give the health-conscious consumer something new to try.
As we enter 2025, the food and drink industry will revamp, focusing on customer preferences, sustainability, and culture.
Consumers seek more than just nourishment; they seek exciting experiences and a deeper connection with what they eat and drink.
Whether it’s the rise of functional beverages, cutting-edge techniques or blending tradition with technology, 2025 is set to change the culinary landscape.
These trends showcase a global palette committed to sustainability, health and innovation.
Join DESIblitz as we dive into the food and drink trends set to dominate 2025.
“Food is Medicine”
Consumer attention is turning further towards food ingredients and their health benefits.
Shoppers seek benefits from their food and drink and are more wary of ultra-processed items in their diet.
Many around the world suffer from diet-related diseases, which are caused by an excessive intake of harmful factors such as refined grains, processed meats, sodium, sugary drinks and trans fats.
They also consume insufficient protective foods such as fish, fruits, legumes, nuts, plant-based oils, vegetables, whole grains, and yoghurt.
This has produced a need for more information on nutrient-dense foods and easy-to-understand claims about key macronutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
The introduction of medications such as Ozempic, has also changed the relationship between food and medicine.
Ozempic is used to treat diabetes but has an active ingredient that can help with weight loss.
Brands have begun streamlining their health claims with content that appeals to those using these kinds of medications.
Crunchy Textures
Multi-sensory eating experiences have had an increased emphasis and will only become more prevalent in 2025.
One of the most popular ways to do this is to introduce diverse textures into food, especially a crunch.
Croutons, nuts, bacon, seeds, fried onions, crisps, and other ingredients often add a dimension to salads.
A meal with varied textures is also easier to digest and helps bring out more flavour in each component.
This notion of ‘adding a crunch’ is becoming increasingly popular with sandwiches, too.
The viral TikTok trend of the chopped sandwich involves mixing different textures of foods, chopping them together, and putting them in crunchy bread.
Many crave crunchy foods because they provide a sensory element that can lead to a more satisfying eating experience.
Zero Alcohol
There has been a general decline in drinking, with a more sober-conscious population and an increase in non-alcoholic drinks.
The non-alcoholic category is expanding due to higher demand and more innovation within the space.
Between 2022 and 2026, the projected volume increase of these products is set to grow by 25%.
A study shows that 82% of non-alcoholic drinkers also consume alcohol.
This suggests that there is more of a focus on moderate alcohol consumption rather than total abstinence.
Many major alcoholic brands have also launched 0% versions of their most popular products.
However, new, unique blends and infusions are more popular, indicating consumers want tasteful alternatives rather than complete replicas.
This is influencing the food and drink space as restaurants increase their mocktail menus, as well as a rise in non-alcoholic bars and events.
Alternative Protein
Protein is central to a healthy diet, and consumers are becoming increasingly creative by adding it to their meals.
One of the most popular ways this has changed is the introduction of plant-based proteins, which are only set to become more innovative in 2025.
With advancements in 3D-printed lab-grown meat and mycoprotein production through fermentation, brands are developing meat alternatives that closely mimic the appearance and texture of real meat.
These are also becoming more specialised to each consumer’s needs.
Technology is being developed that allows you to choose the specific ingredients, fibres, textures, plant-based oils and fats in your meat and dairy alternatives.
These alternative proteins are becoming the norm, especially for the younger generation, who tend to be more environmentally conscious.
Botanicals
Botanicals are a food and drink trend expected to become more common in 2025.
They are becoming popular in the bakery scene, where they are a new way to elevate flavours, embrace seasonality, and boost health.
Elderflower remains the most popular, but cherry blossom, lavender and rose are also predicted to become restaurant favourites.
Other experimental methods have involved unique blends of yoghurt, such as rose-infused raspberries and the inclusion of hibiscus flavours.
Bergamot, grapefruit and tropical botanicals are also set to come to the forefront.
Sparkling waters with hints of hibiscus or passionfruit and teas with lavender or lemon balm are perfect for consumers needing relaxation and rejuvenation.
These unique blends elevate a new taste to some long-loved classics and give the health-conscious consumer something new to try.
Buns and Bowls
The buns and bowls trend is about getting nutritious food options on the go.
Due to people’s busy lifestyles, buns and bowls are predicted to become more of a staple in 2025.
While traditional foods to get when out and about are things such as wraps, sandwiches and cakes, there has been a higher demand to try more innovative options.
Poke, Buddha, Acai Bowls and Chia pots have become more popular and provide an opportunity to be healthy and try new explosive flavours on the go.
Bao Buns can be filled with sweet or savoury ingredients, and they can satisfy the need for a snack or dessert.
Thus, they are versatile and perfect for on-the-go eating.
Bowls have also been seen to give the illusion of there being more food than there is. This helps with portion control and is the preferred dish for healthy eating.
Freeze-Dried Treats
In the past, freeze-dried food has been seen as an unappetising meal to have during backpacking.
However, with advancements in freeze-drying technology, this practice has become more efficient and affordable.
This has introduced a new era of freeze-dried treats that will dominate 2025.
From the TikTok viral company Sweety Treaty Co to cheesecake bites from Freezecake, these foods create a new sensory experience.
Freeze-drying removes all the moisture from the food, imparting a crunch, enlarging the food and concentrating its flavour.
With people craving new and affordable experiences every day, freeze-dried candy delivers on all fronts.
Friendly Fibre
As healthy eating comes to the forefront of consumers’ shopping decisions, an understanding of gut health has become paramount.
Only set to become more popular in 2025, the ‘Friendly Fibre’ trend explores nutrients that keep your gut healthy.
