Hey there! I’m Chef Mareya, “The Fit Foodie,” and here are 8 deliciously healthy food and beverage trends that are ready to rock social media, grocery shelves, and the food scene through 2025! As your go-to food and beverage expert, holistic nutritionist, and wellness warrior, I can’t wait to help you thrive. Get ready for some fun marketing ideas to make these trends work for you and boost consumer excitement!

1. FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS – Stay Calm and Sip On

Functional ingredients are becoming essential for maintaining wellness in our hectic lives, leading consumers to seek beverages that promote calm and balance. Probiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods help stabilize cortisol production, while premium add-ons like lion’s mane, chaga, and reishi mushrooms elevate the experience. Ingredients such as ginseng, ashwagandha, kombucha, and kefir can easily be incorporated into teas, smoothies, or other drinks to enhance health benefits. For example, an average Chagacinno costs around $8 compared to $5 for a standard cappuccino, enabling businesses to increase their order ticket by offering these healthful add-ons at an additional $2 to $3 each. By catering to this trend, brands can not only promote healthier lifestyles but also boost their revenue.

2. DATE SWEETNERS – The best kind of date: one you can eat

When it comes to sweeteners, dates are the best kind to indulge in as they are packed with fiber and potassium, promoting heart health. With a low glycemic index, dates are an excellent option for those monitoring their blood sugar levels, including GLP-1 users. As the Middle Eastern food trend continues to gain popularity, various date varieties beyond the common Medjool, such as Halawi, Khadrawi, Mazafati, and Barhi, are becoming more readily available. Additionally, incorporating date syrups and pastes into confections and beverages offers a delicious alternative in desserts. For a delightful treat, consider stuffed dates filled with peanuts and dipped in chocolate—an indulgence that surpasses traditional candy bars like Snickers and went viral on social media.

3. BLACK SESAME – From savory to sweet, it’s so cutesy chic

Black sesame is making a splash in the culinary world, known for its cutesy chic appeal and versatility, transitioning effortlessly from savory to sweet dishes, including chicken, cookies, coffee, and ice cream. Available in various forms—whole seeds, powder, paste, and tahini—black sesame pairs beautifully with the rising popularity of Southeast Asian and Korean flavors, offering a rich, nutty taste and an attractive visual contrast. Products like black sesame peanut butter, cookies, ice cream and ‘coffee’ powder for a black sesame latte are hot. Chefs can enhance both sweet and savory menus by incorporating black sesame flavors and finishing dishes with a sprinkle for added texture. For an even more dynamic flavor profile, consider combining black sesame with yuzu, another trending ingredient, to create a delightful culinary experience.

4. GLOBAL MASH-UPS – We are the world on a plate

Global mash-ups are taking the culinary scene by storm, blending fusion concepts into unique “mash-ups” that reflect our diverse influences in a localized way. This trend can encompass everything from ethnic dishes to pure Americana, resulting in creative combinations that keep hybrid menus exciting and fun, often leading to viral food trends. Examples of these inventive dishes include grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings, Korean sushi tacos, Bulgogi burritos, ramen burgers, Banh Mi pizza, falafel Cobb salad, Mexican ravioli, seaweed-wrapped turkey and provolone, mac and cheese dogs, croissant waffles, and peanut butter and jelly banana bread. Among the latest “hot” ethnic trends are Korean influences, with ingredients like kimchi, black sesame, and gochujang offering easy avenues to introduce crossover flavors into modern menus.

5. SPARKLING WATER – Everyone wants more bubbly

Sparkling water is gaining immense popularity as consumers seek bubbly alternatives with little to no added sugar that give the refreshing sensation of soda. With a diverse range of exciting flavors—such as lemongrass coconut, basil berry, lavender cucumber, and cactus rose—sparkling water presents an excellent opportunity for upselling. Brands like Liquid Death have developed a cult following, turning holding the can into a viral moment. Since 2018, Topo Chico has seen a remarkable 36% year-over-year growth, building on its storied history since 1895. To elevate the experience, consider offering a sparkling water tasting menu rather than just plain sparkling water, and collaborate with brands to promote social media contests featuring gift card giveaways and prizes, creating buzz and engagement around this refreshing beverage trend.

6. LOW ABV/ZERO PROOF – No risk, all refreshment

The low ABV and zero-proof beverages is on the rise, driven by mindful drinking habits among midlifers, millennials, and Gen Z consumers seeking refreshing options without the risk of alcohol. Improved product innovation has led to better taste, attractive packaging, and added functional benefits such as vitamins and adaptogens, further fueling this movement (foodnavigator.com). House-made mixers provide an exciting opportunity for mixologists to create unique drinks while keeping sugar and chemicals in check, as ready-to-drink options continue to fly off the shelves. By offering non-alcoholic versions of well-crafted cocktails at the same price point, bars can entice customers with drinks like Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz, Habanero Mango Mule, Affogato Espresso Martini, and Collagen Lavender Lemonade. With the market size surpassing $11 billion, stocking your bar with zero-proof options and keeping the fridge filled with fun mocktails serves as a profitable alternative to traditional water and soda.

7.  “IT” VEGGIE TREND – KELP – Move over, Kale and Kelp yourself

Move over, kale—it’s time to embrace the “IT” veggie trend: kelp. This superfood is packed with plant-based protein, continuing to be a significant trend in the culinary world. Kelp not only supports healthy thyroid function and aids in weight loss but is also low in calories and offers ten times the minerals found in soil-grown plants. Versatile in the kitchen, kelp can be transformed into a variety of dishes such as kelp burgers, shrimp, vinegar, hot sauce, seaweed salad, noodles, and even kelp chips. Additionally, through regenerative aquaculture practices, one particular company estimated that they will have removed approximately 80,000 lbs of carbon from the ocean in just three growing seasons. Consider adding kelp burgers and seaweed salad as an alternative to kale, or offer kelp chips with your sandwiches to capitalize on this nutritious trend.

8. “IT” SUPERFOOD TREND: BLACK CUMIN – Thymoquinone is next level cure-all

The “IT” superfood trend of black cumin is making waves, especially with its powerful antioxidant thymoquinone, which has been hailed as a “cure-all” in some of the oldest religious and medical texts. This remarkable spice boasts a diverse chemical composition rich in amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, contributing to its numerous health benefits. The oil extracted from black cumin provides multi-faceted healing, offering relief from allergies and asthma, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and even aiding in weight loss. With its nutty, earthy flavor, black cumin can be used similarly to sesame seeds, and its oil makes a delicious addition to salad dressings. This versatile superfood is truly a powerhouse in the culinary and health world!

And there you have it—food trends that are not just delicious but also fun to play with! From calming sips of functional ingredients to sweet date delights, and the chic charm of black sesame, there’s a world of flavors waiting for you. Let’s mash up global tastes, pop some bubbly sparkling water, and dive into the superfood goodness of kelp and black cumin. Get ready to spice up your menu and keep your customers coming back for more tasty adventures! Cheers to a flavorful future!