Food industry trends for 2025 and beyond 

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

By embracing new food industry trends, you 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 major food trends — from sustainable packaging to rising demand for locally sourced products — so you can act faster.

TL;DR: Food industry trends in 2025

The future of food is being shaped by sustainability, innovation, and changing consumer values as shoppers prioritize health, transparency, and convenience.

• Plant-based and lab-grown meat: Meat alternatives go mainstream, appealing to flexitarians and omnivores alike.
• Sustainable packaging: Eco-friendly and biodegradable materials replace single-use plastics.
• Rise of pantry staples: Longer shelf life and affordable options meet home-cooking habits.
• Nutrient-dense foods: “Food as medicine” drives growth in functional and nutraceutical products.
• Locally sourced produce: Consumers demand freshness, traceability, and support for local suppliers.
• Next-gen food tech: AI and automation improve supply chains, personalization, and product safety.

Key takeaway: The future of food blends transparency, sustainability, and smart technology. Brands that deliver on all three will win consumer trust and long-term loyalty.

The role of consumer behavior in food trends

Food trends don’t appear out of nowhere. They start with what consumers actually want and are willing to pay for. Right now, three behaviors are driving every major shift in the market:

1. Health comes first. Eco-consciousness, ethical concerns, and healthy eating are driving purchase decisions like never before. Innovations in taste, texture, and variety made plant-based alternatives realistic enough that non-vegetarians now drive demand. Buyers expect these foods to be readily available on shelves and menus, not hidden in specialty aisles

2. Sustainability and transparency. Sustainability is now the baseline, and consumers want proof that brands are reducing waste. That means traceability, clean labeling, transparent sourcing, ethical practices, and certifications. Businesses that don’t prioritize these quickly lose trust.

3. Speed without sacrifice. Time matters, and consumers will pay for convenience — but not at the expense of quality. With delivery apps and healthy meal options multiplying daily, brands must keep pace or lose customers to faster, more accessible competitors.

These behaviors shape the six trends below. Let’s look at what drives them, so you can spot patterns earlier and make smarter product decisions before your competitors do.

What are the top food trends for 2025?

For F&B teams, these trends are more than just market shifts: they set the tone for what customers expect. By spotting patterns early and responding quickly, you’ll move faster when priorities shift.

Trend #1: Plant-based and cultured meat break through

Plant-based and cultured meat alternatives are entering mainstream grocery stores and restaurant menus. What was once a category for committed vegetarians now appeals to flexitarians and omnivores seeking sustainable options without compromising on taste.

What’s driving it: The global plant-based food market was projected to reach $77.9 billion in 2025, with forecasts showing it’ll more than double — surging to $162 billion — by 2030.

The lab-grown meat (also known as cultured meat) market is expected to reach $1.99 billion by 2035. Three factors fuel this growth: technological advancements improving taste and texture, a growing focus on animal welfare, and increased demand for alternatives to conventional meat production.

What it means: Blended products work best. By combining familiar flavors with plant-based ingredients, they reach and appeal to both flexitarians and omnivores alike. Consumer acceptance is growing fast, fueled by health and environmental concerns.

Our research shows what it’ll take for people to buy vegan.

Examples in action:

Redefine Meat uses proprietary 3D printing technology to create whole cuts of plant-based beef, pork, and lamb by precisely layering “muscle,” “fat,” and “blood” ingredients. Project Eaden takes a different approach, using fiber-spinning technology inspired by the textile industry to create edible protein fibers that mimic the texture of animal meat. Both companies target consumers who want sustainability without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Dutch retail giant Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain, rolled out 15 blended products in 2025, combining meat and dairy with plant-based ingredients such as faba and butter beans. The products — including sausages and deli meats — launched at the same price as conventional options, proving hybrid products can compete on both taste and affordability.

Key takeaway: Target flexitarians with blended products that deliver familiar taste and texture. Price competitively to remove barriers to trial.

Trend #2: Packaging turns green for good

Sustainable packaging is evolving from nice-to-have to the bare minimum. Consumers are demanding action on environmental responsibility, and governments are backing them up with regulations that restrict single-use plastics.

What’s driving it: A McKinsey survey found that roughly half of consumers will pay more for eco-friendly packaging. Concern about ocean litter has intensified, pushing sustainability from differentiator to baseline expectation.

