaurants. Some have even taken to eating it alone — although that’s an acquired taste for most!  

One of the less intimidating ideas to try to hop on this food trend is creating a butterboard. Inspired by a technique by Chef Joshua McFadden, butter boards are perfect for entertaining and serving a crowd, letting guests swipe bread, fried dough pieces, crackers or even crudités through the flavorful swirls of butter. 

You can go the sweet route with this food trend, opting for accompaniments like honey, fresh berries, dried fruits and jams. Alternatively, opt for savory with fresh herbs, chimichurri, crumbled bacon, roasted garlic or nuts. The combinations are limited only by your imagination.

11. Baking From Scratch 

The return of home baking gives food trends the lift required to rise above store-bought and bakery-made options. Home bakers are carrying forward the food trends initiated by the handcrafted sourdough upswell that took over kitchens during lockdown. 

Spurred on by the ever-expanding collection of reality television baking competitions, food trends for bakers include expansion into other specialty bakes. These include focaccia and croissants as well as fanciful, Instagram-worthy confections designed for maximum delight.

Whether it’s practicing artful decorating techniques on sugar cookies or learning the time-honored craft of handmade macarons, scratch baking lets handy chefs expand their skills while providing their families with the freshest treats possible. 

This is among the latest food trends that bring elements of the homesteading lifestyle to home cooks intrigued by the possibilities of turning their home kitchens into dream bakeries which often turn out higher-quality, simple ingredient bakes than what can be purchased in-store. 

We Recommend:

• Take some online baking classes to give your home baking skills a delicious boost.
• Use your sourdough starter to make something a little different like sourdough French toast or sourdough waffles.

12. Foraging 

Finding food where it grows adds a touch of wild mystique to the year’s coming food trends. This practice lets foragers comb local woodlands and nearby pastoral regions to gather wild-growing ingredients that can’t always be found in the produce section.

The awareness of hyper-local freshness, a return to nature-based eating and an interest in forage-forward creations by gourmet chefs has driven the popularity of foraging to an all-time high. Mushrooms, ferns, greens and seeds can all be had in natural lands around the U.S., and the focus on sustainability gives environmentally conscious eaters a chance to put their principles into practice with this out-of-the-box food trend. 

Simple versions of foraging like harvesting fruit and nuts from collective neighborhood green spaces and community gardens will give an ever-growing continent of foragers a chance to get in on food trends of a different nature.

13. Nordic Diet

Along with other Scandinavian lifestyle trends — how many of us know people who bought ice baths or took up cold water swimming in the last couple of years? — the internet is taking a closer look at the Nordic diet in a bid to increase wellbeing and longevity. This food trend celebrates tinned, smoked and preserved fish, plus fresh and preserved berries, herbs, root vegetables and whole grains.

When it comes to fish, we aren't just talking about the average can of tuna, either. Trendy tinned fish varieties connected to this food trend include octopus, squid, mussels, mackerel and beyond. You'll often find these selections preserved in sauces or with Nordic herbs like dill or juniper berries, or sometimes smoked. You may also find tinned fish courses cropping up at popular eateries, which you can sample on local food tours, such as food tours in NYC, Las Vegas or Chicago.

Not only delicious and accessible, tinned fish can also be a health-conscious addition to your pantry. Research suggests that following this diet can reduce chronic illnesses, improve heart health and promote a healthy weight. Seafood is a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well, with the types of fish featured in the Nordic diet being low in mercury as well. Adding more root vegetables, berries, seeds and grains to your diet additionally increases your dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

All in all, you’re sure to feel brighter and more energized following this food trend — and getting outdoors more, or “friluftsliv” in Norwegian, for woodland hikes, wild swimming and just enjoying the seasons can’t do any harm.

Influencer Power and Generational Shifts

14. Swedish Candy

Food trends introducing the tradition of Swedish candy into the mainstream are on the cusp of breaking even bigger in 2025. Brands like Bubs, Sweetish Candy and BonBon are helping these European treasures break through the American market with social media being a major driving force in their popularity. 

The most notable differences are the textures and quality of these Nordic novelties, features that may spoil U.S. consumers for domestic candy producers. Demand has become so great already, that there are wait times for receiving orders, as documented by TikTok users who share their discoveries and challenges around trying to grab viral Swedish treats. 

With such fervor for foreign sweets and treats ramping up, expect to hear more buzz about Swedish sugar in the year ahead. And don’t be surprised to find other providers stepping up to help push these current food trends for fun and profit.

15. Retro Drinks 

Drinks are taking a trip back in time as a food trend for 2025. Because of the challenging time many of us have faced in the first half of the 2020s, consumers are looking for comfort and nostalgia in their food this year, especially in relation to beverages. 

