Some memorable food memories from the past year include: girl dinner, immunity-boosting wellness shots, and pickles and cottage cheese in everything. But now we can anticipate all the wonderful new culinary discoveries that are yet to come.
Many of those developments are based on continuous research that shows how diet affects daily functioning, energy levels, mood, and mental health, as well as how food and nutrition play a part in the risk of acquiring chronic diseases. Experts believe that the focus on developing new and improved plant-based diets and foods that support gut health by providing pre-, pro-, and post-biotics will not waver.
I conducted some research to look at these and other developing trends in order to talk about these and other emerging trends. Here, I discuss the key healthy eating trends that you should expect to see by 2025.
1. Cheap Food
Although food prices have started to decline, they are still not what they once were. But there is a bright side for home cooks. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all food prices are predicted to rise by 1.2 percent in 2025. However, although eating out is likely to cost roughly 5 percent more, eating at home is predicted to cost somewhat less.
2. Increased protein and decreased meat consumption
Having said that, plant-based meat substitutes were huge in 2023. After a year, customers will be able to continue adopting non-meat protein sources without the need for disguises like a fake burger or sausage link. In 2024, the "protein trend is here to stay," according to Brondo, "but I think shoppers are looking beyond the meat aisle, or even the plant-based meat aisle." She says that in order to hit their protein targets, they will instead be turning to whole food sources, including bread, eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, and beans. This solves two issues for a lot of people: financial savings and ethical considerations regarding animals and the environment. Research conducted by multiple agencies predicts that chicken prices will continue to fluctuate and that beef prices will set new records in 2025.
This is confirmed by other experts who state that straightforward, high-protein goods using legumes, walnuts, mushrooms, and tempeh are anticipated to take center stage over intricate meat substitutes with an extensive ingredient list. Indeed, the market for plant-based foods is expected to grow from $41 billion in 2022 to over $75 billion by 2028.
3. Seafood Made of Plants
Tin fish became popular in 20124, and now what began as dipping toes in the pond of plant-based seafood with veggie sushi rolls and the like is fully submerged. As a result, according to Whole Foods Market, plant-based packaged food companies are offering vegetarian and vegan customers their own takes on the salty snack, such as carrots used as lox, trumpet mushrooms scented like scallops, and the root vegetable konjac used in sushi rolls and poke bowls.
4. Eco-friendly Drinks
Beginning in 20124, there will be an effort to reduce food waste in order to protect the environment, with an emphasis on renewable water sources. New water brands are reportedly harnessing water from fruit waste that would otherwise be thrown away, according to Foods Market. Water-saving soil health measures are also necessary for the new Regenerative Organic Certification. Furthermore, nongovernmental organizations are endorsing farmed oysters as a means of facilitating aquaculture's natural water filtration process as well as the rehabilitation of coastal ecosystems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that over one-third of the food supply in the United States ends up in landfills or compost piles. Although food waste has received increased attention recently, it is still a significant problem. Meal planning has historically assisted families in reducing domestic waste, but manufacturers are increasingly addressing the issue as well.
5. Choline
It's time for choline to take center stage next year, as vitamin D, magnesium, and collagen have had their share of attention. According to the National Institutes of Health, the brain and nervous system need choline for mood management, memory, and muscular control. According to Brondo, the majority of choline is absorbed through diets like beef, poultry, eggs, and broccoli. It also aids in the formation of the membranes that envelop the body's cells, and the liver creates a tiny quantity of it. It is additionally offered as a supplement.
Choline is particularly crucial during pregnancy because it promotes healthy brain and spinal cord development. Its significance is at last beginning to be acknowledged more. This nutrient is often deficient in the diets of most individuals, and prenatal pills may not always contain it. So, make sure your prenatal supplement contains choline and eat a lot of foods high in choline.
6. Food to nourish your digestive system
Even if there are still many unanswered concerns regarding the best foods to eat and whether or not to take supplements, people are interested in taking care of their gut health.As the relationship between gut health and overall body health is recognized, the field of study surrounding gut health will only continue to expand in the years to come. In fact, research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can promote not only digestive health but also mental clarity, emotional stability, sound sleep, decreased susceptibility to illness, and other benefits.
Probiotics have long-topped lists of foods that are good for the gut, including yogurt, kefir, kimchi, fermented cheeses, tempeh, miso, pickled vegetables, and even beverages like kombucha. But I emphasize that prebiotics high in fiber are equally crucial for preserving a healthy microbiome, which is why she believes they will be the emerging star of this sector in 2025.
7. No synthetic sweeteners or sugar
It looks like the alternative sweetener enterprise is finally about to collapse. People are consuming fewer pink and yellow packets after the World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its evaluation of the health dangers of aspartame, including that it may be a carcinogen. Diet Coke fans are even discarding the cans. Naturally, actual sugar is also off limits due to possible health risks. Your best bet would be to use natural sweeteners (date syrup, for example) or completely forgo sweetness in favor of other delicious flavors that are less risky.
As to the predictions made by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the upcoming flavors that are in vogue are expected to be savory, sour, bitter, and robust. These flavors can also be combined to create unique treats like spiced vegetable mixes and cocktails.
8. Food from various cultures
People have a need for fresh and diversified recipes, especially those that blend techniques of many cuisines, according to IFT, after a few years of DoorDashing the same three comfort meals during periods of quarantine. The unique flavors of what IFT refers to as "third culture cuisine" go well with the previously described daring palate experiment. These dishes include, among others, Japanese guacamole, boba ice cream, and birria ramen. If you haven't already, you may find them on restaurant menus.