The food scene in 2025 is all about bold flavours, global inspiration, and a deeper connection to sustainability and health. From Spanish delicacies to indulgent nostalgia, here’s what’s making waves this year:
• Asian Flavours Dominate – Expect more Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese influences.
• Spanish Cuisine Takes Centre Stage – Beyond paella, regional Spanish dishes are taking the spotlight.
• Pistachio Power – This nut is taking over desserts, pastries, and even chocolates.
• Authentic World Flavours – From Cajun to Greek, consumers want global authenticity.
• Impulse Treats Evolve – The rise of “permissible indulgence” makes snacking more premium.
• Sustainability Matters More Than Ever – Consumers demand transparency and ethical sourcing.
• International Snacking Boom – Global twists on crisps, popcorn, and nuts are reshaping snacking.
• Crunch Factor – Texture is trending, from granola to crispy chilli oil.
• Nostalgia with a Twist – Childhood favourites are getting gourmet upgrades.
• Luxury Comfort Food – Think lobster crumpets and fried chicken with caviar.
Asian Flavours Dominate
The explosion of Asian condiments like chilli crisp, yuzu dressing, and miso caramel has paved the way for even bolder flavours in 2025. Filipino and Vietnamese cuisine are leading the charge, with dishes like pho, banh mi, and sweet char siu gaining popularity. Dumplings are also evolving, with a focus on authentic, high-quality ingredients. Whether it’s spicy Sichuan pepper or umami-rich soy sauces, these flavours are set to be everywhere.
Spanish Cuisine Takes Centre Stage
Spanish food is having a moment, and it’s going far beyond the usual paella. Foodies are diving into regional delicacies, with Basque cuisine, pintxos (small tapas-style snacks), and Spanish baking on the rise. San Sebastián is the epicentre of this trend, with its famous Basque cheesecake and bar-style pintxos inspiring home cooks and restaurants alike. Expect to see more authentic Spanish ingredients making their way onto supermarket shelves.
Pistachio Power
If 2024 was the year of matcha, 2025 belongs to pistachio. Bakeries and confectioners are going all-in on this rich, nutty flavour, featuring it in croissants, chocolates, ice creams, and even savoury dishes. The viral “Dubai chocolate bar” – filled with pistachio paste and knafeh pastry – has fuelled demand, and big brands like Lindt are jumping on board. Expect pistachio to dominate menus and supermarket aisles alike.
Authentic World Flavours
Consumers are hungry for authentic international flavours, and 2025 is delivering. Bidfood’s latest trends report highlights a growing interest in Cajun, Creole, Turkish, Greek, and Argentinian cuisines. With 55% of consumers looking for new food experiences, expect to see more deep-rooted traditional dishes, rather than watered-down versions. Soul food, in particular, is set to be a major player, bringing comforting, spice-packed meals to the mainstream.
Impulse Treats Evolve
Snacking is getting an upgrade as “permissible indulgence” takes over. Consumers want treats that feel luxurious but still fit a balanced lifestyle. Brands are responding with high-end chocolates, premium pastries, and artisanal sweet and savoury snacks. The focus is on sensory-rich experiences—think bold textures, deep flavours, and nostalgic favourites reimagined with a modern twist.
Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
With 60% of consumers aiming for more eco-friendly habits, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a demand. Ethical sourcing, lower carbon footprints, and transparent ingredient lists are now non-negotiables. Brands are stepping up by showcasing their sustainability credentials, but they’ll need to offer real proof, not just buzzwords. “Consumers want to know exactly how a product is made and the impact it has,” says Inga Klebanskaja of Euromonitor.
International Snacking Boom
Snacks are going global, with brands putting an international spin on crisps, popcorn, and nuts. Whole Foods Market sees this category as a “perfect place for disruption,” with nostalgic flavours and cultural influences shaping new products. Expect to see snacks like mango sticky rice crisps and chilli crunch edamame mix taking over supermarket shelves.
Crunch Factor
Texture is stealing the show in 2025. From crispy grains and sprouted nuts to roasted chickpeas and mushroom chips, the crunch trend is everywhere. Chilli crisp is evolving into even crunchier versions, while new seasonings are being designed specifically for their texture. Social media is fuelling this trend, with dehydrated fruits and candy going viral for their addictive airy crunch. Even drinks are getting in on the action—crème brûlée espresso martinis, anyone?
Nostalgia with a Twist
Nostalgic comfort food is getting a gourmet makeover. From deep-fried rhubarb pies with edible glitter to homemade cereal bars packed with premium ingredients, childhood favourites are being reimagined for an adult audience. Italian-American comfort food is also having a resurgence, with dishes like baked ziti and chicken parm making their way into UK kitchens, inspired by classic US films and TV shows.
Luxury Comfort Food
High-end twists on fast food are making waves in both hospitality and retail. “Think lobster crumpets, fried chicken and caviar—decadent pairings that just work,” says Caroline Chapman, menu creative manager at Egg Soldiers. Artisanal sauces and condiments are key players in this trend, offering a gourmet upgrade to everyday meals. Expect to see more indulgent specialty items like Crispy Chicken Skin Sambal and barrel-aged hot sauces hitting the market.
Final Thoughts
2025 is a year of bold flavours, indulgent treats, and a growing commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s discovering a new international dish, seeking out nostalgic comfort food, or embracing innovative textures, consumers are more adventurous than ever. One thing’s for sure—the food industry is in for an exciting year.
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