2025 Food and Beverage Trends

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At a time of continued high inflation, trade tariff uncertainty and a difficult macro-economic environment, consumers are worried, with more than half of respondents (55%) very concerned with the rise of living costs. 

While breakfast, lunch, and dinner remain the primary meal occasions, their composition, timing, and sources are evolving to fit consumers’ daily routines.

Predictive analytics are accelerating R&D cycles in crop and food science. AI reduces the time and resources needed to experiment with new food products and turns traditional trial-and-error cycles into more efficient data-driven discoveries.

Seasonings and table sauces—the two largest subcategories under sauces and seasonings—saw new product introductions saw rise by 11% and 20%, respectively, in 2024.

According to custom SPINS data developed for the Good Food Institute (GFI) and Plant Based Foods Association, annual combined retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood fell 12% to $1.2 billion in 2023.

Chinese and Japanese cuisines now rank in the top five global favorites across all age groups, while Korean and Mexican flavors are also increasing in demand

Although convenience is key—taste-tempting flavor is the way to draw attention. Last year saw innovation ideas trickle down to the basics including hot dogs, lunch meat and yes—even SPAM.

New product introductions deliver fun twists on taste and texture—and still others offer dietary health benefits for those still wanting familiar comfort.

"The Trendspotter Panel came away with exciting findings that range from Instant Global Gratification to the impact of small farms and Hawaii as Terroir. I look forward to seeing how these trends show up across the industry in 2025 and beyond."
-- Bill Lynch, president, SFA

From the refrigerated case to the freezer, dairy processors old and new, big and small are addressing every on-trend aspect of dietary needs, better-for-you functional health, global flavors and snacking.