What it means: Sustainable packaging can improve brand trust and loyalty. But materials alone aren’t enough. Consumers want clear proof that packaging is genuinely lower-waste and easy to dispose of. Brands that deliver both credibility and functionality will stay ahead of rising regulation.

Examples in action:

Notpla is pioneering seaweed-based packaging that biodegrades in weeks instead of centuries. The UK startup’s products — including sachets, films, and cups — have been trialed with major foodservice operators. Using brown seaweed with rapid growth rates, their materials dissolve naturally without leaving microplastics behind.

Cirkla launched the world’s first molded fiber Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) trays in January 2025, reducing plastic content by 85%. Made from sugarcane bagasse and other plant fibers, the trays maintain oxygen and water vapor resistance necessary for preserving meat, poultry, and seafood while integrating into existing manufacturing lines.

Key takeaway: Combine biodegradable materials with practical functionality that meets both consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

Trend #3: Consumers are stocking up on pantry staples

Food waste reduction has become a priority, driving demand for versatile, long-lasting, and affordable options that simplify home cooking.

What’s driving it: According to a Kerry report, one-third of consumers choose brands with longer shelf life, while 81% cook more than half their meals at home. Stocking up on long-life foods like pasta, grains, canned veggies, beans, spices, and baking essentials means fewer grocery trips and less waste.

What it means: Long-lasting staples aren’t just practical, they’re premium. Consumers want versatility, quality, and value in formats that work for bulk buying. Position staples as both cost-effective and meticulously crafted, proving that shelf-stable doesn’t mean settling for less.

Examples in action:

Jovial Foods offers organic, gluten-free pasta and jarred goods that combine dietary accessibility with authentic Italian flavor. Their products — including glyphosate-free sauces, beans, and specialty grains — meet health-conscious consumers’ demand for clean-label staples that don’t sacrifice taste or quality.

POSHI makes shelf-stable marinated vegetable pouches in varieties like basil & thyme artichokes and oregano asparagus. These gluten-free, keto-friendly products deliver convenience without compromising nutrition, giving consumers ready-to-eat veggies that travel well and add instant flavor to meals. 

Key takeaway: Offer staples that work across multiple use cases — from quick weeknight dinners to intentional batch cooking — while emphasizing quality and shelf stability.

Trend #4: Food as medicine becomes the norm

The “food as medicine” movement has shifted from a wellness niche to a mass-market expectation. Consumers increasingly view nutrition as preventative healthcare, seeking foods that deliver specific health outcomes beyond basic sustenance.

What’s driving it: We found that 60% of US consumers actively look for health-supporting products when shopping. The global market for functional foods reached $92.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $106.9 billion by 2026. Six in ten U.S. consumers agree that food can be “as powerful as medicine.”

What it means: Health benefits must be backed by clear, simple communication. Consumers want to understand what they’re eating and why it matters. Products that target specific wellness goals — energy, immunity, digestion, mood — and have transparent ingredient lists win trust and repeat purchases.

Examples in action:

Yakult 1000 achieved over $1.1 billion in sales by 2024 with a probiotic drink that goes beyond digestive wellness. The product claims to alleviate temporary stress, improve sleep quality, and regulate intestinal function — positioning probiotics as multi-benefit solutions for modern health concerns.

Poppi turned prebiotic soda into a permissible indulgence, making gut health approachable through familiar flavors and low sugar content. The brand’s success inspired broader interest in fiber and digestive wellness, proving functional benefits can coexist with great taste and mass appeal.

Key takeaway: Target specific health outcomes with evidence-based ingredients. Consumers will pay more when products deliver measurable wellness benefits.

Trend #5: Locally sourced products are the new gold standard

Local sourcing has shifted from a niche movement to a mainstream expectation. Consumers now associate “local” with freshness, quality, and community impact — making it a competitive differentiator for brands prioritizing transparency and sustainability.

What’s driving it: 59% of Boomers and 45% of Zoomers prefer locally grown produce. Supply chain disruptions have made local sourcing more attractive, while consumers increasingly seek traceable food from known sources. Meat leads local demand, followed by seafood, bottled water, and baked goods. The rise of farmers’ markets reflects consumer preference for perceived freshness and environmental benefits.

What it means: Locally sourced products aren’t about geography. It’s about connection. Brands that highlight supplier relationships, sourcing locations, and the people behind their products build trust and loyalty. Shorter supply chains mean fresher products, reduced transportation costs, and stronger community ties.