Childhood favorites and old-fashioned flavors that remind us of simpler times are making a comeback, and we are here for it. Drinks with candy fruit flavors like cherry, green apple and watermelon will bring a sense of carefree summer days, while drinks you haven’t had in decades, like ice cream sodas and Coke floats, will have you feeling like a big kid in no time.  

Though nuanced, complex flavors have made beverages feel upscale and exclusive more recently, these more direct flavor profiles with fewer bells and whistles are easier to recognize as familiar tastes. If there’s going to be any changes at all to these retro drinks, it’s that adding booze will create a distinctly adults-only version of these classics. Cheers!

We Recommend:

• Discover the Best Fast Food Milkshakes — from Shake Shack to Dairy Queen, indulge your inner child with this list of the best milkshakes on the market.
• Try some retro cocktails to take you back to the ‘70s, ‘80s and beyond — whether you were there the first time or not, enjoy a taste of the past with this vintage list, from a Grasshopper to a Manhattan.

16. Turmeric Beverages

Several studies, like Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health, have proven the curcumin compound in this umami spice to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. That makes it one of the healthiest seasonings you can have in your spice rack — not to mention delicious and incredibly versatile when it comes to drinks.

You’ll have noticed an uptick in turmeric’s use as a food trend for 2025, showing up in everything from turmeric lattes to morning lemon and turmeric water. Its slightly mustardy profile makes it an unlikely addition to drinks, but when paired with punchy flavors like ginger, tea and fruit, it becomes quite addictive. As a food trend in 2025, it’s going nowhere, with thousands of videos on TikTok celebrating its properties, particularly helping with acne, arthritis and mental health.

The latest trend involves adding turmeric to your favorite post-workout drink, giving you a great boost in energy and aiding with muscle recovery because of its anti-inflammatory properties. So next time you reach for that protein shake after the gym, consider adding a shot of turmeric, too, or even switching it for a powerful turmeric shot.

We Recommend:

• Sign up for a Health-Boosting Mocktails Cooking Class with Chef Angela-Michelle. This fantastic mocktail masterclass includes a golden saffron and turmeric milk flavored with cinnamon and honey.
• As a star ingredient in Indian cuisine, these dishes are a great place to start familiarizing yourself with turmeric's earthy flavor profile and how it can be used in recipes other than beverages. Get expert insight from world-class chefs at one of many cooking classes in Vancouver, cooking classes in Columbus or those in any other city near you.

17. Alcohol-Free Alternatives 

One of the most exciting beverage-based food trends of 2025 is the continued expansion of the zero-proof spirits movement. These clever little drinks present all the flavor with none of the alcohol, making them a perfect replacement for beverage lovers opting for less of a buzz in the new year. 

As Forbes highlights, many in Gen Z and millennials are consuming less alcohol than older generations — in its place are drinks that are just as delicious and experimental, but the focus is more on the experience of socializing together, not getting tipsy. Notably, the current no- and low-alcohol market accounts for an estimated 13 billion USD. Plus, with the total share of the no-alcohol market in the global alcohol market expected to grow to 4% by 2027 (CAGR of +6% between 2023 and 2027) according to IWSR, it doesn’t look like this beverage and food trend is going anywhere soon. 

Zero-proof spirits are available in various flavors that mimic their alcohol-based counterparts, such as juniper botanicals for a gin spirit and smoky, wood-aged versions to taste like whiskey. And they blend easily with your favorite mixers to become friendlier versions of familiar cocktails.

In 2025, add alcohol-free amaretto, Aperol, tequila and even blood orange marmalade “liquor” to your drinks shelf, as well as premixed mocktails that take the fuss out of mixing your own concoctions. It’s a fantastic compromise for the health-minded drinker and an inclusive way to jazz up parties, get-togethers or girls nights.

We Recommend:

• Mix up alcohol-free beverages at a Zero-Proof Mood-Boosting Mocktails Cooking Class. Join Chef Chris for a masterclass on combining juices, herbs and aromatics to create a teetotaler's beverage menu everyone can savor!

18. Kitchenware and Food Aesthetics 

Nothing changes faster in the world of food trends than kitchen styles; the new year will be no exception. Instagram-worthy kitchen makeovers that transform former farmhouse fashions into cute-and-contemporary cottagecore chic will bring in calming colors and cozy touches in every aspect, from cabinets to dishes and table settings.  

The easy availability of products online and the responsiveness of kitchenware companies allow shoppers to make style changes on the fly. Tailoring your dining room and your cooking space to suit a more comfort-oriented lifestyle provides a food trends-adjacent opportunity to refresh your décor and keep up with the modern movement.

Along with the changing kitchen food trends comes a rise in food styling, with social media inspiring a greater number of home cooks to add stylish plating and photo-ready design elements to their dishes. Engaging content continues to inspire burgeoning chefs to make their kitchen aesthetic match their cuisine. Expect to see more cozy cooking and cottage-core elements crop up as the year unfolds!

We Recommend:

• Make your kitchen cottagecore cute with some new kitchenware like a Pinky Up Noelle Ceramic Electric Tea Kettle, adorable Mrs. Anderson's Heart Design Rolling Pin or chic and functional Ballarini Bellamonte Oval Cast Iron Dutch Oven.

19. Pâtisserie Perfection 

Home bakers are stepping beyond the basic boxed cake and taking food trends into the realm of premier pâtisserie creations. Inspiration from online and social media bakers providing step-by-step instruction will keep sparking the imaginations of viewers who can’t wait to put their Kitchen Aid countertop mixers to their best use. 

There’s no shortage of digital content celebrating the rise of elegant desserts and European-style bakes bouncing around the Internet. Macaron mastery and classic pastry creations are the next-level step-up that lets novice bakers try their hands at something more special than the usual bars and tortes. Expect to see even more proud bakers showing off their creations and taking advantage of this food trend as the months roll on.

We Recommend: 

• Make the most of this food trend and learn to produce expert-level bakes by attending cooking classes led by pros whose passion for baking is deliciously infectious. Whether you go for online cake baking and pâtisserie classes or romantic date night cooking classes in Calgary or another city near you, you’ll end the session with new skills and high-end looking and tasting treats.
• Ease into the more complex recipes by starting with some simple yet sophisticated berry-topped lemon curd tarts or jump into the deep end by mastering the impressive but ever-challenging laminated dough (pâte feuilletée).

Plant and Planet

20. Culinary Upcycling

2025 is winding up to be the year of culinary upcycling. This environmentally conscious food trend involves cooking with trimmings, food scraps and other parts of fruits and vegetables that typically get tossed out (but don't need to be!)

Culinary upcycling is a great way to familiarize yourself with recipes that help fight food waste. This food trend can also expand your palate, allowing you to take advantage of the variety of flavors, nutrients and textures you usually miss out on with conventional food prep techniques.

You could also investigate businesses that are doing their bit for the planet by using fruit and vegetables that are deemed overripe or “the wrong shape” for stores. These businesses include Barnana for tasty and healthy snacks and Hungry Harvest for waste-free produce delivery. 

We Recommend:

• Get smart with making the most of your ingredients by taking a Sustainable Fare: From Root to Stem Cooking Class, allowing you to create delicious food with zero scraps.
• Find your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to take part in deliveries of locally grown farm products that can’t otherwise be sold on a subscription basis.

21. Climate-Conscious Foods

Sustainability will continue as an element of many food trends in 2025, just as it was a key food trend of the past few years. The availability of ingredients farmed responsibly with lower-impact growing methods will expand the movement in important ways.

Leading the charge: grains and other crops grown with concern for soil health, creating an easier environment for continued cultivation. Increasing interest in plant-forward dining will also carry forward the idea of environmentally friendly cuisine. 

Plus, the explosion of non-meat protein alternatives continuing into 2025 will highlight a desire for mindful options among the many food trends of 2025. Learning to prepare food this way may be an adjustment, but once you get started, you'll find the options are abundant.

22. Reducetarian Eating

As noted by Cambridge University Press, excessive meat consumption, especially red and processed meats, has damaging effects on our health and environment. Limiting your consumption of animal-based foods is at the heart of the reducetarian movement. 

Rather than going fully vegan or vegetarian, this food trend for 2025 embraces thoughtful moderation. It’s a great transition for mindful diners working toward a more environmentally conscious way of eating.

With incredible alternative meal options available in both ready-to-eat and easy-to-make forms, shifting away from animal food sources will be an easier, more delicious decision to make. If you're new to the movement, try this Korean tofu soup (soondubu jjigae) for an easy 30-minute meal.

23. Botanicals

When it comes to upmarket beverage flavors, botanicals are all the rage this year! Watch for the use of elderflower, lavender, juniper and hibiscus, among other natural floral flavors to add to the food trends of 2025. These delicate essences bring a fresh profile to drinks that supplant the need for added sweeteners.

Expect herbaceous and greener flavors to come forward as well, highlighting a cultural shift toward food and drink trends featuring more natural flavorings. Even familiar, earthy botanical spirits like amaro and absinthe will be seeing an uptick in the new year. 

