Latest Food Trends Predictions for 2025: Top 11 Food Fads to Watch Out For
Top Food and Drink Trends for 2025 Unveiled
In the ever-evolving world of gastronomy, 2025 promises a fascinating blend of visual appeal, functional benefits, and flavor innovations. Here are some of the key trends expected to shape the culinary landscape.
The Rise of the Mega Sandwich Shop
Sandwich Sandwich, a renowned name in the industry, is set to open the biggest sandwich shop in the UK, located in London's Fenchurch Street, come 2025.
London's Gourmet Hot Dog Revolution
The capital city is witnessing a hot dog revolution, with establishments like Engel offering German sausages smothered in truffle mayo, gruyere, fig jam, and crispy onions. Jason Atherton's Hot Dogs by Three Darlings at Harrods also serves gourmet hot dogs, such as The Texican, topped with guacamole, chipotle, and tortilla chips.
The Emergence of Bookshop Bars
Bookshop bars, a unique blend of a bookshop, cafe, library, and bar, are gaining popularity. These establishments often ban laptops and wi-fi after 5pm, instead offering events, readings, and happy hour drinks. Examples include Liz's Book Bar in Brooklyn, Golden Sardine in San Francisco, Gulp Fiction in Oxford, BookBar in Finsbury Park, and The Last Bookstore in Glasgow.
The Global Craft Movement of Makgeolli Producers
A craft movement of independent makgeolli (rice wine) producers is emerging globally. Notable names include Yunguna Brewery in Copenhagen, Hana Makgeolli in New York, and Rainbrew in Seattle.
The Return of Pimped-up Instant Noodles
Thanks to a TikTok trend, pimped-up instant noodles are back in vogue. Recipes range from simple garlic, butter, egg, and soy sauce versions to ramen carbonara made with ultra-spicy Korean Buldak noodles. Instant noodle sales have reportedly risen by 50% on UK grocery group Ocado's website.
The Korean Rice Spirit Soars in Popularity
In the UK, sales of Jinro soju, a Korean rice spirit, have soared in 2024 and it's now stocked at Sainsbury's and Ocado.
Crisps Take Centre Stage on London Restaurant Menus
Crisps are becoming a popular snack on London restaurant menus, with establishments like Oma/Agora, Toklas, July, and Leydi serving gourmet versions.
The Rising Popularity of Milan's De Santis Paninis
Milan's legendary De Santis paninis are also arriving in London.
Searches for Exotic Toppings on the Rise
Searches for toppings such as chilli oil, nori, and crispy onions are also up on social media.
The Pistachio Craze
Pistachios are making a splash in the food and drink scene. Caffe Paradiso in Boston mixes up pistachio martinis, and Fix Dessert Chocolatier's Can't Get Kanefeh It pistachio chocolate bar became a viral TikTok sensation in 2024. Waitrose has seen a 19% increase in searches for pistachios and offers new products like a pistachio-stuffed croissant and a pistachio tiramisu.
Seaweed: The New Superfood
Whole Foods Market predicts seaweed varieties such as sea moss and duck weed as increasingly popular ingredients in 2025, touted for their health benefits and sustainable credentials. Sustainable Welsh seaweed farm Câr-Y-Môr now offers seaweed ketchup, pesto, and spice mixes. Chefs are embracing seaweed, with Tomos Parry using Câr-Y-Môr sea kelp in his famous crab omelette at Mountain, and Simon Rogan's Aulis serving seaweed custard with tendons, Scottish girolles, and roasted beef broth.
Limoncello: The Citrus Star
Limoncello cocktails are appearing on menus everywhere from The Dorchester hotel in London to the Big Mamma group of Italian restaurants and Wetherspoon's pubs. UK supermarket chain Waitrose also included limoncello in its Christmas range.
Cold Noodles, Tropical Fruits, and Mocktails in Warmer Seasons
In warmer seasons, expect to see a rise in the popularity of cold noodles, tropical fruits, and mocktails.
Clarified Cocktails: The Clear Winner
Clarified cocktails, completely clear mixed drinks that have had their impurities and solids removed, are trending globally, with examples like the ghosted colada and the gamble.
The Backlash Against Ultra-processed Foods
There's an increased consumer interest in the backlash against ultra-processed foods and reformulation for health.
The Impact of Global Events and Social Media Dynamics
The impact of political instability, climate change, and new pharmaceuticals (like GLP-1 drugs) are shaping consumer choices and product formulations. Integration of technology in agriculture is also affecting supply chains and innovation in food production.
Sustainable Seafood and Upcycled Ingredients
Health and nutrition remain central, with consumers balancing desires for indulgence and functional benefits, while supply chain challenges and sustainability continue to influence food sourcing and innovation. Ingredients leading the trends include byproducts from wine and yogurt upcycled into high-value ingredients, and a focus on greener food futures, including regenerative agriculture and upcycling.
The UK's Supercharged Sandwich Scene
In the UK, supercharged sandwiches are gaining popularity, with restaurants like Sandwich Sandwich, Rogue Sarnies, Dom's Subs, Fat Pat's, and Silver's deli leading the trend.
[1] Source: FoodNavigator-USA.com [2] Source: Mintel [3] Source: Packaged Facts [4] Source: Innova Market Insights [5] Source: NielsenIQ
- With the rise of sandwich shops, interior-design considerations will become more important, as seen with Sandwich Sandwich's planned London location on Fenchurch Street.
- As global cuisines continue to blend, there may be an increased focus on healthy food options, similar to the surge in popularity of Korean rice spirit, Jinro soju, and the new superfood, seaweed.
- Cooking enthusiasts might experiment with sustainable-living practices, such as upcycling ingredients like wine and yogurt byproducts, following the trend set by innovations in food production.
- Lifestyle choices such as global craft makgeolli producers popping up worldwide and the rise of bookshop bars indicate a preference for unique, immersive experiences beyond just food and drink.
- In line with the backlash against ultra-processed foods, home-improvement may extend to home kitchens, as people adopt home-and-garden practices like growing their own ingredients or creating spaces to follow new recipes they discover on social media.
