The new year is just around the corner, and with the flip from a 4 to a 5 — the arrival of new year trends to keep on your radar. From fresh takes on flavor combinations to different styles of dining, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one!
Get the skinny on some of the top trend predictions for ‘25 and consider adding your own creative touches to these areas of emphasis.
Less Waste, More Taste
According to reports, there was around a 20% increase in interest in sustainable food and beverage practices over the last two years, and that’s likely to grow. To reduce food waste in your restaurant, assess a few simple strategies, such as how certain restaurants offer complementary bread and spreads for the table only if requested. This minimizes unnecessary waste from uneaten bread, a common source of excess.
And think about how to streamline inventory and menu offerings without sacrificing quality. Heritage Ovens®, for example, provides an array of bread and dessert selections that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These items are not only fresh and delicious but also come pre-sliced, saving on both labor costs and the potential for waste from unsold or over-prepared bread. By offering convenient, pre-portioned items that require less handling, you can meet demand while cutting down on food waste and optimizing your kitchen operations.
Eco Eats
With environmental concerns in mind, carefully selected ingredients are becoming even more popular and sought-after. By supporting agriculture while also highlighting where your ingredients come from on menu boards and social media, you can enhance the culture of dining at your restaurant, improve your restaurant’s reputation while boosting customer loyalty, and differentiate your business in a competitive market.
Bay Winds® Seafood is sourced from prime, sustainable areas across the globe. Every species selected must meet strict standards, targeted specifications, and be processed with the utmost craftsmanship. This helps to minimize the impact on surrounding ecosystems by limiting bycatch (the excess species caught while fishing for other specific categories).
Along with sustainable seafood options and plant-based proteins, animal proteins are also being reimagined with a focus on more sustainable and nutrient-dense options, such as organ meats. Consumers will continue to explore protein-rich meal options with a focus on health and eco-friendly sourcing into the new year.
Blended Cuisines
Research also suggests that conversations around fusion cuisine have increased by nearly 20% over the past year. More and more people are looking to diversify their food preferences and try different flavor combinations.
This is a great opportunity to have fun and experiment in the kitchen! Think about what cuisines could fit well together based on your concept and expertise and what hasn’t been tried yet. If you’re stumped on what might qualify as blended, some examples that have made their mark on menus include international burger concepts, like Ramen or Mexican Burgers; Latin-Mediterranean, such as Gyro Burritos or Falafel Nachos; Chinese-Indian combinations like Hakka Noodles or Indian-seasoned Manchurian Chicken; or Latin-Italian comfort food, such as Contigo® Quesabirria Beef Ravioli.
Eating Outside the Box
If your resources allow, consider a “do-it-yourself” type of dining experience. Some ideas to explore could include the option for diners to customize their meals using a heat source at the table. You can also try offering a “build-your-own” option for anything from sandwiches to tacos.
Pizza customization, fondue, and waffle bars are other experiences where the meal is not just about eating the food, it’s about experiencing it. Need somewhere to start? Cheese fits well into any DIY meal option. Ultimelt® is worth exploring, as it provides a smooth, creamy melt, with a superior flavor profile. It’s American-style cheese that offers a creamy texture perfect for queso dips and sauces.
No need for assistance from a fortune teller — 2025 seems to be about unique combinations of food and experiences while also cutting down on wastefulness. Celebrate the new year by keeping up with a few of these predicted trends.
