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Insight of the Day: Mushrooms, hot honey and Asian flavors among top trends expected on menus in 2025

Findings

  • Top Culinary Trends for 2025: The National Restaurant Association's "What’s Hot" report highlights key trends expected to shape menus in 2025, including Sustainability and Local Sourcing, Hot Honey, Korean and Vietnamese cuisines, and mushrooms.

  • Sustainability and Local Sourcing: Ranked No.1, reflecting ongoing consumer interest in environmentally friendly practices and supporting local producers.

  • Global Flavors on the Rise: Korean (No.3) and Vietnamese (No.5) cuisines are gaining popularity, with Filipino cuisine also making an impact.

  • Micro-Trends: Other notable trends include Hyper-Local Beer & Wine (No.6), Fermented/Pickled Foods (No.7), Creative Spritzes (No.9), Cold Brew (No.2), Wellness Drinks (No.8), and Value Deals (No.10).

  • Mushrooms as a Key Ingredient: Ranked No.2 in the Top Ingredients category due to versatility and wellness benefits.

Key Takeaway

Consumers are increasingly seeking innovative, globally inspired flavors and sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, driving restaurants to adapt menus that emphasize health, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

Trend

An emphasis on sustainability, global cuisines (especially Asian flavors), functional ingredients like mushrooms, and innovative beverages is shaping the culinary landscape for 2025.

Consumer Motivation

  • Desire for Novel Experiences: Seeking exciting and adventurous flavor profiles, such as the "swicy" (sweet and spicy) trend.

  • Health and Wellness Focus: Interest in foods with functional benefits like cognitive support and energy boosting.

  • Environmental Consciousness: Preference for sustainable practices and locally sourced products.

  • Value Seeking: Looking for meals that maximize dollars without compromising on quality and experience.

What Is Driving the Trend?

  • Changing Consumer Palates: Openness to global flavors and cuisines.

  • Wellness Trends: Growing awareness of health benefits from certain ingredients.

  • Sustainability Concerns: Increased emphasis on environmental impact and supporting local economies.

  • Economic Factors: Inflation moderation leading consumers to prioritize value.

Who Are the People the Article Is Referring To?

  • Consumers: Diners interested in new culinary experiences, health benefits, and sustainable options.

  • Culinary Professionals: Nearly 300 industry experts surveyed to identify emerging trends.

  • Restaurant Operators: Adapting to challenges like labor shortages and evolving consumer values.

Description of Products or Services

  • Restaurants and Foodservice Providers: Offering menus featuring sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, global flavors, functional foods, and innovative beverages.

  • Age of Consumers: Broad demographic, primarily adults aged 18–65 who dine out and are interested in culinary trends.

Conclusions

The culinary industry is evolving to meet consumer demands for sustainability, wellness, and innovative flavors, requiring restaurants to innovate and adapt their offerings.

Implications for Brands

  • Menu Innovation: Incorporate trending ingredients and global flavors.

  • Marketing Strategies: Highlight commitments to sustainability and wellness.

  • Operational Adjustments: Streamline processes to address labor shortages and improve efficiency.

Implication for Society

A shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious dining options can lead to positive environmental impacts and improved public health.

Implications for Consumers

Access to a wider variety of flavorful, healthy, and sustainably sourced dining options enhances the overall dining experience.

Implications for the Future

Continued focus on sustainability and wellness will drive innovation in the food industry, with an emphasis on global flavors and efficient operations.

Consumer Trend

A growing preference for adventurous dining experiences that are both health-conscious and environmentally responsible.

Consumer Sub Trend

  • Interest in "Swicy" Flavors: The sweet and spicy combination remains popular.

  • Functional Foods: Ingredients like mushrooms offering health benefits are in demand.

Big Social Trend

The mainstreaming of sustainability and wellness in consumer choices, influencing dining habits and expectations.

Local Trend

An emphasis on hyper-local sourcing, including local beer and wine, to support community businesses and reduce environmental impact.

Worldwide Social Trend

Globalization of palates with increased acceptance and desire for international cuisines and flavors.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article

Sustainable Global Flavor Exploration

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article

Conscious Culinary Consumption

Social Drive

The convergence of health awareness, environmental responsibility, and a desire for unique dining experiences is shaping consumer behavior.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025

  • Embrace Global Cuisines: Incorporate diverse international flavors into menus.

  • Prioritize Sustainability: Implement and promote eco-friendly practices.

  • Focus on Wellness: Use ingredients that offer functional health benefits.

  • Enhance Value Offerings: Provide quality experiences that offer good value for money.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025

  1. Menu Development: Introduce dishes featuring hot honey, fermented foods, and functional ingredients like mushrooms.

  2. Sourcing Practices: Partner with local suppliers to ensure fresh, sustainable ingredients.

  3. Marketing Initiatives: Communicate sustainability efforts and health benefits to consumers.

  4. Operational Efficiency: Utilize pre-prepped ingredients and streamline menus to combat labor shortages.

Final Sentence (Key Concept)

The fusion of sustainability, wellness, and global flavors is the main trend, reflecting consumers' evolving preferences for meaningful, health-conscious, and adventurous dining experiences.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from Trend and How to Do It

Brands should:

  • Innovate with Global Flavors: Integrate trending international cuisines like Korean and Vietnamese into their offerings.

  • Promote Sustainability: Highlight local sourcing and eco-friendly practices in branding and communications.

  • Leverage Functional Ingredients: Use ingredients like mushrooms that offer health benefits to meet wellness demands.

  • Offer Value-Driven Options: Create menu items that provide unique experiences at reasonable prices.

How to Do It:

  • Collaborate with Local Producers: Build relationships with local farms and suppliers for fresh, sustainable ingredients.

  • Update Menus Regularly: Keep offerings fresh by incorporating emerging trends and seasonal ingredients.

  • Train Staff: Educate employees about new menu items and sustainability practices to enhance customer experience.

  • Engage in Marketing Campaigns: Use social media and other channels to share stories about global flavors and sustainability efforts.

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