10 Food Trends for 2025 We Are Looking Forward To!

As we move into 2025, the culinary world is buzzing with fresh food trends that promise to reshape how we eat, cook, and enjoy our meals. Just as fashion, music, and home décor have their seasonal favorites, the food scene is no different. Each year, experts and enthusiasts alike predict the hottest food trends that will capture the attention of chefs, restaurants, and home cooks. From innovative ingredients to sustainable practices, here’s a detailed look at the food trends we are eagerly anticipating in 2025. You might find that you’re already ahead of the curve, indulging in what’s about to become the next big thing!

1. More Veggies

Vegetables are poised to take center stage in 2025 and apps like Food Monster will shine because of the plethora of plant-based recipes they showcase! Chefs are shifting their focus from using veggies merely as garnishes to making them the main attraction on our plates. With a growing interest in plant-based diets, more people are excited about incorporating a variety of vegetables into their meals. Embrace the veggie revolution and discover how to enjoy more greens every day!

Chefs are ready to celebrate vegetables and make them the star attraction rather than just a garnish. Everyone is interested in eating more veggies. We celebrate veggies every day. Read Easy Ways to Add More Veggies into Your Family’s Diet, 10 Ways to Get Yourself to Eat More Vegetables and Eat for the Plant Every Day This Month with These 30 Easy Vegan Recipes.

2. Whole Foods Plant Based

Another trend gaining momentum is the shift away from processed plant-based foods, such as Beyond Meat and other meat alternatives, towards a more whole food-based plant protein approach. Many consumers are growing weary of highly processed items that often contain additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium. Instead, there is a rising demand for whole, real foods that are nourishing and satisfying. This shift is prompting people to seek out veggie-based pastas, legumes, and whole grains that not only provide essential nutrients but also offer authentic flavors and textures. Expect to see creative dishes featuring lentil pasta, chickpea-based noodles, and spiralized zucchini taking center stage in homes and restaurants alike. This trend embraces the idea that less is more—focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of plants.

Look for lots of veggie swap-ins in dishes. Look at these 10 Vegetables that Can Substitute for Meat and 10 Vegetables That Make Stand Out Entrées. Instead of beef, learn How to Make Veggie ‘Steaks’ That Totally Require a Steak Knife. You’ll feel like you’re at a plant-based steakhouse when you eat this Cauliflower Steak With Pesto and Almond Cornmeal Crumbs, Portobello Mushroom Steaks, Seitan Steak in Beurre Blanc Sauce, Korean Tempeh Steaks, and Portobello Mushroom Steaks with Cheesy Polenta. Even carbs get swapped for veggies with spiralized veggie noodles. Take a look at these 15 Vegan Spiralized Noodle Dishes that are healthy and delicious and download the Food Monster app which has over 20,000 plant-based recipes!

3. Year of Pulses

Pulses, including lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas, are gaining recognition for their nutritional benefits and versatility in the kitchen. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasizes their importance as a source of plant-based protein and essential amino acids.  These nutritious legumes are not only delicious but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle and sustainable eating habits.

Look for more products containing pulses such as snack bars and smoothies but be sure to add these legumes to your diet at home. Try these 21 Vegan Recipes for Lentil Lovers, 10 Recipes You Might Be Surprised were Made with Chickpeas, and Give Peas a Chance with these 20 Delicious Green Pea Recipes. Don’t forget the beans! You Think You Don’t Like Beans? These 25 Recipes Will Make You Love Them and be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Beans so they’re perfect every time.

Here’s a few more!

• 10 Vegan Lentil Soups, Stews, and Curries to Keep You Warm and Satisfied this Winter
• 15 Protein-Packed Vegan Recipes That Feature Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, and More Pulses!
• Dips, Fritters, and Fries! 15 Protein-Packed Snacks and Appetizers Made With Pulses

4. Less Food Waste

The movement to minimize food waste is stronger than ever, urging consumers to adopt sustainable practices in their kitchens. Root-to-stem cooking is gaining popularity, encouraging the use of entire vegetables, including scraps. By making small changes in your cooking habits, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying delicious meals.

If you’re interested in this topic, you’ll want to read how the U.S. Takes on New Plan to Reduce Food Waste. Here Are 6 Ways You Can Make a Difference Right Now and 6 Signs a Food Waste-Free Future Is Possible.

Root-to-stem cooking and dining help reduce waste by using whole vegetables including scraps. Learn How to Use Food Scraps For Good, Rather Than Garbage. Every single part of the vegetable can be used for something. Get into Cooking with Vegetables From Root to Stem and see all the yummy ways to Use Beet and Carrot Greens Instead of Tossing Them.

Here are some more good reads:

• Reduce Food Waste With These 10 Multi-Functional Ingredients
• Check Out These 10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money [Video]

5. Seaweed is the New Kale

Seaweed is set to emerge as the next superfood darling of 2025. Brimming with fiber, iodine, antioxidants, and healthy fats, seaweed adds a rich umami flavor to any dish. Cooking with sea vegetables can transform your meals and with its numerous health benefits, seaweed is a fantastic addition to any diet.

