3 food trends set to go viral in 2025.
What do mushrooms, black garlic, plant-based seafood, and non-alcoholic beverages have in common? They were 2024's heavy hitters when it came to food industry trends.
As we step into 2025, the culinary landscape continues to evolve, shaped by changing consumer preferences, economic factors, and social dynamics. Here are my top 3 predictions for the trends that will define food culture in the coming year.
1. The Rise of Pistachio Everything
Move over, almond butter! Pistachios are stepping into the spotlight, but not in their traditional form. No one's shelling a million pistachios to snack on anymore; instead, they're reaching for jars of silky pistachio creme to glob onto croissants, spread on pancakes, and incorporate into yummy sauces and dips.
What makes pistachios particularly exciting for 2025 is their perfect storm of attributes: they're incredibly photogenic with their bright green hue (hello, social media!), packed with nutrients, and offer a uniquely rich, buttery flavour that works in both sweet and savoury forms. From pistachio-based pestos to artisanal desserts, this versatile nut is set to become the star ingredient in professional and home kitchens alike.
2. The New Era of Home Entertaining
As the cost of living continues to rise and dining out becomes increasingly expensive, we're seeing a real change in how people socialise around food. Restaurant visits, with their mounting service fees, surcharges, and menu prices, are transforming from regular occurrences into special occasion only ventures. But this economic pressure hasn't dampened our appetite for memorable dining experiences – it's simply moved them into our homes.
Social media has catalysed a creative revolution in home entertaining. Monthly supper clubs, weekend "home cafes," and themed dinner parties are becoming the new normal. These gatherings go beyond simple, featuring handwritten menus and placecards, thoughtful tablescaping, collaborative cooking sessions, and recipe exchanges. The trend proves that memorable dining experiences don't require a restaurant setting – they just need good food, creativity, and great company.
3. The Pantry Renaissance
Remember when tinned sardines became an unlikely style icon in 2024, appearing on everything from earrings to notebooks? This quirky moment points to a broader trend: the renaissance of pantry staples. In response to economic pressures, consumers are rediscovering the value of shelf-stable products, appreciating their affordability and longevity.
Clever brands are capitalising on this shift, investing in updated and innovative packaging design to transform once-boring staples into Instagram-worthy products. This trend sees brands reimagining how we view everyday ingredients and making budget-conscious cooking more appealing.
Looking Ahead
These trends reflect broader shifts in how we think about, prepare, and share food. They show us adapting to economic challenges while maintaining our love for culinary creativity and community.
Do you have any food industry trends that you think might take off in 2025? I’d love to hear!