As consumers increasingly seek healthy food options that are budget-friendly, premium yet affordable products, along with meals prepared at home featuring bold flavors, are expected to shape trends in 2025, as reported by Tastewise. Utilizing generative artificial intelligence, Tastewise analyzed data from 7.14 million consumers, 45 million social media posts, 6.3 million recipes, and 168 million dishes from 1.1 million restaurants to uncover consumer trends. The AI-driven report highlights that inflation has added an average of 6.8% to living costs worldwide in the past year. However, the research also indicates that consumers remain highly invested in flavor appeal.
Here are some key predictions for 2025:
Versatile Ingredients
Tastewise predicts that the most prominent spice trends for 2025 will include black lime and Hawaij. The latter is a Yemeni spice blend that may contain ginger, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, fenugreek, cinnamon, and nutmeg, delivering a warm, earthy flavor that complements pumpkin spice without being overly sweet. “Black lime’s tangy, smoky profile is perfect for savory dishes, stews, and marinades,” stated Tastewise CEO Alon Chen. Black limes are essential in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, produced by blanching limes in salt and then drying them until they become shriveled, brittle, and black. This method intensifies the fruit’s flavors for use in everything from stews and soups to chutneys.
Sustainability
A strong emphasis on environmental protection is also a priority for consumers. Brands that focus on sustainable water management, regenerative agriculture, and reducing their carbon footprints will thrive in this trend.
Hyper-personalized Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective. The rising demand for GLP-1 drugs reflects consumers’ growing obsession with “functional, wellness-driven choices” that not only assist with weight loss but also help regulate hormone levels and improve overall health. For instance, calcium citrate for kids is gaining attention as parents seek tailored nutritional solutions for their children.
Global Cuisine Comes to Main Street
American consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous with their food choices. Alongside Middle Eastern flavors, Filipino cuisine and Asian street foods are emerging as competitors to traditional burgers and fries.
Hydration
According to Chen, there has been a 12.8% increase in interest in functional hydration beverages and foods over the past year, with food companies exploring new ingredients like Celtic salt and pomegranate juice to meet consumer demand. Chen attributes this rise to increased consumer awareness. “We’ve seen significant growth in the association of hydration with various health topics, including hormone balance (+162% YoY), menopause (+96%), muscle function (+95%), and stress relief (+73%),” he noted. Furthermore, parents are becoming more aware of the importance of hydration and nutrition in their children’s diets, leading to a greater focus on products like calcium citrate for kids.
In summary, the intersection of health, sustainability, and adventurous eating will define consumer preferences in 2025, with a particular emphasis on flavorful and nutritious ingredients.