Examples in action:

Amy’s Kitchen sources organic ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers to produce frozen and shelf-stable meals at scale. Its long-standing focus on transparent sourcing and vegetarian-friendly products shows how local supplier relationships can support both quality and mass-market reach.

Daily Harvest delivers chef-crafted frozen meals and smoothies using thoughtfully sourced fruits and vegetables for at-home convenience. The brand meets demand for premium, health-forward food while building transparency into its supply chain through clear ingredient sourcing and farm partnerships.

Key takeaway: Tell the story of your sourcing. Name your suppliers, connect products to their origins — consumers will pay more for products they can trace.

Trend #6: Smart technology is reshaping the food industry

Technology is transforming every stage of the food experience — from production to personalization. AI, automation, and data analytics are making operations smarter while delivering hyper-personalized experiences that meet modern consumer expectations.

What’s driving it: Eight in ten restaurant executives expect their AI investments to increase, with benefits like enhanced customer experience, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. The global food automation market reached $14 billion in 2024, with projections showing a 69% increase in AI and robotics use by 2027. Consumers now expect personalized recommendations, seamless ordering, and transparent information at every touchpoint.

What it means: Technology adoption isn’t optional — it’s now the baseline. Restaurant trends show that AI solutions help brands predict demand, reduce waste, optimize pricing, and deliver personalized experiences that drive loyalty and revenue.

Examples in action:

BetterBlends bills itself as “the most personalized restaurant ever,” using AI to generate custom smoothie recipes based on individual preferences. Customers answer questions about sweetness, base preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies — then the system creates tailored recipes, proving that personalization scales beyond recommendations into product creation.

Panera uses digital ordering and loyalty data to personalize the customer experience across app and kiosk channels. By learning from repeat purchases and preferences, the brand can surface tailored recommendations and offers that make ordering faster and more relevant.

Key takeaway: Use AI to personalize at scale. Technology that learns customer preferences drives higher satisfaction and repeat purchases.

Food trends 2025: Overview

Trend	Drivers	What it means for brands
Plant-based and lab-grown meat	Tech advances, animal welfare concerns, and environmental impact.	Develop blended products that compete on taste and texture, not just ethics. Target flexitarians.
Sustainable packaging	Consumer willingness to pay more, ocean pollution concerns, and regulatory pressure.	Invest in biodegradable materials. Communicate sourcing and disposal processes transparently.
Rise of pantry staples	Food waste reduction, home cooking habits, and economic pressures.	Emphasize versatility, shelf life, and value. Offer bulk options and multipacks.
Nutrient-dense foods	Health-conscious shopping, tighter labeling regulations, and overall wellness focus.	Make specific nutritional claims backed by evidence. Educate shoppers on ingredient benefits.
Locally sourced produce	Freshness priority, traceability demands, and community support values.	Highlight supplier partnerships and sourcing locations. Use storytelling to connect products to origins.
Next-gen food tech	Transparency expectations, demand for personalization, and efficiency needs.	Adopt QR codes, AI tools, and contactless systems. Use tech to improve customer experience.

How to use these trends in your business strategy

Spotting trends is one thing. Acting on them strategically? That’s another.

The brands that win don’t chase every trend. They identify which shifts align with their audience, then move decisively. Here’s how:

✅ Reshape your menu

Today’s food preferences go beyond taste and convenience. Consumers prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency, so 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

Use biodegradable, recycled, and even edible packaging. It’ll attract a larger 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, strengthening your supply chain, and 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 and AI-powered innovations like personalized food plans, app-based ordering, and efficient operations — all of which appeal to tech-savvy demographics.

The through line? Track what consumers actually care about, and use those insights to shape your strategy.

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

The brands that succeed don’t guess their way forward. They track actual consumer behavior, identify emerging priorities, and adapt fast. Sustainability, transparency, health — these aren’t buzzwords anymore. They’re non-negotiables shaping every purchase decision.

The six trends above show where the market is right now. But staying ahead means knowing what’s next.

Gen Z food trends shift fast. Restaurant trends evolve overnight. And what consumers want today will become table stakes tomorrow. Guessing costs time you don’t have and budget you can’t waste.

Attest helps you stay close to these shifts with fast consumer feedback, so you can pressure-test ideas and make confident decisions before you invest.

You bring the question. We help you deliver an answer that stands up.