Drawing from various consumer insights and data outlook reports on food and nutrition trends, this article outlines the key themes shaping the industry for 2025.
Personalized Nutrition Through Data-Driven Approaches
There is no ‘one size fits all’. Intuitively, we know this, but do we approach our food – and thus our health – with an individualistic view? For instance, your blood sugar responds very differently to the same food that your spouse or friend are eating. Today, advancements in technology and access to biometric data are enabling highly personalized nutrition solutions.
Google ‘personalized nutrition’ and a host of options pop up. There are multiple choices to test one’s blood, food allergies, and genomics to see what foods are best for you. Many people have also started to wear a glucose monitor just to see how foods affect their blood sugars.
Biofach, as well as other trend reports, highlights that wearable devices and apps will increasingly guide dietary choices tailored to individual metabolic responses, activity levels, and genetic predispositions. This aligns with a broader shift toward precision health, where food and nutrition play central roles in preventative care.
The need for interdisciplinary collaboration—combining nutrition science, genomics, and data analytics—is increasingly evident. Digital health literacy is becoming crucial to navigate this evolving landscape.
The Rise of Regenerative Ag & Climate-Positive Foods
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a mandate. Regenerative agriculture practices—which restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon—are gaining momentum. This is mirrored in The Packer’s report on produce trends, which predicts a growing demand for foods that not only reduce environmental impact but actively contribute to climate solutions.
Here are several companies that have committed to purchasing food from regenerative agriculture sources:
- Cargill has invested in regenerative agriculture initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices.
- Kellogg Company has made commitments to support sustainable agriculture and promote regenerative practices in its supply chain.
- Nestlé has announced initiatives to source ingredients from regenerative agriculture systems to improve sustainability.
- Danone has committed to regenerative agriculture practices and aims to partner with farmers to enhance biodiversity and sustainability.
- General Mills is actively investing in regenerative agriculture practices, particularly in its supply chain for grains.
- Unilever has pledged to promote regenerative agriculture in sourcing ingredients for its products.
- PepsiCo has initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and sustainability in its agriculture supply chain.
- McDonald’s has been exploring regenerative agriculture practices to enhance sustainability in its sourcing efforts.
These companies are increasingly looking to support agricultural practices that benefit the environment and communities while enhancing the resilience of food systems.
Key insights also highlight increasing concern about climate change’s impact on food production. For example, 57% of US fruit consumers worry about its effects on fruit availability. These concerns are pushing brands to educate about regenerative practices and explore innovative methods like agrivoltaic farming, which combines solar energy production with crop cultivation.
Expanding studies on the nutritional quality of produce grown through regenerative practices and transparent labeling can further communicate these benefits.
Integrating topics like soil health and carbon farming into broader discussions can foster greater awareness and adoption.
Plant-Forward Diets with Global Inspirations
The plant-based movement is evolving into plant-forward eating, emphasizing the diversity of plant ingredients over strict vegetarianism.
PepsiCo’s trends highlight an increasing appetite for culturally inspired plant-based options, such as jackfruit tacos and lentil curries. The Packer’s research similarly emphasizes exotic produce like yuzu and dragon fruit, which are finding their way into mainstream markets.
Mintel’s concept of “Rule Rebellion” explores the dualities of indulgence and health. Increasingly, unconventional food combinations—like pairing fries with salad—strike a balance between health-conscious choices and indulgent cravings.
This trend opens opportunities to explore the health benefits and applications of diverse plant foods.
Incorporating global perspectives in discussions about nutrition and culinary uses is key to leveraging this shift.
Functional Foods and Beverages: Beyond Basic Nutrition
The demand for foods and beverages that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition is rising. According to PepsiCo, functional ingredients such as adaptogens, probiotics, and nootropics will dominate shelves in 2025. These products promise to support mental clarity, gut health, and stress management, reflecting a post-pandemic focus on holistic well-being.
It’s equally important to avoid foods that are high in empty calories, such as sugary drinks and processed snacks, which can crowd out nutrient-dense options. Meal prepping and mindful eating can help balance protein intake across the day, ensuring that each meal includes a good source of this vital nutrient.
The trend reflects a broader shift toward functional eating, where meals are not just a source of energy but are tailored to support specific health outcomes.
This trend falls in line with Mintel’s findings that suggest a shift in the definition of “food as medicine.” With the rise of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, there is an emphasis on foods that meet essential nutritional needs, focusing on simplified claims about protein, fiber, and vitamin content.
Validating these claims through rigorous studies and understanding their proper use will be critical for navigating this trend.
Food Tech: Lab-Grown & AI-Powered Solutions
Consumer reports also emphasizes the potential of lab-grown meat and dairy to reduce the environmental footprint of traditional agriculture. Meanwhile, AI is revolutionizing food production, optimizing everything from crop yields to personalized meal recommendations. These innovations address the twin challenges of feeding a growing global population and mitigating climate change.
Mintel’s “Hybrid Harvests” highlights the need to bridge tradition and technology in agriculture. Combining advancements like gene editing with time-honored farming practices can create efficient, sustainable food systems.
The Rise of High-Protein Meals
High-protein diets are emerging as a dominant trend for 2025, driven by increased awareness of protein’s role in supporting overall health. And today, high-protein products are becoming more diverse and accessible, catering to a range of dietary preferences and lifestyles.
Achieving adequate protein intake can be simple with some planning. Incorporating lean protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and plant-based options such as tofu, lentils, and quinoa can make meals nutrient-dense without excessive calories. Protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt or nuts also contribute to daily totals.
Shifts Away from Certain Practices in 2025
As new research emerges, some practices and trends are being left behind. The focus on sustainability, transparency, and functionality means there is less emphasis on overly processed foods that lack clear nutritional benefits. Artificial ingredients and heavily refined sugars are being scrutinized more closely, with many products reformulated to meet cleaner-label standards.
The popularity of low-fat diets is also declining as the understanding of healthy fats improves. Nutritional research now supports balanced fat intake, including sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, for their role in heart health and satiety. People are beginning to understand that healthy fats don’t make you fat. It is excess sugar that ends up on your waistline. Additionally, the reliance on calorie-counting as a primary tool for weight management is being replaced by approaches that emphasize nutrient density and overall dietary quality.
Single-use plastics in food packaging are another area seeing a major shift. As environmental concerns take center stage, brands are increasingly adopting biodegradable or reusable packaging solutions. An increasing awareness of nanoplastics that end up inside your cells – even your brain – are moving people away from plastic water bottles if not other food packaging. These changes reflect a broader move toward practices that prioritize long-term health—both for individuals and the planet.