We Recommend: 

• If you're feeling at all stumped on how to hop on the trend yourself, the five-star mixologists leading online mixology classes are happy to share their recipes.
• Give your morning coffee a botanical boost by adding homemade lavender syrup for coffee.

24. Mushrooms as Protein

Vegans and vegetarians may already know the power of mushrooms used in place of animal proteins. Thanks to food trends for the new year, a greater number of diners will discover the delicious range of mushroom-based dining reaching far beyond the basic baby Bellas and white caps. 

There’s already been an upswing in the market for plant-based meat alternatives worldwide, a mode expected to continue into the coming year. Incorporating portobello and other meaty mushroom types will expand the non-meat menu without compromising enjoyment. 

Thanks to creative work by clever culinarians, specialty mushrooms like oyster, lion’s mane and hen-of-the-woods provide a more Earth-based analog for recipes that mimic familiar dishes centered around beef, fish and chicken. Not only are they tasty and intriguing substitutes for traditional meats, but growing mushrooms for protein has a far less negative impact on the environment than animal farming as well. 

We Recommend:

• Whip up some recipes with mushrooms in place of meat as the star of the show. From portobello mushroom sandwiches and mushroom tacos to a fried oyster mushroom appetizer, there are many options to enjoy!

25. Milk Alternatives

There’s no stopping the surge of milk alternatives hitting the market and food trends for the coming year will see further growth and expansion into new sectors. From those with dietary restrictions to consumers looking for a planet-friendly alternative to dairy milk, the alternative milk market has never been more popular, reaching an estimated market worth of 43.6 billion by 2028 according to Markets and Markets. 

Beyond the usual cartons and bottles already flooding the market, including popular options like oat, almond and soy, new varieties of plant-based milk will take up space in 2025. Intriguing additions like banana, macadamia and even potato milks will take modern beverage and food trends into unique and tasty territory for anyone looking to switch from animal to plant-based milk consumption (or just switch up their usual plant-based milk choices). 

This food trend won’t only be seen on supermarket shelves though. Where coffee shops have previously added a surcharge for opting for oat, almond or soy in place of dairy, many establishments are forgoing the extra charge this year to keep the alternative milk customer base coming back for refills. 

Even big brands like Starbucks have introduced a broader array of oat milk beverages to satisfy the non-dairy crowd and attract plant-based eaters looking for something special to sip on.

26. Pasture-Raised Meat and Eggs

Following the pattern of many other food trends of 2025, those with the means to purchase pasture-raised meat and eggs may be interested in making the shift. The reason is multi-faceted: factory farms have fallen out of public favor over the past several years, with more consumers looking to purchase meat and eggs from small, local farms where animals are raised more ethically with plenty of space and natural diets.

There's also a health component. Compared to factory-farmed livestock, pastured animals are less likely to suffer dangerous bacteria outbreaks such as e-coli, staph or salmonella. Quality is also significantly higher; FACT reports that grass-fed beef contains less saturated fat, lower levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and higher levels of vitamins than grain-fed beef typical of a commercial farm.

There can be a premium to buying pasture-raised, but as many folks move away from meat-focused diets, they are more willing to pay for higher quality in smaller quantities. Give it a try with this churrasco steak recipe with fresh chimichurri.

Mind, Body and Wallet

27. Mindful Eating 

Mindful eating or conscious eating is a practice that is linked to mindfulness and intuitive eating. Eating mindfully means being fully present and aware of the whole experience of consuming food by paying attention to the emotional and physical senses involved. The approach involves being fully immersed in the experience, from thinking about where the food comes from before you start eating, to appreciating the smell, sound, texture, flavors and presentation of the food.

Notably, mindful eating has been shown to help people better connect with their bodies by recognizing when they’re full and fully valuing their food. With a move from the quick and indulgent girl dinner or 2023 and early 2024 to a more ‘demure’ way of living in late 2024, the desire to live and eat in a mindful way is set to be a major lifestyle and food trend well into 2025.

28. Clean-Label Simplicity

Clean labels with fewer ingredients will dominate as a food and drink trend in 2025. Many beverage makers will be doing away with artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Though this isn’t a new idea, the increased interest in health exhibited by consumers due to COVID-19 has brought it to the forefront.

This trend will affect soft drinks and colas as well, with vitamin-fortified and naturally sweetened versions of classic offerings being rolled out in the new year. Food products with minimal ingredient lists are also becoming much more in demand. Brands selling these back-to-basic food products without artificial colorings and flavorings or an extensive list of add-ins are expected to see upticks in sales throughout the year to come.

