It’s that time of year, where predictions for 2025 start coming out. Food Dive recently shared “Whole Foods predicts the major food and beverage trends of 2025,” which offers a glimpse into what trends the mega-grocer sees on the horizon—with a continued focus on sustainability, health and innovation. The article also explores what consumers might be looking for in the coming year.
One major trend predicted for 2025 in the Food Dive article is a continued surge in hydrating, ready-to-drink beverages packed with electrolytes and functional ingredients. Brands like Waterdrop and BodyArmor’s Flash I.V. are shaking up this category by blending hydration with elements traditionally found in sports and energy drinks. This reflects a larger movement towards beverages that not only refresh, but also provide added nutritional or other functional value.
Whole Foods also sees that the snack aisle is undergoing a transformation, with an emphasis on fusion flavors. Popcorn, chips and other snacks have a year ahead that will be infused with international tastes—like flavors from Mexican and Asian cuisines—in an effort to cater to more adventurous consumers. Also for 2025, the article notes that there will be a rise in “better-for-you” (BFY) snack options with bold, global flavors.
In 2025, texture will be on the rise as a key factor in consumer food choices. Whole Foods predicts a growing demand for unique crunchy foods—with products like sprouted granola, crispy chickpeas and mushroom chips finding their way into meals beyond snacking. Food Dive explains that this trend, fueled by social media, has even brought attention to crunchy oils and dehydrated fruits for light, airy textures.
Sustainability is a major theme in the year ahead as well—not just in what consumers eat, but also in how products are packaged. The forecast reveals a shift towards compostable packaging, with companies like Compostic leading the charge. In the beverage sector, natural and organic wines are adopting lower-impact packaging and regenerative farming practices. Sustainability time and again has been shown to be important to consumers and the market continues to respond.
Consumers are increasingly looking to whole foods for their protein needs. We also found this in our recent consumer study, another rising trend to watch in 2025. Food Dive says that cottage cheese will be making a big comeback, and organ meats are gaining popularity for their nutrient density. This demand for protein in more natural, less processed forms reflects an overall preference for “real” foods that deliver on both taste and health benefits.
Our food and beverage landscape is constantly shifting—as shown by some of these new and growing trends—and to succeed in the marketplace it is vital to understand what is on the horizon. Without consumer research to uncover the direction of consumer preferences, brands risk missing the mark on product development and innovation, and even packaging. As food and beverage manufacturers launch these exciting innovations, AMC Global’s PFU™ (Purchaser Follow-Up) methodology offers a powerful approach to gauge how these propositions resonate with consumers, both in-store and at home. Market research offers insights into what resonates—from hydration, to textures, to flavor profiles, to protein needs—ensuring alignment with market demand in 2025. Contact us to start planning for the new year, today!
