Innovations in sustainability, technology and authentic culinary experiences are shaping the future of food.
These changes are changing the way we grow, cook and eat 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 a constantly evolving marketplace.
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 Diets:Consumers 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
In 2025, the global market for plant-based foods will reach $77.9 Billion. 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 an increase in demand for meat alternatives from both vegetarians and those who are not vegetarians.
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.
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 connects and engages 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 aware of where their food comes from. 59% of Boomers and 45% of Zoomers prefer to buy 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-gen technology can help you keep up with customer expectations beyond 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.
The UK’s Key Beverage Trends in 2025
Discover key changes to the UK’s food and beverage market and get a head start on 2025.
How to use these trends as part of your business strategy
Staying ahead of consumer trends is important for the long-term survival of food and beverage companies. Follow these steps to position your brand in a rapidly evolving market.
Restructure your menu. Today’s food preferences are more than just taste and convenience. You’ll need to be transparent about your nutritional value and sourcing. Consumers are more concerned with sustainability and health. By highlighting this connection, vegetarians and non-vegetarians can be interested in the connections between locally sourced products, nutrient-dense foods, and plant-based protein. Combine these factors with competitive prices to offer value-based choices for conscious consumers.
Choose eco-friendly packaging: No one wants to be guilty when they order takeout. Consider biodegradable packaging, recyclable or even edible. This will not only make your cheat day treatment more appealing but also attract eco-conscious consumers.
Change up the grocery store’s offerings: Meet customer expectations by stocking up on health foods and pantry staples that last a long time. Engaging local producers can help you establish a strong presence in the market and contribute to a healthier world.
Use next-gen tactics for marketing: By leveraging new technologies, you can personalize marketing and adapt your approach to changing consumer attitudes. You can, for example, enhance the dining and shopping experience with QR menus and AI-powered innovations such as personalized food plans and app-based ordering. These all appeal to tech-savvy audiences.
What Attest can do to help you track food trends
Food trends are constantly changing and are driven by consumer preferences and tastes. You need to be able to make informed decisions based on reliable and current consumer data.
Attest provides businesses with the tools they need to understand their customers. You can access insights from more than 150 million consumers in 59 different countries. This will help you to identify trends and act confidently.
Why wait until your competitors set the pace? With actionable market research, you can make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
