Whole Foods Market, one of the largest food retailers in the world, has released its food trends forecast for 2025. This landmark, tenth edition of the forecast was created by over 50 company specialists, including buyers, chefs, and product developers.
Whole Foods Market predicts the rise in popularity of new aquatic ingredients, the addition of crunchy textures to dishes, and the emergence of fusion snacks with international appeal.
These and other trends shaping the culinary landscape in the upcoming year have been analyzed by KyivPage.
Top 10 Food Trends for 2025
So, what types of meals will be relevant this year? Meet the yummy food in our article!
International Snacks
The snack section is becoming a platform for innovation: brands are actively experimenting with savory snacks, such as popcorn, by adding new international flavors. These fusion products are likely to capture a wide audience and inspire consumers to try something unusual.
This trend offers a chance to discover different cultures around the world. It combines classic international snacks with original ideas, such as a mix of nuts with chili pepper and edamame oil, or unique dried mango spiced with signature chili powder.
Dumplings in All Forms
The popularity of dumplings continues to grow due to the ease of preparation, long shelf life of frozen products, and countless options for flavor experimentation. Dumplings also have deep roots in the cuisines of many cultures, making them a universal trend that resonates with everyone. Vegetable dumplings, variations with beans and salsa, as well as ethnic dishes like Mexican tamales, will dominate store shelves and TikTok next year.
In Ukraine, where vareniki (dumplings) are a traditional “dough pocket,” the trend lies in expanding the range of fillings and the growing popularity of food delivery from Asian restaurants (such as Asian ears).
Crunchy Textures
From crunchy grains and muesli to fermented nuts, roasted chickpeas, and mushroom chips, consumers are increasingly seeking products that add variety and texture to breakfasts. Brands are perfecting popular chili chips, creating even crunchier versions, while textured spices become the main highlight in salads and roasted vegetables.
Dehydrated fruits and candies are gaining popularity on social media, as consumers appreciate their light and airy crunch. This trend is even infiltrating beverages and desserts — from crème brûlée and espresso martinis to pastries with pistachio fillings.
Hydration Support
The popularity of reusable water bottles has already peaked, but consumers now expect more from regular H2O. They are looking for drinks with added electrolytes and innovative ways to support hydration. This trend is noticeable at product expos, where innovations such as electrolyte popsicles, sparkling coconut water, chlorophyll-infused water, and even protein drinks are being showcased.
Alternatives are emerging in the market, such as cactus water with antioxidants and electrolytes, offering a healthier option to replace sugary and artificially colored sports drinks. Even children can join this trend, thanks to fun drinks in pouch formats or mini coconut containers with vibrant flavors.
Tea and Its Varieties
Tea is becoming increasingly popular and is literally everywhere — from desserts and granola with tea flavors (masala, Earl Grey, London Fog) to new brewing formats, such as tea strips, cold brew tea bags for bottles, and tea powders.
Also gaining momentum are innovations like plant-based milk teas and sparkling teas. Instead of the usual “happy hours” for adults, retro-style tea parties are growing in popularity, where consumers seek not only flavor but also benefits — drinks with adaptogens and other beneficial additives.
A New Level of Composting
Companies that have not yet completely abandoned packaging are increasingly opting for compostable materials, creating packaging that is partially or fully biodegradable. Some brands are taking it a step further by developing packaging that can be composted at home, without the need for specialized industrial facilities. In the fruit production sector, efforts are underway to create labels for products that are also compostable in commercial composting conditions.
More Eco-Friendly Beverages
Conscious alcohol brands are striving to minimize their environmental impact. While natural and organic wines are no longer new, companies are moving towards implementing regenerative production methods and eco-friendly packaging. For example, some companies plan to reduce bottle weight by 25% by 2026. At the same time, breweries and whiskey producers are experimenting with ingredients such as drought-resistant grains like fonio or kernza, grown on regenerative farms.
A New Level of Sourdough
During the pandemic, sourdough made a comeback as home bakers began mass-producing classic fermented bread. Today, this trend is expanding beyond home kitchens and steadily conquering store shelves. It offers both traditional and creative options — from pizza bases, flatbreads, and crackers to brownies, chocolate, and more. Consumers are looking for the health benefits and unique flavor that sourdough provides, but without the need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Plant-Based Water Ingredients
The popularity of seaweed continues to rise, and the interest in using available aquatic plants as sustainable sources of protein and nutrients is growing stronger. Products that include marine and freshwater greens are becoming more in demand. In particular, sea moss is gaining recognition as a health-boosting ingredient due to its high content of iron, magnesium, and iodine, making it popular in drinks and chewing gums. Duckweed, also known as water lentil, is being actively explored and stands out for its significantly higher protein content compared to other aquatic plants. Agar-agar, derived from red algae, is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, rich in fiber and beneficial for healthy digestion.
Protein
Modern consumers are seeking to add more protein to their diets, going beyond traditional protein powders and bars. The focus is shifting towards consuming protein through meals and snacks that contain whole foods. The popularity of recipes with cottage cheese, which remains a favorite among dairy products, has driven people to search for protein sources in natural foods.
Increasingly, consumers are turning their attention to animal protein. Organic meat has become a popular superfood due to its high content of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This has led brands to create meat blends that combine traditional muscle meat, such as ground beef, with organic products like liver or kidneys, allowing people to easily access nutritional benefits without the complexity of preparation.