Food industry trends for 2025 and beyond 

The future of food is being shaped by groundbreaking innovations in sustainability, technology, and authentic culinary experiences.

These ongoing shifts are redefining how we grow, prepare and enjoy what we eat.

By embracing new food trends, you can strengthen your business’s position in the market by offering fresh solutions that cater to today’s increasingly conscious consumers.

In this post, we’ll explore six game-changing food trends — from sustainable packaging to rising demand for locally sourced products — equipping you to make informed decisions and stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.

Understanding the latest food trends in 2025 starts with understanding what consumers want. Their behavior, preferences and purchasing decisions play a critical role in shaping and driving these trends.

Keeping a pulse on how consumers interact with and influence the food industry is essential to staying ahead. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding which food trends to embrace or avoid:

  • Plant-based diets: Consumers are more eco-conscious and health-oriented than ever. And innovations in taste, texture and variety have led to realistic alternatives to things like meat and dairy. While plant-based proteins aren’t new, interest in meat alternatives from non-vegetarians is. And buyers expect these foods to be readily available. 
  • Sustainability and transparency: Today’s consumers expect ethical practices, certifications and traceability. Businesses can satisfy the modern consumer’s desire for sustainability and waste reduction by ensuring clean labeling and transparent sourcing.
  • Simplified dining: Time is a valuable commodity that tech-savvy consumers are ready to pay for. Ignoring the demand for quick, flexible dining options risks driving impatient diners elsewhere. And with the rise of healthy food options and delivery apps, you’re competing for their attention with ever-more options.

Key food trends for 2025 include a focus on nutrient-dense foods, pantry staples, next-gen innovation, and the ever-growing push toward plant-based living. Understanding these food and beverage trends will help you adjust your offerings and stay competitive. Let’s take a closer look at the top 6 food trends in 2025:

1. Plant-based and lab-grown meat

The global plant-based food market will reach $77.9 billion in 2025. Forecasts project that number to more than double — surging to $162 billion — by 2030. Meanwhile, the lab-grown meat — or cultured meat — market is expected to reach $1.99 billion by 2035. This is driven by tech advancements, a growing focus on animal welfare, and an increased demand for alternatives to conventional meat production, by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

To capitalize on this trend, offer blended products that appeal to both flexitarians and omnivores. Consumer acceptance of plant-based meat is also growing, with health and environmental concerns contributing to the market spread of meat substitutes. Companies like Project Eaden and Redefine Meat are even using 3D printing to mirror the sensory experience of animal meat.

Key US food trends for 2025

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2. Sustainable packaging

Sustainable packaging will remain a top food trend heading into 2025, as buyers continue to shift their focus toward long-term environmental responsibility. A survey by McKinsey & Company found that roughly half of consumers are open to paying more for eco-friendly packaging, and concern for environmental concerns, specifically ocean litter, has increased.

Startups like Notpla are pioneering the use of seaweed and other natural materials to replace single-use plastics for packaging, reducing decomposition time from hundreds or thousands of years to a matter of weeks.

3. Reliance on pantry staples

Minimizing food waste has emerged as a top priority for many people, driving demand for versatile, long-lasting, and affordable food options. According to a report from Kerry, one-third of consumers are choosing brands with a longer shelf life, while 81% are cooking more than half their meals at home.

Stocking up on long-life foods like pasta, grains, canned veggies and beans, spices, and baking essentials also means fewer trips to the grocery store. With many people rediscovering the joy of cooking at home, there’s ample opportunity to offer promotions on pantry staples. 

4. Nutrient-dense foods

Consumers are more interested than ever in how nutrition affects their health, and many are willing to pay a little extra for healthier food options. 

The idea of “food as medicine” is gaining popularity across all age groups. Back in 2020, 54% of consumers said they based their food shopping habits on nutrition. With a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, the global market for nutrient-dense foods is expected to reach over $4 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, the nutraceutical market is expected to grow at a rate of 8.9% annually through 2028.

