Exploring Our Predictions For The Top 2025 Food Trends
February 2025
Each year, ofi employees attend Natural Products Expo West, the leading trade show for the latest in natural, organic, and healthy living products. With this year’s Expo West right around the corner, our team is rounding up what we believe are going to be the top food trends of 2025.
Gravitating Toward Global Flavors
Fusion cuisine and bold flavor mash-ups were previous trends, and this year, they will be returning in full force. Consumers want to taste the world without leaving their homes, though they also crave exciting dishes at their local restaurants as well. As such, we expect to see continued visibility for international influences in everyday foods like bowls, tacos, and snacks such as candies, dips, and nuts.
The Push for Probiotics
In 2025, wellness trends continue to be a focus, with gut health among the top. From beverages and snacks to supplements and more, the coming year will see a wide range of products containing probiotics to support digestion and even whole-body health.
Protein-Packed Products
Along the same lines as probiotics, high-protein breads, chips, drinks, and other options have recently seen increased popularity—and likely will continue to through 2025. Many consumers are moving toward higher-protein diets to achieve their wellness goals, and food manufacturers are thinking outside the box with incorporating protein into their products. Consumers will also notice resurgences of beloved staples like chickpeas, cottage cheese, eggs, jerky, and smoked salmon.
Seeking Sustainability
Over the years, sustainability has become not only a trend but also a sweeping movement. Consumers are increasingly supporting businesses that are reducing carbon emissions and minimizing food waste. In 2025, companies will continue embracing eco-friendly packaging, regenerative agriculture practices, and sustainable sourcing. Further, brands will continue to experiment with plant-based options that boast a lower environmental impact.
AI at the Forefront of Production
With AI technology continuing to evolve over the past year, expect to see food and beverage companies learning more about how they can best utilize it in 2025. Some examples of ways companies can leverage AI include flavor innovation, product marketing, and recipe development. AI is now capable of analyzing consumer preferences, predicting trends, and assisting in optimizing production processes.
Trend Takeaways
To summarize, 2025 food trends are all about bending the rules and pushing the boundaries of how food and drinks should appear or taste. Additionally, more consumers than ever are prioritizing their health, turning to functional foods to reap health benefits. Plus, sustainability and technology remain front and center, making innovation and production easier for teams and more enticing to consumers.
As you can see based on our trend predictions, it will be a powerful year for the beverage and food industry, and we’re ready to help you bring new ideas to the table. Interested in learning more about our cocoa, coffee, nuts, and spices offerings? Schedule a call with a trusted advisor, or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch with your team.
Curious about trends from previous years? Check out our insights.