29. Alternative Pastas

Welcome back a favorite comfort dish as a food trend in 2025! Expect a push for healthier versions that bring a sense of culinary well-being, keeping all the comfort but adding some nutritional heft to your favorite pasta dishes.

It isn’t just Italian pasta making waves this time: international flavors from North Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey will be showing up in the new year. You’ll also see a turn toward healthier base ingredients, such as spelt, flax, lentil, quinoa and chickpeas. 

These grain and pulse pasta variants add more protein, fiber and iron than the carbohydrate-high traditional recipe. They’re also excellent alternatives for people who are going gluten-free.

We Recommend: 

• Add hearty toppings and sauces prepared with plant-based ingredients and you have a food trend for 2025 we can all get wrapped up in. To make your dishes even more delicious, become a pasta-making master by opting for local cooking classes with options across the country, from cooking classes in Orlando to cooking classes in Orange County and beyond.
• Make pasta-making in your own kitchen super nutritious by cooking up high-protein broccoli pasta.

30. Eating To Improve Gut Health

The microbes in the gut play an important role in keeping our bodies healthy. Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, gut health has been one of the major dietary topics with people taking various measures, from taking supplements to initiating diet changes to improve their gut microbiome.

To eat better for your gut health, try to have at least 30 different plant-based foods a week. An easy way to increase the plant foods in your diet is to switch up your snacks — for example, swap potato chips for plain popcorn and swap candy for dried fruit.

Another way to improve your gut health is to eat a good mix of prebiotic vs. probiotic foods. Probiotic foods and drinks like kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi and prebiotic foods, such as oats, apples, avocado and seaweed, help to improve digestive health which leads to a healthier gut.

31. Moringa as a Superfood

Medical News Today touts moringa as a source of numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B3, calcium and iron. It’s a healthful ingredient that aids in everything from treating mood disorders to reducing high blood pressure.

Leaves from this highly valued plant, also known as the drumstick tree, will be found in salads and used as teas as food trends in 2025 prove out. Though fresh moringa may not be widely available, a powdered version can be found in health food stores, perfect for including in shakes and smoothies.

32. Dietary Alterations Due to Changes in Cost of Living

There’s no denying the cost of living has altered the way the average shopper eats. Whether by pushing restaurant fans in the direction of home dining or forcing shoppers to trim their grocery lists, food trends favoring a more selective way of viewing food will be a must for cautious consumers. More and more, trimming expenses will mean opting to eat in rather than dining out.

Grocery prices will also continue to drive eating habits, with many already switching to the cheapest grocery stores to keep food costs down. Fluctuating costs of eggs, meat and other kitchen staples could create a shift toward more plant-based eating and a general reduction in portion size of the most expensive products. Produce items experience less up-and-down activity than other sections of the store, saving essential dollars while introducing a more health-oriented diet into U.S. homes. 

In addition, consumers will have the chance to expand their culinary repertoire while searching for substitutes for products that no longer fit into their budget. Whether using a lower-cost alternative to ever-costly olive oil or trying affordable tofu in place of continually higher-priced chicken, budget squeezes can see consumers’ ingredients and recipes expand outside what they are used to. 

Food trends around enjoyment of home indulgences are also likely to steer eaters to changes in habit like brewing coffee at home rather than entertaining increasing prices at coffee chains. Rather than viewing these changes as sacrifices, those who embrace food trends that save money will begin to see the alteration as a way to free up crucial funds for other necessities.

We Recommend:

• Discover alternatives for ingredients fluctuating in price, such as olive oil substitutes or egg substitutes for baking.
• Learn to create delicious meals with affordable proteins. Start with a tasty lentil chili or General Tso tofu recipe.

33. Eating for Illness Prevention

Another diet-based food trend for 2025 is eating in a way to prevent illness. The best way to prevent illness through eating is by having a healthy, balanced diet.

Research shows that people who eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit daily have a lower risk of developing some cancers and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, limiting foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar can help prevent diet-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes, along with conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

It is also important to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to prevent illness. For example, most people get all the calcium they require from dairy products but if you are dairy-free, it is a good idea to opt for calcium-enriched food and drinks to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

No matter what types of illness you’re looking to prevent, from the common cold to more serious diseases, eating for health and wellness is a food trend that’s well worth exploring.

A lot of thoughtful, exciting additions to the food world will be making their way into our dining habits this year. Why wait to sample the goodness? Don’t be afraid to jump in and try some of the new food trends of 2025, and see where the culinary road takes you. 

With a little open-minded experimentation, you’ll be ahead of the curve on the latest flavors and ingredients as we head into the new year! 

For more fun and interesting food trends, check out the other exciting offerings on Cozymeal.