The foodservice sector has seen its share of ups and downs over the last year, and we predict that 2025 will bring a wave of innovation to meet the evolving landscape. Restaurants are aiming to stay ahead of the curve by focusing on cybersecurity and enhancing customer engagement through mobile apps. Additionally, customer nostalgia and concern over food sourcing continue to drive many food trends. Explore our forecast of the emerging foodservice trends ready to shape the industry in the year ahead.
Food Trends
As we look ahead to 2025, several food trends are set to make waves in the foodservice industry. Menu engineering adjustments will become increasingly important as operators strive to create profitable and appealing menus. The popularity of world foods will continue to rise, offering customers a diverse range of global flavors. Texture in both food and beverages will play a key role in enhancing dining experiences, with a focus on innovative textures and mouthfeel. Additionally, expect to see a surge in the use of mushrooms and root vegetables as versatile and sustainable ingredients in various culinary creations.
Menu Engineering Adjustments
Your menu strategy plays a vital part in the success of your business. We expect to see more foodservice establishments separating entrees and sides as part of their menu engineering. This approach highlights each item's unique qualities and allows customers to mix and match the offerings to create their ideal meal combination. This also helps break down pricing so customers pay for what they can afford instead of passing on a meal entirely. When breaking down menu items, consider adding some limited-time offerings to create a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging customers to try new dishes and increasing overall sales potential.
World Foods
In 2025, customers are looking for new and authentic dining experiences. Diners can expect a burst of diverse flavors on their plates as global cuisines continue to influence menus across the industry. From spicy Indian curries to savory Japanese ramen, the fusion of international tastes is sure to delight customers and keep them coming back for more. Consider adding breakfasts from around the world to delight your customers, like pao de queijo from Brazil, koulouri from Greece, or banchan from Korea. Spruce up your beverage menu with an assortment of the most popular boba flavors as they rise in popularity across the nation.
Texture in Food and Beverages
Texture in food is set to play a significant role in foodservice trends for 2025. Whether it is by adding crunchy chili crisps to salads, popping bubbles in cocktails, or frothy cold foam to coffee drinks, customers are pursuing unique textural experiences when dining out. Chefs and foodservice operators are experimenting with innovative techniques to enhance texture, such as incorporating molecular gastronomy methods like spherification or using alternative ingredients to achieve desired textures. As the demand for sensory-rich dining experiences grows, expect to see a rise in textured elements in menus across various foodservice establishments in the coming years.
Mushrooms and Root Vegetables
Mushrooms and root vegetables are set to take the foodservice industry by storm in 2025. Mushrooms, known for their umami-rich flavor and versatility, are increasingly being used as meat substitutes in plant-based dishes, offering a sustainable and nutritious option for customers. While foraging should be left to experts, this growing hobby is leading to a desire for more wild varieties on menus. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips are also gaining popularity for their vibrant colors, earthy flavors, and nutrient-dense profiles, making them a staple in a variety of dishes from soups to salads. Keep an eye out for creative menu offerings featuring these wholesome ingredients as chefs continue to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Industry Trends
The foodservice industry in 2025 faces an evolving landscape shaped by economic pressures, shifting demographics, and changing consumer behaviors. Rising costs and decreased customer spending have pushed many businesses to adopt innovative strategies and adapt to these financial realities. Operators are exploring new ways to attract and retain patrons while streamlining operations to maximize efficiency. Emerging industry trends reflect the effort to carve out a niche and meet new demands without facing a financial deficit. Understanding these trends will be crucial for staying competitive and navigating the challenges of today’s foodservice environment.
Inflation and Interest Rate Fluctuation
Inflation and fluctuating interest rates continue to put pressure on foodservice businesses, impacting everything from ingredient prices to equipment financing. Rising costs force operators to reevaluate their pricing strategies and sourcing practices to remain profitable without alienating customers. Port closures have also affected food costs and sourcing, putting a greater strain on business owners' bottom line. Though the Federal Reserve plans to evaluate and decrease the interest rate before the end of 2024, many establishments are still bracing for market fluctuation. This economic volatility has also driven a greater focus on efficient financial management, encouraging restaurants to adopt technology solutions that help forecast expenses and maximize cash flow.
