Food And Beverage PR Agency Spotlights Top 2025 Food Trends

In 2025, the food industry is exploding with wellness, sustainability, and sensory innovation. Food lovers are embracing new products—mood foods, botanical teas, edible flowers, functional mushrooms, and dumplings—to nourish the body and soul.

Did you know . . .

• “The food industry is a significant sector in the economy of the United States, with an estimated worth of $1.5 trillion.” (Source: Foodinsutry.com)
• “Studies consistently link diets high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats with increased depression risk, while diets rich in whole foods are linked to better mental health.” (Source: PubMed Central)
• “About 97 percent of known edible flowers are associated with therapeutic properties. Specifically, about 32 percent, 26 percent, and 14 percent of flowers have been identified to have immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, and gastroprotective properties, respectively.” (Source: News Medical Life Sciences)

In this blog, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique food and beverages public relations agency based in New York City, spotlights the game-changing food trends for this year.

Mood Foods: Nurturing Emotional Wellness

Food lovers are embracing mood foods to enhance their emotional well-being. Research shows food products with adaptogen, B vitamin products, and omega-3 fatty acid products to enhance mental clarity, relieve stress, and increase mood.

“Mood foods are no longer a niche market; they’re all the rage.” (Source: Forbes). These items, from breakfast cereals to ready-made meals, idly brand emotional health into daily routines, a sign that holistic nutrition is gaining ground among consumers.

Botanical Teas: Wellness In A Cup

Botanical teas, a natural infusion of flowers, herbs, and plants, are reinventing the tea industry. Teas with natural ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, and turmeric are already known for their health benefits.

Experts list botanical teas as one of 2025’s leading trends, “emphasizing their role in promoting wellness “(Source: Whole Foods Market). In addition to soothing the body and mind, these teas are vibrant in color and delicate in flavor.

Reports highlight their “versatility: hot or iced; you can also use botanical teas in mocktails” (Source: Food & Wine). In addition to that, numerous brands have moved towards eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing of ingredients, and becoming a responsible choice for consumers.

Edible Flowers: A Feast For The Senses

Edible flowers, including hibiscus, nasturtiums, and pansies, once reserved for fancy restaurants, are moving into the everyday kitchen.

Research reveals “edible flowers reflect the growing desire for visually appealing and senses-rich dining experiences.” (Source: Innova Market Insights). Edible flowers are often used as garnishes to transform ordinary dishes into works of art.

“Chefs are experimenting with all sorts of flowers, from butterfly pea flowers and calendula to vibrant red beets and pomegranates, which provide unique flavors and, in turn, colorful plates.” (Source: Food & Wine). This trend brings food and art together, bringing both a flavor and a form to the plate.

Functional Mushrooms: Modern Life's Superfoods

Functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga have solidified their aptitude as bioactive powerhouses. These mushrooms are packed with nutrients and hailed for their immune-boosting, brain-improving, and stress-reducing benefits.

There is a “growing inclusion of mushroom-based products, from coffee alternatives to protein snacks.” (Source: Whole Foods Market). Whether an individual is a wellness fan or a fabulous chef, their earthy flavors and impressive health benefits make them a favorite.

Reports predict a “mushroom proliferation for drinks and supplements because consumers are turning towards natural remedies for stress and fatigue.” (Source: Forbes). Functional mushrooms are a fascinating story combining modern culinary applications with ancient medicinal practices that are especially compelling to health-conscious eaters.

Dumplings: Tradition With A Modern Twist

Dumplings are having a renaissance: a beloved food that's found around the world. Dumplings are the classic potstickers, the fusion dumplings, the dumplings tucked inside everything from buns to bagels, everything you can think of—they're proving their versatility and universal appeal among food lovers.

“Frozen and ready-to-eat dumplings are trending, highlighting their rise out of the element of busy consumers who want comfort food.” (Source: Whole Foods Market). There is also experimenting in the filler with globally inspired spices, plant-based proteins, and gourmet ingredients like truffles by chefs and brands around the globe.

Reports also reveal “restaurants and food trucks, both of which combine classic recipes with contemporary flair.” (Source: Food & Wine). Like steamed, grilled, or baked dumplings, these remain an ever-popular favorite because they can easily adapt to different cuisines and dietary preferences.

Why Do These Trends Matter In 2025?

The food trends in 2025 are an ever-broader reflection of a cultural shift in how we consume, prioritizing wellness and sustainability. By providing mood foods (emotional health), botanical teas, functional mushrooms (physical wellness), and edible flowers and dumplings (beauty, comfort), we have created foods that do double duty, meeting the deep human yearning for these things. Together, they represent a relationship between nourishment and enjoyment evolving with the changing relationship between food and the consumer.

The trends pointed out are not fads, “as the world turns to healthy, sustainable, local foods for the better part of their lives.” (Source: Innova Market Insights). Based on consumer values such as holistic health, environmental responsibility, and culinary exploration, they are rooted. These food trends are likely to evolve in the coming years and have a strong impact on what we eat but also on how food is perceived in general.

Our savvy team of food and beverage public relations professionals and social media strategists are here to help. Give us a call.

​By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.