Well, you heard it here first when we showed you why Seaweed is Essential on a Vegan Diet and told you Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sea Vegetables. Seaweed is filled with fiber, iodine, antioxidants, and good fats. It has umami and can make any dish more complex and savory.

If cooking with seaweed is new for you, see Cooking With Sea Veggies Can Transform Your Meals (and Health)! Here’s How to Do it the Right Way. Then you can enjoy dishes like this Chinese Seaweed Salad, Super Easy Nori Hand Rolls with Avocado Dressing, and Kelp Noodles in Peanut-Miso Sauce.

Here are some more:

• 10 Simple Seaweed Salad Recipes
• Nori Seaweed Rolls With Vegetables and Sprouts [Vegan]
• Seaweed Salad [Vegan]

6. Hot, Hot, Hot

Spicy foods are on the rise, driven by a growing appreciation for heat in culinary experiences. With hot sauces like Sriracha becoming staples in American kitchens, there’s an increasing interest in global spicy ingredients. From Korean gochujang to North African harissa, expect to see an explosion of flavors in your meals.

You’ve probably already been cooking with the hot-sweet chile paste gochujang from Korea like this Bangin’ Korean Bimibap and Spicy Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry With Korean-Style Sauce. North African harissa is also popular. Make your own Harissa and then try it in these Spiced Chickpeas with Harissa and Tamarind and these Moroccan Potato Lentil Tacos with Harissa. Sumac which is also North African is used in this Kale Fattoush while Southeast Asian sambal is used in these Baked Sweet Potato and Mung Bean Croquettes With Peanutty Coconut Sauce. In addition to the increasing use of hot sauces, dishes will feature more types of peppers including ghost peppers from India, habanero peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, Aleppo peppers from the Middle East and African piri piri which are used in these Grilled Seitan Kebabs With Creole Coconut Sauce.

Besides the love for the taste of spicy foods, more people are aware of the health benefits we get from eating them. Read more about it and get lots of spicy recipes in 6 Tips for Cooking Spicy Food the Right Way and 21 Recipes for Your Fiery Taste Buds.

7. Ancient Grains

The fascination with ancient grains continues to thrive as consumers seek healthier, non-processed food options. Packed with nutrients and unique flavors, ancient grains like quinoa, farro, and teff are making their way into more recipes. Discover cooking tips and new recipes featuring these grains and embrace the rich history and health benefits of these timeless staples.

To learn more, see What Are Ancient Grains? And Why You Should Eat Them. Ancient grains include amaranth, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, farro, freekeh, kamut, millet, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, teff, and wheat berries. Besides being natural and healthy, these ancient grains have unique tastes and textures and many of them are gluten-free. Get cooking tips in Now that You Can Pronounce Quinoa, Try These Other Whole Grains and then try these 35 Brand Spanking New Recipes Featuring Trendy Ancient Grains.

8. Sliders

Sliders are making a comeback, offering bite-sized delights that cater to our snacking culture. These mini burgers allow for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. The trend is towards making new and unique types of sliders. Check out 10 New Ideas for Making Delicious Veggie Burgers for ideas.

Recipes you need to try include these Super-Simple Sweet Potato and Quinoa Sliders, Chickpea Salad Sliders, Hoppin’ John Sliders With Smoky Lemon Aioli Sauce and Sautéed Greens, Beluga Lentil Mushroom Sliders, Protein-Packed Mediterranean Beet Sliders and Sriracha Tempeh Sliders With Ranch Dressing.

9. Cucumbers are Cool

Cucumbers are predicted to rise in popularity as the versatile “it” vegetable of 2025. Refreshing and hydrating, cucumbers are low in calories yet packed with health benefits. Discover unique ways to incorporate cucumbers into your meals. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect addition to various dishes, from salads to desserts. Read Green Food Power: Health Benefits of the “Cool” Cucumber to learn all the health benefits of this squash relative.

Cukes are also highly versatile as their mild flavor lets them be used in all types of cuisines. We all know they’re great in smoothies but they can also be pickled, spiralized into veggie noodles and even used in desserts! Check out 10 Vegan Cucumber Recipes That Will Cool You Off This Summer plus these recipes for Cucumber Hummus Canapé, Cool Cucumber Salad, and Korean-Style Spicy Tofu and Sesame Cucumbers.

10. Pickled Everything

While pickled cucumbers have always been a classic, the trend of fermentation is expanding to include a variety of ingredients. Expect more chefs and home cooks to experiment with pickling, creating flavorful additions to dishes. Join the pickling movement with easy recipes for homemade pickles and discover the health benefits of fermented foods. Our suggestion: Get a head start on this healthy trend with this pickled radish recipe.

These ten food trends for 2025 reflect a growing movement towards health-conscious, sustainable eating practices. From embracing vegetables and plant proteins to exploring ancient grains and fermented foods, the culinary landscape is evolving in exciting ways. As we manifest these trends, we look forward to a delicious year filled with vibrant, innovative, and nourishing meals that celebrate the bounty of nature.

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App, which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans

• Plant-Based Health Resources

• Plant-Based Food & Recipes

• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition

• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources

• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes

• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep