Top 7 food and beverage industry trends for 2025

1. Food ingredients: Sugar reduction, protein and fibre enrichment, functional foods, clean label and beyond

In the dynamic food and beverage sector, the emphasis on dairy and plant proteins highlights a shift towards health-conscious, sustainable, and indulgent options without compromise. With a demand for healthier lifestyles, consumers continue to search for wholesome indulgences that provide pleasure and added functional benefits. ‘In Germany, 81% of dessert eaters feel that their desserts can offer health benefits, while also being indulgent’ according to Mintel. Specific nutrition credentials such as high and/or added protein claims have seen an increase in product launches.

Brands can leverage the high protein offering of their products by highlighting benefits such as satiety and long-lasting energy. With their high bioavailability and rich amino acid profiles, dairy proteins are increasingly popular for supporting active lifestyles. In the Nordics, innovations like yoghurt enriched with whole grains cater to the ageing active demographic by offering nutrient-dense options that promote gut health and sustained energy. This food and beverage trend also aligns with the growing demand for products with minimal ingredients and familiar processing methods, showcasing dairy's natural and nutritional benefits.

Snacking continues to reign as a primary means to meet your energy and nutrition needs in a quick and efficient manner. Research conducted by Mintel suggests that 41% of Italian consumers would consume protein to boost energy. One such snack is high-protein cheese, which has emerged as a significant player in this space, especially among flexitarians, bridging the protein gap with a focus on taste and health benefits. Similarly, snack bars enriched with dairy proteins provide convenient, high-energy, and high-protein options, reflecting the shift from quantity to quality of protein consumed.

3. Plant-based products: Overcoming perception challenges with plant solutions

Consumer desire for natural, ethical, and nutritional products drives a significant shift towards plant-based foods. This evolution sees this category as not just a substitute for meat but as a mainstay in diets globally, offering unique health benefits like increased fibre and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Thus, the focus is gradually turning away from mock meat and instead gravitating towards celebrating the intrinsic qualities of plant-based ingredients, evident in the rise of nutritional 'toppers' that enhance meals with added plant variety and nutrition.

Amid concerns over ultra-processed foods (UPF), there's a growing interest in whole food-based plant proteins such as lentils, mushrooms, and chia seeds, which are known for their minimal processing and improved taste and texture. The surge in its popularity can also be exhibited by the high level of new product development in more niche segments, such as seasonal and limited-edition plant-based protein and other products, which demonstrated a staggering 59% increase in launches globally, with a strong emphasis on vegan, clean-label, and plant-based claims.

For the flexitarian, the narrative is no longer about choosing between plant or dairy proteins but about recognizing their unique and complementary benefits. By focusing on the multifunctional benefits of plant-based ingredients and their role in supporting health goals, brands can cater to consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and ethically sourced products while offering indulgence.

5. A sustainable way forward for food and beverage: Climate change and supply chains

The f&b industry stands at a pivotal juncture, with climate change presenting significant challenges and opportunities for innovation. As 48% of global consumers become increasingly aware of climate change's impacts, the demand for sustainable practices has never been more critical. The cocoa and olive oil sectors are feeling the pressure, with facilities dedicated to chocolate coatings and fillings leading the charge in sustainability efforts.

These efforts are not just about addressing environmental concerns but also about innovating for the future. For instance, using flavour-modifying agents or leveraging malt extracts as a chocolate replacer offers a glimpse into the potential for more resilient supply chains and showcases how traditional industries can adapt and thrive in the face of climate adversity.

The volatility in coffee, egg, and olive oil supplies, exacerbated by extreme weather events and price surges, highlights the urgency for industry-wide adaptation. With consumer sensitivity regarding grocery shopping surrounding price increases becoming more evident – where many are willing to forego chocolate but not coffee – the need for a balanced approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, supply chain resilience, and economic considerations, is clear.

7. AI-powered food: Data-driven diets

AI-powered food innovations are transforming the food industry, offering tailored nutrition plans and optimizing food production for sustainability. AI-driven nutrition plans consider numerous factors such as lifestyle, dietary preferences, and health goals to create customized nutritional strategies, making informed health optimization more accessible than ever.

This technological advancement is particularly relevant for Gen Alpha, which is growing up in a digitally connected world where personalized, technology-driven solutions are expected. For example, AI is being used to develop sensory-smart, neuro-supportive foods that cater to the specific developmental needs of Gen Alpha, addressing challenges like sensory sensitivities and choosy eating habits.

With 34% of US parents reporting their kids as selective eaters, AI's role in creating appealing, nutritious options is invaluable, bridging the gap between health and taste preferences. Consumer education and transparent communication are essential in highlighting the benefits and excitement behind using AI, addressing concerns, and ensuring that AI is perceived as a complement to human creativity rather than a replacement.

 Final bites from Foodology by Univar Solutions 

For brands and producers, ingredient trends in the food and beverage industry must focus on what consumers seek: innovation, quality, and sustainability. The demand for food with fortified and functional ingredients that offer tangible health benefits will continue to rise, allowing manufacturers to provide more appealing products to their consumers through ingredient and recipe innovation.

This includes brands catering to a more personalised nutrition approach, such as products aimed at women's health or health ageing, as consumers increasingly look for products beneficial to their health needs. Experiential food that explores world cuisine or exciting textures or collaborations with top consumer brands will see wins in the industry. Emphasis on natural, clean, and minimally processed will be key for the plant-based food product category.

With climate change being another critical aspect that is top of the mind for consumers and formulators, demand for indulgence, and the technological advancements in AI, a comprehensive approach that embraces sustainability and innovation is essential. By balancing the planet's needs with the desires of consumers and the possibilities offered by technology, the industry can look forward to a future that is not only sustainable but also rich in flavour and experience.