Consisting of 16 experts across culinary disciplines and segments, the panel provides a robust blend of insight and foresight to help retailers, buyers and food professionals stay on top of the trends and ahead of the curve.
From the latest flavors and formats to evolving consumer preferences, the panel brings a feast of information and inspiration to the table. Compiled in its 2024 report, the panel’s predictions are coming to fruition, as shown at the Specialty Food Association 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show.
“The show always generates a lot of buzz for its glimpse into the future of food,” said Amanda D’Addario, Public Relations Manager at The Food Group. “This year’s trends to watch are such an amazing mix, driven by changing consumer values and expectations. Retail shelves and foodservice menus are bound to reflect the impact of these trends.”
Here are five key trends you need to keep pace with as they pick up speed in the mainstream marketplace.
Snacking continues to surge, driving a shift from traditional sit-down meals to more flexible, snack-based eating habits.
As a result, expect “girl dinner”— the trend toward meals consisting of snackable portions of various foods — to become more prevalent. Popular on TikTok and other platforms where fans post pics and videos of their girl dinners, the trend is inspiring creative next-level approaches to snacking as a meal substitute.
Trendspotter Tip: Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Melanie Bartelme stresses the need for brands to develop products that satisfy the consumer craving for fusions of familiarity and flexibility. Bartelme suggests innovative combos and formats like pizza cupcakes for lunch, jianbing for dinner and dumplings as a snack.
Product Examples Spotted at the Show: Poshi steamed and marinated veggies, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Chicken Parmesan Dumplings, Juicybite ready-to-eat chicken breast in Ancient Spice.
The market’s insatiable appetite for new and exciting flavor experiences continues to inspire convenient formats that make global cuisine more accessible.
With its bold, aromatic flavors, diverse range of dishes and infusions of spices, South Asian cuisine is especially appealing for consumers with culinary wanderlust. Rich in regional variations and culinary traditions, these cuisines provide ample opportunity for product diversification.
Trendspotter Tip: To give consumers access to authentic global flavors, food and beverage trend expert Kara Nielsen recommends that brands explore heat-and-eat formats like frozen Japanese ramen and dumplings and mix-and-make options like nutritious Indian dosa pancake mixes.
Product Examples Spotted at the Show: Taan Thai soup starters, Tari Amarillo Pepper Hot Sauce, Veetee spicy sticky rice.
The consumer appetite for gourmet-quality meals in convenient formats is growing, increasing demand for products that make elevated dishes easy to make while retaining restaurant-worthy quality.
As economic uncertainty compels belt-tightening and advances in kitchen appliances make preparing fresh meals easy, consumers look for food products and kits that provide a premium experience for significantly less than going out to a restaurant. Brands that offer budget-friendly yet palate-pleasing solutions will profit from the trend.
Trendspotter Tip: Inflationary pressures will inspire families to return to preparing fresh meals with “cultural and flavorful twists,” predicts Trendspotter Jonathan Deutsch. Kantha Shelke, a fellow trendspotter panelist, says access to products like Japanese Wagyu, truffles, and fine oils and cheeses will encourage the trend.1
Product Examples Spotted at the Show: Mamma Emma gnocchi heated meals, Topzels crushed pretzel topping, Myojo Yuzu Shio plant-based ramen.
Technological advancements are propelling functional foods into a new phase of personalized nutrition. Expect a rise in customizable product lines and AI-powered nutrition apps that tailor functional foods to meet specific health needs. To address concerns about focus and neurodivergence, foods that support mood and mental clarity will become more prevalent.
Trendspotter Tip: “Functional foods that support cognitive health and emotional well-being will grow in popularity,” says Trendspotter Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo. “Ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics and mood-enhancing botanicals will be featured in various products.”1Product Examples Spotted at the Show: SunnyGem almond oil, Pretty Tasty collagen iced tea, CheckCheckCin prebiotic rice water beverages, Wilde protein chips with chicken breast, egg whites and bone broth.
Chile is on a hot streak, and we can expect brands to blaze a trail with unique varieties like urfa biber and Carolina reaper. No longer focused on fiery heat, consumers crave chiles with diverse flavor profiles.
The popularity of chile varieties with a wide range of flavor nuances reflects the growing cross-cultural nature of specialty cuisine. Expect menus and store shelves to reflect the diversification of chiles this year and beyond.
Trendspotter Tip: “It’s about flavor with chili crisp and crunch, berbere, hot honey and harissa,” said Trendspotter Jonathan Deutsch, and fellow panelist Jonathan Houchins foresees "heightened heat in worldly foods” trending in 2025.1
Product Examples Spotted at the Show: SaladSprinkles Chili Crisp, b’cuz mango chile lime granola bites and BBom rose tteokbokki.
All of these trends underscore a distinct hunger for food options that go beyond flavor to fulfill needs, cultural identities and lifestyles. From heat-and-eat global varieties to the widening world of functional foods, consumers crave diversification and convenience — and brands that deliver on these demands are sure to feed the bottom line.
Hankering for more insights into food trends? Dig into our post “Where Do Food Trends Come From?”
1. Speciality Food Association, 2025 Trends Predictions, November 2024