Innovations in sustainability, technology and authentic culinary experiences are shaping the future of food.

These changes are changing the way we grow, cook and enjoy our food.

You can improve your Company’s market position by embracing the latest food trends and offering new solutions to cater to today’s conscious consumers.

This post will explore six food trends that are changing the game. From sustainable packaging to the growing demand for local products, you’ll be able to make better decisions and keep up with the ever-changing market.

Food trends and consumer behaviour

Understanding what consumers want is the first step to understanding food trends for 2025. These trends are shaped by consumer behaviour, purchasing decisions, and preferences.

To stay ahead, it’s important to monitor consumer interactions and influence the food business closely. Consider these factors when choosing which food trends to adopt or avoid.

• Plant-based dietsConsumers today are more health-conscious and eco-conscious than ever. Innovations in taste, texture, and variety have made it possible to create realistic alternatives to meat and dairy. Plant-based proteins have been around for a while, but the interest from non-vegetarians in meat substitutes is new. These foods are expected to be available.
• Transparency and sustainability: Today’s consumers demand ethical practices, certifications, and traceability. Businesses can satisfy modern consumers’ desire for sustainability by providing clean labels and transparent sourcing.
• Simplified Dining: Time is a precious commodity that tech-savvy customers are willing to pay for. If you ignore the need for flexible, quick dining options, you risk driving away impatient diners. With the increase of delivery apps and healthy food options, you are competing with more options.

What are the food trends of 2025?

The key food trends of 2025 will include a focus on nutrient-dense foods, pantry staples and next-generation innovation. There will also be a growing push towards plant-based lifestyles. Understanding food and beverage trends can help you stay competitive and adjust your offering. Here are the top six food trends for 2025.

1. Meat grown in a lab or from plants

The global market for plant-based foods will reach $77.9 Billion in 2025. Forecasts predict that this number will more than double—surging to $162 Billion—by 2030. The lab-grown or cultured meat market is projected to reach $1.99 billion by 2035. The market is being driven by technological advancements, an increasing focus on animal welfare, and a demand by both vegetarians and meat eaters for alternatives to traditional meat production.

Blended products will appeal to both omnivores and flexitarians. Plant-based meats are also becoming more popular as health and environmental concerns have contributed to their market expansion. Project Eaden, Redefine Meat and other companies are using 3D printing to mimic the taste of animal meat.

The key food trends in the US for 2025

Using our insights on the US food and beverage market, discover key changes to food buying behaviour in 2025.

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2. Sustainable packaging

As buyers continue to focus on long-term responsibility for the environment, sustainable packaging will remain one of the top food trends in 2025. McKinsey & Company’s survey found that about half of consumers were willing to pay more for eco-friendly packages, and their concern over environmental issues, especially ocean litter, had increased.

Startups such as Notpla are pioneering a new way to replace plastic packaging with natural materials like seaweed. This reduces the decomposition period from hundreds of years down to weeks.

3. Stocking up on pantry staples

Many people are now focused on reducing food waste, which has led to a demand for versatile, durable, and affordable food. According to a study by Kerry, a third of consumers choose brands that have a longer shelf-life and 81% cook more than half of their meals at home.

Stocking up on long-lasting foods such as pasta, grains, canned beans and vegetables, spices, and baking essentials will also mean fewer trips to the local grocery store. As people rediscover their love of cooking, there are many opportunities to promote pantry staples.

4. Nutrient-dense foods

Consumer health is more important than ever, and they are willing to spend a bit extra on healthier foods.

All age groups are becoming more and more interested in the idea that “food is medicine”. In 2020, 54% said that their food purchasing habits were based on nutrition. The global market for foods that are high in nutrients is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% by 2032. The nutraceutical industry is forecast to grow by 8.9% per year through 2028.

Food industry regulations are becoming more strict, pushing companies to adopt sustainable and healthier practices. Simple, clear marketing is a great way to explain nutrition benefits and communicate your brand values in a manner that reaches out to consumers. NutriScore, for example, uses colour-coded labelling in Europe to help consumers understand the nutritional value.

5. Locally sourced products are the focus

There is a growing global demand for organic, fresh, locally sourced food. In response, consumers are becoming more critical about where they buy their groceries. 59% of Boomers and 45% of Zoomers say that they prefer to shop for locally grown produce.

Locally and hyper-locally produced products have several advantages for food businesses: they are fresher, better support local suppliers, and have shorter supply chains. Sourcing produce locally, sustainably, and seasonally has become the gold standard in many restaurants that prioritize quality, authenticity, and naturalness.

6. Next-generation tech innovations

Thanks to new technologies, food and beverage products are safer, easier to manage, and more transparent. AI is having a significant impact on the food and beverage industry, improving product quality, optimizing supply chains, and driving innovation. The market is expected to reach $48.99 billion in 2029.

Adopting next-generation technologies will help you keep up with customer expectations well into 2025 by enhancing the quality of ingredients, offering personalized nutrition, and improving brand communication. Now, restaurants and grocery stores can use QR codes and AI tools to provide nutritional information, accept contactless payments, and communicate with tech-savvy customers.