It’s that time of year — the time when food enthusiasts and industry leaders try to predict the future and share their take on the upcoming year’s trends.
Top 2025 Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry:
- Global Flavor Combinations
- Specialty Ready-to-Drink Beverages
- Fermentation
- Ingredient Quality
- Upcycled & Sustainable Ingredients
- Protein-Packed Formulations
- Crunchy Textures
- Mood Foods
- A Return to Real Food
- Mini Is Big
1. Global Flavor Combinations
The heat is on. While spicy, tongue-tingling flavors have made the list a few years in a row, those flavors will gain a greater degree of complexity in 2025. Expect to spice things up with globally inspired seasonings, sauces, and condiments. But spice at the expense of flavor will begin to fall to the wayside. Foods that feature the fifth flavor sensation of umami will be in vogue, and flavors from South Asia and Latin America will become more prominent in consumers’ kitchens.
2. Specialty Ready-to-Drink Beverages
Who ever imagined water being “on trend”? Consumers now seek more from their hydration than what’s simply available. Specialty waters infused with electrolytes and antioxidants will continue to grow, and clear, protein-infused beverages will see increasing demand. Flavored coffees and teas with functional ingredients will also gain popularity, offering energy, clarity, and focus. Meanwhile, sugar and artificial flavors continue to fall out of favor, while innovative packaging, like pouches and unique shapes, becomes more common.
3. Fermentation
Fermented products are making waves. Food manufacturers are fermenting dairy by-products and plant-based crops to produce beneficial microorganisms like yeast, mold, algae, spores, and bacteria. Gut health is driving this trend, with pro- and prebiotics continuing to appeal to consumers looking for better digestive health.
4. Higher Quality Ingredients
Consumers want to know what ingredients are in their products, and more importantly, they want those ingredients to be of the highest quality. Quality can be defined in various ways, from ensuring ingredients are natural and nutritious to verifying their source. A recent report highlighted that a significant percentage of consumers prioritize ingredient quality when making food and beverage purchases. Quality is now recognized as one of the most important factors in consumer buying decisions, and while some ingredients appear natural on the surface, it’s important to verify any company’s claims.
5. Upcycled and Sustainable Ingredients
Awareness of sustainable and upcycled foods has increased. Consumers are more interested in efforts by manufacturers to support sustainable farming practices and protect the environment. Upcycled foods, which have been around for generations, are gaining popularity. For example, some by-products, once discarded, are now being repurposed into functional and nutritious ingredients used in a variety of products, such as sauces, meal replacement bars, protein supplements, and beverages.
6. Protein-Packed Formulations
Protein-packed foods are expected to rise in popularity. However, it’s no longer just about high protein content — the quality of that protein will be just as important. Consumers are becoming more discerning about the amino acid mix, digestibility, and bioavailability of the protein in their foods. Certain protein sources, like whey protein, are recognized as gold standards for quality due to their complete amino acid profile and superior digestibility.
7. Crunchy Textures
Crunchy textures are in. From crispy grains and granola to fermented nuts and mushroom chips, consumers are seeking ways to add light, crispy textures to meals and snacks. Some brands are introducing crunchier versions of popular favorites, while others are creating new textures with toppings or seasonings on dishes like salads and pastries.
8. Mood Foods
With increasing mental health awareness, the role of diet in sustaining a positive outlook is gaining attention. More food manufacturers are introducing products that offer mental health benefits, incorporating functional ingredients that provide essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Amino acids, such as L-tyrosine, which help produce dopamine, are finding their way into more food products aimed at boosting mental well-being.
9. A Return to Real Food
Another trend emerging is a return to real food. Consumers are increasingly looking for whole foods that are fresh or minimally processed, whether from the garden or the freezer aisle. While plant-based foods continue to grow in popularity, there is a desire for more natural food options. Consumers are paying closer attention to ingredient labels, scrutinizing claims about plant-based products that require significant processing and have a larger environmental impact than expected. Real, clean-label dairy products are gaining trust among consumers for their simplicity and lower environmental footprint.
10. Mini Is Big
Snack and beverage brands are responding to consumer cravings for small, convenient indulgences. Fun-size, on-the-go snacks, like bite-sized sweet treats and granola bites, will continue to be strategically placed in stores for impulse purchases. Consumers are increasingly looking for small, satisfying moments, and brands are catering to this desire with mini versions of their favorite foods, especially in beverages like ready-to-drink coffee drinks.
