Emerging food trends are set to reshape our dining experiences as 2025 approaches, offering not just new flavors, but also reflecting changing consumer preferences focused on health, sustainability, and luxury.
The team of food and nutrition experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute has identified several key trends predicted to gain momentum, influencing what we will see on restaurant menus and grocery store shelves. Stefani Sassos, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, shared these insights during her appearance on "Good Morning America." Here are the top five food trends to watch for 2025.
1. Super Sourdough Beyond Bread
While sourdough bread saw its culinary renaissance during the pandemic, its versatility is expected to expand dramatically. Sassos noted, "Baking fresh sourdough bread at home went mainstream during the pandemic, but now the natural fermentation byproduct has become a key ingredient in things like crackers, baking mixes, and pastas." This trend not only speaks to the consumer's love of homemade goods but also to the nutritional benefits sourdough offers. Sourdough contains lactic acid, which can aid the absorption of nutrients, and its prebiotic properties promote gut health.
2. The Staying Power of Protein
Protein continues to dominate as the go-to macronutrient, reflecting consumers’ growing awareness of its health benefits. Sassos highlighted how the dairy aisle is reinvention itself with rising stars like farmer's cheese and cultural products such as labneh. "Protein plays a pivotal role in building and repairing muscle, balancing hormones, and regulating our immune system," Sassos explained. This revival indicates consumers are seeking not just protein-rich diets but also innovative ways to incorporate more protein through diverse dairy options.
3. Upcycled Ingredients Reign Supreme
The movement to use neglected or surplus food products is gaining traction, driven by environmental concerns. According to the Department of Agriculture, nearly 40% of food produced in the U.S. is wasted. Sassos urged consumers to embrace the notion of upcycled foods, saying, "Utilizing foods perfectly safe to eat but otherwise tossed aside is being embraced across grocery aisles, from snacks to cereals." She highlighted various products, including caffeinated protein bars created from upcycled coffee fruit.
4. Elevated Water
With the health beverage market booming, consumers are increasingly seeking drinks packed with functional benefits. Sassos noted, "Consumers are thirsty for beverages with health benefits, like added electrolytes, vitamins and antioxidants." She pointed to innovative options like Pricklee’s cactus water—natural and rich in electrolytes and vitamin C—and flavored sparkling waters as indicative of this trend. This signals not only changing hydration preferences but also consumers' desire for drinks to do more than simply quench thirst.
5. Luxury Produce
The emergence of luxury produce reflects how consumers are willing to splurge for exceptional quality. Sassos remarked, "High-end fruits are popular in Japanese gifting culture, and we’re seeing this idea gaining traction in the U.S." With examples like the $20 Oishii strawberries and Fresh Del Monte Pinkglow Pineapples, high-quality fruits could become not only delicious treats but also symbols of status and indulgence.
So, what can consumers expect moving forward? With the confluence of sustainability, health consciousness, and the penchant for luxurious culinary experiences, the food industry is on the cusp of significant transformation. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute continue to work on tracking and identifying trends, ensuring consumers stay informed about what to expect and how to adapt their diets for health and enjoyment.