Tipping and Minimum Wage
As customer tipping fatigue continues, this cornerstone of the foodservice industry has risen to the political level. According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, tipped workers earn a third less than the median worker in the United States economy. The 2024 election saw a host of state candidates proposing new legislation to raise the tipped minimum wage to supplement these employees' incomes and enforce employer responsibilities regarding these workers. As these reforms gain momentum, restaurants must carefully balance operational costs while keeping prices appealing to customers and ensuring employee satisfaction.
Recall Inventory System Development
A recent E. coli outbreak associated with McDonalds's was the latest in a slew of recalls in 2024 of everything from deli meat to eggs. Foodborne illness is a pressing concern for customers, and outbreaks devastate foodservice establishments. With food recalls becoming more frequent, foodservice operators are investing in advanced inventory systems to track and manage products efficiently. These systems use real-time data to identify affected items quickly, minimizing waste and safeguarding consumer health. By streamlining the recall process, businesses can avoid severe disruptions and maintain customer trust, making inventory system development a priority in 2025.
Demographic Shift
As millennials enter a new life stage and start families, their dining habits shift toward family-friendly, convenient dining experiences. This rise has economic ramifications, such as the demand for more deals and value options. However, restaurants are also seeing a greater emphasis placed on quality experiences in quick-service and in-person dining settings. Foodservice establishments are responding by offering kid-friendly menus, family meal deals, and better accommodations for parents and children with quick service and in-person dining. Restaurants that cater to this growing demographic with flexible options, healthy meals, and engaging environments are poised to capture the loyalty of millennial families.
Technology Trends
Technology is redefining the foodservice industry in 2025, bringing exciting advancements and new challenges. As innovations transform operations and customer interactions, concerns over security and shifting consumer preferences also emerge. The increasing prevalence of QR codes and digital menus raises cybersecurity risks that demand attention, while the drive for authentic experiences leads to a decline in table tablets. Meanwhile, investments in order-ahead technology streamline convenience, and biotech food makes its way into more menus, reshaping the dining landscape.
QR Code Vulnerability and Cybersecurity
QR codes have become common in modern dining, but they come with increased cybersecurity risks. Hackers target these codes, embedding malicious links that compromise customer data and payment information. When customers scan these fake QR codes, they're directed to malicious websites that prompts them to enter sensitive information or click a link with a virus. As a result of this "Quishing" technique, foodservice establishments are stepping up efforts to secure digital interactions, investing in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their patrons and their business reputations.
Phasing Out of Table Tablets
The era of table tablets is winding down as diners seek more meaningful and less technology-driven experiences. Once popular for ordering and entertainment, these devices are being phased out in favor of more personal engagement with their fellow diners and staff. This trend is particularly noticeable in parents asking servers to remove a tablet from the table so their children aren't distracted by the games and other entertainment options. With restaurants shifting focus to human interaction, phasing out table tablets enhances guest satisfaction and boosts staff involvement and customer service quality.
Order-Ahead Process Development
Convenience continues to drive dining preferences, prompting foodservice establishments to refine their order-ahead processes. Advanced ordering platforms are being developed to ensure seamless and accurate service, catering to on-the-go customers while minimizing wait times. In establishments like Dominoes, customers can monitor their orders at every stage from preparation to delivery with a branded tracking system. Fast food establishments, like Chick-fil-A, continue to innovate their drive-thru and mobile ordering procedures to make the process as seamless as possible. The goal is to enhance efficiency and provide a frictionless experience with mobile apps and drive-thru experiences.
