Looking into the near future and recognizing food trends is more complicated than consulting a crystal ball. Simply looking at recent trends and incorporating those ideas into the future is not predictable for food trends. 

However, food ingredient supplier Bell Chem recognizes many food trends are based on spontaneous notions that take off on social media. These trends may last years, or just be a proverbial flash in the pan. Regardless, it’s important to keep ahead of food trends and not as surprising as you might imagine if you have the proper key ingredients on hand to create the perfect foods not only for 2025, but for years to come. 

Mental boosts on the menu

One of the more positive side effects of the pandemic has been the pointed emphasis on mental health and well-being. The world has taken notice of the importance of being mentally fit, and marketing trends have definitely picked up on that. For example, to invoke comfort, choose a nostalgic flavor, such as brown sugar or cinnamon. Want adventure? Reach for a smoky or spicy snack containing phenolics or capsaicin. Or how about a nice calming botanical or low-sugar food or beverage containing d-limonene? 

Clean it up

A recent trend moving away from ultra-processed foods to “cleaner” foods brings organics and natural foods into the fore. Look for ingredient labels containing ascorbic acid as a preservative, oat flour or any other single-ingredient grain, carrageenan as an emulsifier and thickener, coconut oil as a fat, and many other nutritious ingredients. Other clean choices include rose hips, lavender, and honey added in everything from bakery goods to sauces. 

Aromatic ingredients

The sense of smell is more closely related to the sense of taste than most people realize. To this end, many predictions favor the addition of aromatic ingredients often found in essential oils or beauty care products, such as lemongrass, which has found a home as a seasoning on meat dishes and in alcoholic beverages.

Great taste, less sugar

The number one priority for many health-conscious consumers worldwide is reducing sugars in their foods and beverages. In fact, 57% of those polled globally wish to curb their sugar intake. Replacing sugars with a more poignant flavor, such as an herb or another botanical enhances the flavor profile without the needed appeal of sugar. Even confections are following this trend, offering honey and dates as sugar alternatives and adding interesting combinations of natural ingredients such as lemon/thyme to pique the palate.

Umami for you and me

The pungent, meaty profile of umami has found its way into our diets and is anticipated only to grow. Look for this flavor in sauces and garnishes in the form of mushrooms and fish. Want to add the spark of umami without the fishy flavor? Turn to glutamates and garlic oil.

Bell Chem is your food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including many of the ingredients your business needs to meet the latest food trends. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.