New Year's always brings new fads. While you’ll notice people wearing different clothing and hairstyles, you’ll also see the food industry changing its approach to how it satisfies your taste buds. Check out the latest culinary trends for 2025 to see what you can look forward to and which are no longer in favor as the year progresses.
How Food Industry Fads Could Affect Your Life
The food industry is expansive. When it decides something’s popular, you’ll likely start encountering those new trends in local restaurants. You may even find it in home goods stores, like when everyone started falling in love with air fryers.
Your grocery store may also reflect foodie trends. You could find broader selections of various cuisines or different types of ingredients on the shelves next to your favorite foods. Staying ahead of upcoming fads is the best way to anticipate how your pocket of the world could change in the coming months.
Leading Culinary Trends and What They’re Replacing This Year
Industry experts are predicting a few of these trends throughout the culinary world this year. Learn more about them and the outdated fads they’re likely replacing to get excited for what the next few months hold.
1. In: Sober Bars
A recent Gallup poll found that only 58% of Americans find occasions to drink hard beverages, meaning 42% of people opt for something other than alcohol when they celebrate. Sober spaces cater to that crowd.
According to Chef Ashish Alfred, renowned chef, restaurant consultant, and media personality, sober bars have begun to replace traditional nightlife as people seek more wellness-oriented spaces. “This market is still fairly underserved,” Chef Alfred explains, “but the demand is there.” You may soon see bars exclusively serving mocktails, sodas, and sparkling waters in your town.
2. Out: Gimmicky Instagram Food
You’ve likely seen your fair share of Instagram food designed for likes. Remember the posts with cupcakes covered in neon icing or plates full of sushi donuts? Chef Alfred notes, “Gimmicky food that’s all about appearances and doesn’t deliver on flavor is falling out of favor.”
Instead, you may see people posting health-conscious dishes with an Earth-friendly aesthetic. Restaurants may try to impress their followers in other ways, like using zero-carbon refrigeration equipment in commercial kitchens to appeal to diners with green values. The foodie scene on social media is morphing this year.
3. In: Indian Cuisine
“I see a huge opportunity for Indian cuisine to make a bigger impact in the culinary world,” says Chef Alfred. Cross-cultural fusions and modern approaches to classic recipes might make Indian food mainstream. Expect to see more people enjoying dishes like fish curry and restaurants serving authentic cuisine.
4. Out: White Meat
While chicken might be a lean source of protein, it could also pose a health risk in the near future. Avian influenza has hit poultry farms throughout the U.S., which means chicken may become harder to find. Restaurants will likely swap dishes featuring white meat with red meat or fish. You could even become one of the many people eating different protein sources at home as foodies explore chicken-free recipes.
5. In: Sustainable Ingredients
Sustainable culinary options are increasing in popularity as more people become concerned about the environment. Chef Alred says, “In 2025, it’s all about sourcing ingredients responsibly and using every part of the product.” Locally sourced foods may appear at your local grocery stores alongside new brands promoting sustainable practices. Restaurant owners may follow through with this trend since eco-friendly initiatives could be a good business practice if they attract more customers.
6. Out: Hidden Service Fees
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ended 2024 by tackling secretive junk fees on things like flights and hotel rooms. Consumers will likely save money, increasing pressure for fewer hidden fees in other industries.
“One trend that needs to change is the practice of adding service fees to the bottom of checks,” says Chef Alfred. Watch for progress in your local restaurants. Erasing extra fees may become one of the leading culinary trends if public pressure grows.
7. In: Crunchy Snacks
Texture is everything in 2025. You might notice soft cookies and chewy candy becoming less popular as more people turn to crunchy snacks. Foodies have fallen in love with things like granola, dried fruit, and roasted chickpeas packed with fiber and protein that keep you satisfied longer. You might never go back to a daily diet without something delicious and crispy.
8. Out: Single-Use Plastics
“It’s time to say goodbye to single-use plastics,” says Chef Alfred. A growing interest in eco-friendly food trends also means plastic takeout containers and single-use cutlery are becoming part of history. You may see reusable boxes, biodegradable materials, and compostable packaging as you go grocery shopping or order food at restaurants this year.
Embrace Upcoming Culinary Trends
Keep an eye out for culinary trends taking over 2025. They’ll likely continue growing as more consumers try them and businesses experience greater success thanks to their implementation. You could even tell your friends you were ahead of the curve if you explored the foodie scene before everyone else.