Each year the food industry searches for those foods, flavors, ingredients and dishes that will be the “it” trend of the year. As we head into 2025, consumers look forward to experimenting with new foods and flavors at home, a big change for pre-pandemic times when customers depended on restaurants to introduce new items.
Health and wellness continue to be front and foremost in consumer’s mind. There is a much interest in the anti-inflammatory diet. New studies show that a diet focused on foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, omega 3 rich fish and tea may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- This Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Stew fits the bill when it comes to anti-inflammatory foods. Both main ingredients are nutrition powerhouses. Chickpeas are a great vegetarian source of protein, and low-fat, high-fiber eggplant is packed with antioxidants.
- Lentils take front and center in this Red Lentil Carrot Bowl. This anti-inflammatory recipe is packed with fiber, folate, protein and iron. For easy prep of this vegan recipe, make the lentils ahead and store them in the refrigerator up to 2 days before serving.
- If Stuffed Acorn Squash is up your alley, don’t miss this delicious vegan dish. Stuffed with quinoa, apples, walnuts and cranberries, this roasted acorn squash delivers all the flavors of the season in one nutritious dish.
Interest in tropical fruit has grown this past year. Pineapple will keep good company with kiwi, mango, passion fruit and guava, especially in the warmer months. Tropical fruits are packed with nutrients and offer unique flavors and textures that can enhance your diet. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and copper and health-promoting compounds that can help lower disease risk. Expect to see more tropical flavors on grocery aisle shelves, especially when it comes to drinks and snacks. And look for fun tropical cocktail menus when dining out.
- Enjoy this Hawaiian Pizza for a bit of sunny and sweet flavors. This fun and fruity appetizer features pineapple and mango.
- This healthy Chicken and Pineapple Kebab recipe is worth going outside in the cold weather and firing up the grill. The spicy chicken is accompanied by refreshing sweet pineapple.
- Splash into a glass of tropical delight with this tantalizingly delicious Papaya Smoothie! With just 5 healthy ingredients, you can enjoy a sweet and nutritious treat that will fuel your busy routine all day long, any time of year.
- Mango Habanero Salsa is an easy way to pack a flavorful punch with serrano chili, jalapeno, and habanero peppers. Serve it right away for a stronger flavor, or make it ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors mellow.
Dates are another food that is expected to get a lot of attention in 2025. The sweet fruit provides a caramel-like taste, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Date syrup may just be your new favorite pantry staple. According to the American Heart Association, added sugar intake should not regularly exceed 9 teaspoons/day for men and 6 teaspoons/day for women. Dates are a health conscious and delicious substitute for added sugars. Look forward to falling in love with dates!
- These delicious Carrot Nut Muffins are made without any added sugar. Bananas, carrots and dates give these muffins a sweet touch. And these muffins are made with almond flour and offer a gluten-free alterative.
- You will not believe that these five-ingredient Homemade Butterfingers® are good for you! Naturally sweet dates are filled with a mixture of crunchy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, maple syrup, and protein powder for a nutrient-dense delight.
- These Chocolate Date Tahini Bites provide a deliciously sweet and nutritious treat.
Canned goods and pantry staples are gaining popularity. This may be related to higher costs of food along with their shelf stable nature. Canned foods are easy and helpful when it comes to meal planning. Consumers want grab products from a pantry and be able to create a wholesome quick meal – without having to go to run to the store.
- Canned tuna is always a quick win. This Tuna Salad recipe gets a tasty twist with chickpeas. Add some fresh cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and some bell peppers. No mayo is needed for this no cook recipe that can be made in minutes. Tuna salad never tasted so good.
- This delicious Low-Fat Pumpkin Soup will warm you up as the new year rolls in. Canned pumpkin puree and chicken broth is the base of this flavorful soup.
- This Couscous Chicken Wrap incorporates chickpeas and olives for a delicious, healthy meal. No need to cook – simply use leftover chicken. Between the whole wheat tortilla, walnuts, grape and arugula, this is a winning recipe that will have you smiling with every bite.
- Farro is a delicious grain that has a rich, nutty flavor and will likely become a pantry staple if it isn’t already. This healthy Farro Bean Salad is made with a can of white beans to bring a high-protein side dish or a vegetarian main to the table. A cup serving is under 200 calories and offers 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
To find out more about upcoming trends, what you will see on restaurant menus and all the grocery shelves, come to the next nutrition program: Food Trends for the New Year.
