These Are Whole Foods Market’s Top 10 Food And Beverage Trends For 2025

The Whole Foods Market Trends Council, comprised of more than 50 experts including foragers, buyers and culinary experts, have predicted the Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends for 2025. This marks the 10th anniversary of the annual report, compiled by these team members from industry experience, observation of consumer preferences, and collaborative sessions with emerging and established brands.

“Whole Foods Market has been keeping an eye on trends and spotlighting innovation in food and beverage from the beginning,” said Cathy Strange, Ambassador of Food Culture for Whole Foods Market and member of the Trends Council, in a press release.

“From important food movements around animal welfare, climate, and transparency, to the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, trends in food end up driving our dinner table conversations for years to come and help spark some of the best ideas and solutions for the future.”

These are Whole Foods Market’s predictions for the most important food and beverage trends for 2025:

International Snacking

Salty snacks in global flavors are an easy way to introduce consumers to new things, through a mix of traditional international snacks and new fusion combinations. Brands can tell their story by sharing their cultural roots, introducing consumers to different parts of the world. Think chili masala popcorn, Mexican chamoy candy, Korean seaweed chips and Thai chili & lime rice chips, among many other products that will line the shelves.

Adaptable Dumplings

Dumplings are long-standing staples in cuisines across the globe, making them a trend that everyone can embrace. Found in frozen and shelf-stable single-serve formats, many of these products sprout from a founder’s cultural roots, but they are also adaptable and perfect for unexpected mash-ups and fusion combinations. Baozza! Pepperoni Pizza Bao Buns and 365 by Whole Foods Market Chick’n Naan Bites are perfect examples of this trend.

Crunch: Texture of the Moment

According to Whole Foods experts, consumers are increasingly reaching for crunchy items to enhance meals and add texture to breakfast, lunch and dinner. From crispy grains and granola to sprouted and fermented nuts, roasted chickpeas and mushroom chips, both sweet and savory crunchy bites are not just for snacking anymore. You will find them in seasonings like chili crisps and salsa macha, for instance, adding texture to salads, pastas, pastries and desserts.

Better Hydration

These days, consumers are looking for innovative ways to stay hydrated beyond plain water. Products such as popsicles with electrolytes, sparkling coconut water, chlorophyll water and even protein water are dominating food and beverage trade shows, with new products such as cactus waters containing antioxidants and electrolytes emerging rapidly as healthier alternatives to artificially colored and flavored sports drinks.

Tea’s Time

Tea in its many varieties keeps growing in popularity in the U.S., appearing as a flavoring in desserts and granola (chai, Earl Grey, London fog), as an ingredient in craft cocktails and infusions, and popping up in new steeping formats such as tea strips and cold-brew bags for water bottles. New hot products like plant-based milk teas and sparkling teas are also in the spotlight, following previous trends of brews with added adaptogens and benefits. Whole Foods predicts that vintage-inspired adult tea parties may even replace happy hour, as the trend of low alcohol consumption also continues.

Next-Level Compostable

Companies that can’t do away with packaging for their products completely are trying to make some or all elements of their packaging compostable. Some brands, like Compostic, are going the extra mile by making products - such as cling film - that are home-compostable, meaning all components can compost in a home bin instead of requiring a commercial process.

More Sustainable Sips

Forward-thinking alcoholic beverage brands are taking things a step beyond organic, embracing regenerative practices and lower-impact packaging. For example, the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (of which Whole Foods Market is a founding member), has a goal to drop bottle weights 25% by 2026. Some beer and whiskey brands are also contibuting by using ingredients like drought-resistant fonio or regeneratively farmed kernza in crafting their more sustainable drink options.

Sourdough Stepped Up

During the pandemic, sourdough stepped into the spotlight with home bakers trying their hand at the classic fermented bread. Now, Whole Foods experts see this trend moving into grocery aisles in traditional and innovative ways, with customers favoring sourdough in producs like pizza crusts, flatbreads, brownies, crackers, chocolate and more. The retailer is also launching a variety of innovative sourdough breads in unique flavors like Pumpkin Turmeric made at the Whole Foods Market Bakery.

Plant-Based Aquatic Ingredients

With the continued popularity and interest in seaweed and other aquatic plants as more sustainable sources of protein and nutrients, the trend is turning toward food items made with a wider variety of sea and freshwater greens. For instance, sea moss has become a buzzy wellness ingredient in beverages and gummies. Duckweed, also known as water lentils, is in the early stages of emerging on the scene thanks to a higher protein content than other leafy greens.

Protein Power-Up

Consumers are looking to incorporate more protein in their diet beyond traditional powders and bars, especially at meal times. Consumers are especially keen on animal protein including organ meats, which are being touted as a superfood providing significant protein, vitamins and minerals. Whole Foods experts believe shoppers are starting to seek meat blends that combine traditional meat like ground beef with organ meats, making it easier to enjoy the nutritional benefits without having to learn how to prepare liver, kidney or heart.