Attending the Fancy Foods Show in Las Vegas recently proved an exciting experience! The Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Panel has released their predictions for the top 2025 food and beverage trends in the specialty market, and here's a sneak peek of what will be seen on retail shelves and restaurant menus. According to Trendspotter Melanie Bartelme, “Consumers will become even more flexible with how they eat in 2025.”
Fancy Snacking
Snacking is here to stay, with flavor combinations infusing new energy into this red hot category. Snacking is on the rise and savvy food and drink brands will help consumers see the products they make as suitable for however consumers choose to eat them. Look for familiar snacks with a twist. Think dumplings as a snack or pizza cupcakes for lunch. How does this sound: Lotus Foods Forbidden Rice Ramen? Tinned seafood has become a delicious new trend and is an easy go-to snack. Paired with a cracker and delicious spice it is both easy and nutritious.
Global Foods Bring Global Gratification
Trendspotter, Kat Craddock, is very excited about the new Asian brands. Consumers
will learn about new flavor profiles and convenient heat-and-eat or mix-and-make formats.
Frozen Japanese ramen and dumplings from around the world are a hit, and flavor-packed Thai simmer sauces are delicious. My personal favorite is Blue Elephant from Thailand.
Yes, Chef
Most of us enjoy cooking at home but want the convenience of "cheffy" kits for the home chef.
Consumers are increasingly seeking gourmet quality means in convenient formats. With
inflation hitting our pocket books, many consumers are looking for restaurant-quality meals at
home, especially with great home cooking equipment and quality ingredients. Top olive oils
from around the world, charcuterie, cheeses and truffles are much easier to find and use today.
Gimme Some Sugar
New styles of health-focused eating sees new styles of sweeteners: Burlap and Barrel’s single
origin sugars and honeys. Another favorite is Runamok honeys and maple syrups. Hot honey
drizzled over a piece of brie is fabulous!
Say Cheese
Flavored cheese is another trend that is a sure winner. Try Vermont Creamery's honey-truffle
goat cheese log or Utah’s own, Barely Buzzed or Big John's Cajun from Beehive Cheese. Another favorite is flower-topped R. Jacquin’s Fromage de Cheve. Your local cheese store has many cheeses infused with lemons, berries and herbs.
Vinegars with Pizazz
Multiple vinegars are cropping up as reductions, fruity condiments (think balsamic) and shrubs.
Look out for vinegar-based condiments like Puerto Rican pique or Filipino sawsawan. Cucumber
vinegar will be one to be on the look-out for.
Oil based Sauces and Black Garlic
Fly by Jing and Momofoku have delicious flavors. Black garlic will be a new trend to look for in specialty snacks, rubs and seasonings. My favorite is black garlic hummus, hand prepared.
Purple Rain
Lavender flavor is a floral note making its way into everything from cheese to drinks. Experiment
with making mocktails using club sodas and lavender or quality ginger ales, such as Fever Tree
to elevate your beverages.
Try one or several of these new trends and products to elevate your dinner tonight. After all, cooking at home celebrates innovation and tradition—and offers dazzling, extraordinary flexibility for you and those you love.