A great source of fibre is adding beans, pulses, nuts and seeds to your food.
Many have transformed their breakfast options by adding oats, chia seeds, flaxseed, walnuts, and pecans.
Another way to do this is to swap refined carbohydrates for whole grains, eat higher-fibre cereals, or consume cereals with less sugar.
This diet also includes switching out your snacks for roasted chickpeas, peas and higher-fibre crisp alternatives.
Vegetables rich in fibre include carrots, broccoli, beetroot, cauliflower, aubergine and skin-on potatoes.
High-fibre fruits include berries, skin-on apples and pears, figs and prunes.
Coffee Infusions
In 2025, the food and drink industry is set to see coffee evolving from a caffeine fix to a wellness enhancer.
As health-conscious consumers seek drinks that do more than just taste good, coffee is getting an infusion of superfoods and health-boosting ingredients.
Ingredients such as ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms are the leaders in this change.
They have transformed from items for health enthusiasts to ones available in the mainstream.
These adaptogens offer unique benefits and can be obtained in dried or powdered form.
Coffee blends promote mental clarity, lower stress levels, and boost the immune system.
Alongside this, probiotic-infused coffee has begun to make waves with those prioritising gut health.
The global probiotic coffee market was valued at £110 million in 2023 and is projected to reach £170 million by 2030.
Functional Fungi
Functional mushrooms are emerging as a leading contributor to overall well-being in this ever-expanding health and wellness industry.
Mushrooms have an abundance of diverse nutritional compounds.
One of the innovative ways they are being used is the mushroom coffee phenomenon.
It involves the integration of various functional mushrooms to replace or complement traditional coffee.
Beyond promoting a reduced caffeine intake, this trend highlights the mushroom’s potential to regulate immune function and enhance stress resistance.
Mushrooms have also been transformed into extract powder, which curates up to 10 types of whole-food mushrooms.
This helps to support energy levels and the immune system, making it a powerhouse that promotes overall health.
Condiment Craze
For years, dips and sauces have played a significant supporting role in the main dish.
But in 2025, they are set to take centre stage as they help people quickly and deliciously personalise their food.
These sauce trends from around the globe have gone viral on TikTok, including Chipotle’s viral vinaigrette, tzatziki, harissa, hoisin, ranch, and many more.
New flavour extensions like pickle and chimichurri have also been introduced.
Sweet and salty sauces also take centre stage, showcasing the desire for more complex taste profiles.
Alongside these is an increased demand for healthier condiments with natural ingredients.
Plant-based and vegan condiments help meet this demand by catering to ethical and health-conscious consumers.
This vast variety of condiments highlights consumers’ desire for authentic and diverse taste experiences.
Sea Vegetables
The sea vegetables trend is gaining momentum in 2025, underlining consumer interest in health-conscious purchases.
Sea vegetables, such as seaweed, sea moss, and duckweed, are rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, iron, magnesium, and protein.
Aquatic plants also have a lower environmental footprint than traditional crops, as they reduce greenhouse gases.
Sea vegetables are versatile and are being incorporated into a variety of food products.
Sea moss is used in drinks and gummies, seaweed has become a great snack, and duckweed has been explored as an egg alternative due to its protein content.
Major retailers are recognising the potential of sea vegetables, and this ingredient will be a significant growing trend in 2025.
South East Asian Cuisine
South East Asian cuisine has captured the hearts of many and is only set to become bigger in 2025.
Culinary forecasts indicate Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino cuisines are leading the list of trending dishes for 2025.
This greater exposure to these cultures has come through travel, media and a heightened interest in authentic dishes.
From a health-conscious perspective, many Southeast Asian dishes incorporate vegetables, lean proteins, and gut-healthy dishes like kimchi, which align with health trends.
Furthermore, using fresh herbs and spices and minimally processed food only adds to its appeal.
The popularity of this trend reflects the consumer’s shift to embracing diverse, flavoursome and healthier food options.
Back to Roots
The ‘Back to Roots’ trend reflects consumers’ desire to reconnect with natural and traditional culinary practices.
The cottagecore movement emphasises culinary choices favouring homemade, artisanal and comfort foods and drinks.
This trend celebrates heritage recipes and the authenticity of regional cuisine.
Consumers are engaging in gardening, foraging, and sourcing wild herbs.
This practice aims to provide fresh, organic ingredients, foster a deeper connection with nature, and help people become self-sufficient.
Alongside this is a preference for locally produced items and traditional farming methods, which ensure high-quality food and boost local economies.
Nostalgia plays a large part in this trend, with dishes like dump cakes and vintage fizzy drinks returning.
Foods in Pearl Form
In 2025, the culinary world is embracing foods in pearl-like forms.
Chefs use spherification techniques to create edible pearls using fruit juices, balsamic vinegar and flavoured oils.
These pearls, often called caviar, add flavour to appetisers, desserts, and cocktails.
Traditional ingredients like tapioca and sago pearls are also gaining popularity.
They are often found in desserts and in beverages like bubble tea.
Their chewy texture makes them versatile additions to modern recipes and helps them absorb flavours better.
Incorporating pearl-formed foods adds sophistication to these dishes and helps cater to the consumer’s desire for novel dining experiences.
It will be interesting to see what visually captivating foods this trend will create in 2025.
These food and drink trends reflect a dynamic range of innovation, cultural connection and sustainability.
From the rise of lab-grown proteins, the use of local ingredients and increased experimentation with botanicals, culinary boundaries are being redefined every day.
These trends highlight a shift in how we as a society view food as a vehicle for health and provide an exciting future for the culinary world.