The Rise of Biotech Food
Biotech food is gaining traction, promising to revolutionize menus with sustainable, lab-grown, and precision-engineered ingredients using technology like CRISPR. Whereas GMO foods involve foreign DNA insertion into food, CRISPR alters the genes themselves for precise modifications without involving unnatural DNA traits. This trend provides chefs with unique creative opportunities and enables restaurants to offer eco-friendly, nutritious options that appeal to health-conscious, environment-first customers. Foodservice establishments are adapting to this shift, incorporating biotech food to stay ahead in the ever-evolving dining landscape where food sourcing is a growing issue.
Customer Trends
Customer trends in the foodservice industry are constantly evolving, and several key trends are set to shape the dining experience in 2025. Upscaling fast food is on the rise, with consumers seeking elevated experiences rather than quick-serve meals. The demand for customization continues to grow as diners crave personalized options to suit their unique preferences. Collaborations with celebrities and influencers are becoming more prevalent, influencing consumer choices and driving brand engagement. Additionally, the concept of “newstalgia” is gaining momentum as customers seek the familiar presented in new and exciting ways.
Upscaling Fast Food
One of the prominent trends in the foodservice industry that we expect to see in 2025 is the upscaling of fast food. Customers are increasingly seeking an elevated dining experience beyond traditional fast-food chains. Gen Z and Alpha are forgoing quick service menus when dining out in favor of fast-casual settings that they can share with their friends and social media followers. This movement is evident in new premium food items on fast food menus, such as the Chicken Big Mac from McDonald's, White Truffle Burgers from Shake Shack, and Chick-fil-A's Honey Pimento Chicken Sandwich. However, rising inflation presents a challenge for foodservice establishments as they strive to meet this demand without significantly increasing prices. Balancing quality and affordability when reengineering menus will be key for businesses navigating this evolving landscape.
Demand for Customization
Foodservice trends for 2025 are shaping up to reflect the growing demand for customization among consumers. With a heightened awareness of allergies and dietary preferences, establishments are adapting by offering customizable options to cater to individual needs. Build-your-own concepts, like burritos, grain bowls, and hot pots, are gaining popularity as customers seek unique dining experiences tailored to their specific tastes. However, it's worth noting that while more delivery apps are becoming prominent, some are opting to restrict customization options to streamline the ordering process.
Celebrity and Influencer Collaborations
With the rise of social media and influencer culture, celebrity collaborations and influencer dining experiences are expected to continue shaping the foodservice industry in 2025. From celebrity-endorsed menu items to exclusive pop-up dining events hosted by social media influencers, these partnerships bring a new level of excitement and visibility to restaurants. From Dolly Parton partnering with Duncan Hines to Post Malone and Raising Cane’s teaming up, celebrities can help draw attention to your brand. While contacting a celebrity may not be possible, local influencers have the power to turn customers to your business and attract a wider audience with a good review on their platforms. Invite them to come and sample new menu items, create content, and spread the word of what your business has to offer.
Newstalgia
“Newstalgia” is a blooming trend that combines nostalgia with a modern twist, offering customers a taste of the past with a fresh and innovative approach. Some locations are introducing this concept with menu changes like Crumbl Cookies featuring breakfast cereal and “ice cream truck” flavored cookies or McDonald’s re-releasing their Halloween buckets and Coke® glasses from the 90s. Other foodservice establishments are fully embracing Newstalgia with their theming. Beetle House NYC boasts a Beetlejuice theme for their bar, The Cauldron is opening up locations around the world that allow “wizards” to brew their own “potions” or signature cocktails, and S'MAC specializes in customizing mac and cheese to delight everyone’s inner child. With revamped classic recipes to retro-inspired decor, newstalgia brings a sense of comfort and familiarity to the dining experience while still catering to the contemporary preferences of today's consumers.
How Do Restaurant Trends Benefit Your Business?
Keeping up with the latest foodservice trends isn't just about staying current - it's also about boosting your business. By incorporating popular trends like world foods, newstalgia, delivery tracking, and cybersecurity, you can attract new customers, boost trust, increase revenue, and stay ahead of the competition. Embracing these trends not only enhances the dining experience for your patrons but also streamlines your operations, making your business more efficient and profitable in the long run.
