In an exciting celebration of innovation, Whole Foods Market hosted a LinkedIn Live event to unveil their 2025 Top 10 Food Trend Predictions. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Whole Foods Market Trends Council, which has been at the forefront of identifying the most exciting food trends shaping the industry.
Hosted by Cathy Strange, Whole Foods’ Ambassador of Food Culture, Alyssa Vescio, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, and Jeff Turnas, Senior Vice President of Culinary, the event offered a look back at past trends and dived into what’s set to take over our plates in the coming year.
From innovative uses of tea in cooking to the growing popularity of dumplings, here’s a closer look at the trends poised to reshape food in 2025.
A glimpse into the future: key trends for 2025
- Dumplings galore: dumplings, from bao buns to soup dumplings, are gaining popularity as a quick, versatile meal. Alyssa Vescio noted the ease and variety of options, with brands like LAO Ban making dumplings a global favourite.
- Sourdough with a twist: sourdough, the bread that took the world by storm during lockdown, isn’t going anywhere. However, it’s evolving with a modern twist. Jeff Turnas introduced turmeric sourdough with pumpkin seeds, adding new layers of flavour and a vibrant, healthy edge to this classic bread.
- Crunch: Crunchy textures are becoming a major trend across snacks and desserts. Alyssa Vescio noted pairing hot chilli crunch with dumplings, combining multiple trends, while Jeff Turnas highlighted crunch in bakery items like turmeric sourdough. Freeze-dried treats, like Freezecake’s cheesecakes, are also rising in popularity, tapping into the freeze-dried candy trend.
- Tea as a key ingredient: tea is making its way from the teapot to the kitchen. Whether it’s being used in broths, as demonstrated by the Whole Foods culinary team, or infused into desserts like Earl Grey-infused cakes, tea is becoming a versatile ingredient across multiple dishes.
- Sustainability leads the way: sustainability took centre stage, with brands like Brooklyn Brewery and Patagonia leading with drought-resistant grains and eco-friendly packaging. Paper wine bottles from brands like Bonnie Dune showcased innovative ways to reduce packaging’s environmental impact.
- International snacking takes centre stage: global flavours are taking over the snack aisle, with options like Sriracha rice chips and seaweed snacks. Bold, international twists are driving consumer interest in new snacking experiences.
LEAP: supporting emerging brands
A standout from the event was Whole Foods’ LEAP (Local and Emerging Accelerator Program), which helps local brands grow by providing mentorship and expert guidance. LEAP has helped brands like Jaju, known for their delicious pierogis, and Freezecake, which specialises in freeze-dried cheesecakes, bring innovative products to Whole Foods shelves. Freezecake’s freeze-dried treats tap into the growing trend of crunchy, textured snacks and desserts, offering consumers a new way to enjoy their sweets. The LEAP programme supports small producers and fosters entrepreneurship, helping them scale their businesses and introduce unique products to a wider market.
Looking ahead to 2025
With innovation and sustainability leading the way, Whole Foods Market’s 2025 food trends promise exciting new products and flavours. From bold global influences to cutting-edge eco-friendly practices, these trends are set to transform how we eat and shop in the coming year.
Watch the full LinkedIn Live event and explore the 2025 food trends: 2025 Top 10 Food Trend Predictions by Whole Foods Market
