Whole Foods forecasts top 10 food and beverage trends for 2025
From hydrating beverages to crunchy textures and high-protein snacks, Whole Foods Market is forecasting the trends that could shake up the culinary landscape in 2025.
The retailer’s Trends Council—a collective of more than 50 team members ranging from foragers to buyers to culinary experts—released its 10th annual trends predictions report this week.
“Our tenth anniversary of trend forecasting marks an important milestone for us, reflecting a decade of sharing innovation and culinary exploration that crosses every aisle,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods Market, in a release. “This year, we’re especially excited to celebrate how far we’ve come by spotlighting trends for 2025 that not only reflect growing consumer preferences but also push the boundaries of what’s possible for the world of food. We’re eager to see these trends take shape and inspire our customers in the year ahead.”
Read on for the 10 food and beverage trends Whole Foods expects will dominate grocery aisles next year:
International snacking
A fusion of flavours is happening in the snack aisle as brands innovate on popular treats. Products in this trend introduce consumers to different parts of the world through a mix of traditional international snacks like chamoy candy and new combinations like mango sticky rice chips or a chili crunch oil edamame and nut mix.
READ: As Canada’s population diversifies, the definition of comfort food is evolving
Ever-adaptable dumpling
Dumplings are showing up in multiple aisles including frozen and shelf-stable single-serve formats. A staple in cuisines around the globe, dumplings are ripe for fusion and unexpected mash-ups.
Texture of the moment
From crispy grains and granola to sprouted and fermented nuts to roasted chickpeas and mushroom chips, consumers are craving texture. Between crunchier versions of the popular chili crisp and dehydrated fruits and candy pistachio-topped pastries, this trend is clearly about to take over.
Hydration hype
Consumers want more from their water, and are seeking out electrolytes and hydration in innovative forms. And so new players are emerging in the space, like cactus waters that contain antioxidants and electrolytes, and better-for-you competitors to sugary and artificially colored sports drinks.
READ: Demand for beverages that refuel and rehydrate are on the rise
Tea’s time
Move over coffee, it’s tea’s time to shine. Expect to see more tea-flavoured desserts, innovative steeping formats (like tea strips) and hot products like plant-based milk teas. Consumers are also looking for function, seeking out brews with added adaptogens and benefits.
Next-level compostable
Products that aren’t ditching packaging completely are making some or all elements of their packaging compostable. Some brands, like Compostic, are entering new territory with home-compostable products, while in the produce world, Rainer Fruit is working on commercially compostable produce stickers.
Sustainable sips
Boozy brands are working to reduce their environmental footprint, with natural and organic wine makers embracing regenerative practices and lower-impact packaging. Meanwhile, beer and whiskey brands are embracing ingredients like drought-resistant fonio or regeneratively farmed kernza.
Sourdough stepped up
The sourdough trend is moving into grocery aisles in both traditional and innovative ways, from pizza crusts to flatbreads, brownies, crackers, chocolate and more.
READ: Pinterest’s Fall Trend Report: Earthy ingredients, Japanese flavours and more
Plant-based aquatic ingredients
The tide is turning toward foods made with more sea and freshwater greens. Sea moss is one particularly buzzy wellness ingredient, showing up in formats such as beverages and gummies. Duckweed, or water lentils, is starting to emerge and boasts a higher protein content than other leafy greens, while agar-agar (a plant-based gelatin alternative that comes from red algae) is primarily fiber based and promoted for digestive support.
Protein power-up
Consumers are looking to incorporate more protein in their diet beyond traditional powders and bars. Notably, they’re prioritizing animal protein, with organ meats being touted as a superfood providing significant protein, vitamins and minerals. To make things easier, shoppers are seeking meat blends that combine traditional muscle meat like ground beef with organ meats.