Stricter regulations are also pushing the food industry to adopt healthier and more sustainable practices. Simple and clear marketing can help explain nutritional benefits in a way that connects with consumers and clearly communicates your brand values. For example, the NutriScore system in Europe uses color-coded labels to make it easier for consumers to understand the nutritional value of food and beverages.

5. Focus on locally sourced products

As health and sustainable practices take center stage for millions across the globe, there’s a growing demand for fresh, locally sourced organic food. As such, consumers are taking a more critical eye to where their groceries come from shopping, with 59% of Boomers and 45% of Zoomers saying they prefer locally grown produce.

For food businesses, locally and hyperlocally sourced products offer several key advantages: fresher produce, stronger support for local suppliers, and shorter supply chains. Sourcing produce sustainably, seasonally, and locally has evolved from a trend to the gold standard for many restaurants that prioritize quality, naturalness and authenticity.

6. Next-gen tech innovations

New technologies in the food and beverage industry are making products safer, more transparent and easier to manage. AI, in particular, is making a notable impact — improving product quality, optimizing supply chains, and driving innovation — with the market projected to hit $48.99 billion by 2029.

Adopting next-gen technologies can help your business keep up with consumer expectations in 2025 and beyond, by enhancing ingredient quality, enabling personalized nutrition, and improving brand communication. Restaurants and grocery stores can now use tools like QR codes and AI to share nutritional information, offer contactless payments, and connect with tech-fluent customers.

Key UK beverage trends for 2025

Get a jump on 2025 with our insights into the UK food and beverages market — and discover key changes in food shopping behavior.

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How to leverage these trends in your business strategy

While staying ahead of consumer trends is challenging for food and beverage businesses, it’s essential for long-term success. By following these steps, you can position your brand as a leader in a rapidly changing market:

  • Reshape your menu: Today’s food preferences go beyond taste and convenience. Consumers prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency, so you’ll want to be open about your sourcing and nutritional value. Highlighting the connection between locally sourced products, nutrient-dense foods, and plant-based proteins can drive interest from vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Pair these factors with competitive pricing to provide value-based options for conscious consumers. 
  • Embrace eco-friendly packaging options: No one wants a side order of guilt with their takeout. Try looking at biodegradable, recycled, and even edible packaging. Not only will this make that cheat day treat even more palatable, but it’ll also attract a bigger audience of eco-conscious eaters. 
  • Mix up grocery store offerings: Meet buyer expectations by stocking up on health foods and long-life pantry staples. You can also establish a strong market presence by engaging local producers, which strengthens your supply chain while contributing to a healthier environment. 
  • Launch next-gen marketing tactics: By tapping into new technologies, you can personalize your marketing and adapt to shifting consumer attitudes. For instance, you can enhance dining and shopping experiences with QR menus, AI-powered innovations like personalized food plans, app-based ordering, and efficient operations — all of which appeal to tech-savvy demographics.

How Attest can help you track food trends

Food trends can change on a dime, driven by shifting consumer tastes and priorities. To stay ahead, you need more than just guesswork — you need fresh, reliable consumer data.

At Attest, we arm businesses like yours with the tools to truly understand your customers. Access insights from over 150+ million consumers across 59 countries, helping you identify emerging trends and react with confidence.

Why wait for your competition to set the pace? Get a clear, up-to-date understanding of your target audience with actionable market analysis that empowers you to make practical decisions that put you ahead of the pack.

Understand the food trends shaping the future to better connect with customers

Food trends are always evolving, offering renewed opportunities to excel in the food and beverage industry. Innovation, transparency and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the key ingredients of a future-proof strategy that drives growth and consumer trust.

By aligning your business with long-term preferences — think nutrient dense foods, sustainable supply chains and eco-friendly packaging — you can deepen consumer loyalty and boost your bottom line.

By leveraging data-driven insights, like those available through our market analysis tool, you can ensure your brand stays relevant and appealing to consumers in 2025 and beyond.

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Stephanie Rand

Senior Customer Research Manager 

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