Diving into the first week of 2025, food trends are evolving faster than ever, fuelled by social media, global influences, and a growing focus on health-conscious eating. As the hospitality industry adapts to these trends, it’s clear that food lovers are in for an exciting year ahead.
Korean Cuisine: The Global Takeover Continues
Korean food is no longer just a niche interest, it’s become a major force in the global culinary landscape. Thanks to figures such as The Korean Englishmen, a pair of youtubers who have amassed 6.09 million subscribers, millions of people have been introduced to Korean culture and cuisine, with a particular focus around Korean Fried Chicken, Korean BBQ, Kimchi, and K-dogs, all now being embraced worldwide.
TikTok has played a significant role in propelling this trend, with foodie expert William Murray reporting that the hashtag #KoreanFood has racked up over 700,000 posts and counting. Even more impressive, the hashtag #KoreanCornDog, which highlights the viral “K-dog” trend, has accumulated a staggering 68.7 million views since late 2023.
Street food shops like Bunsik, renowned for their authentic Korean dishes and K-dogs, have also seen an incredible rise in popularity. In fact, Bunsik is selling one K-dog every 20 seconds, with queues stretching down highstreets, as reported by The Guardian. With more people cooking Korean dishes at home, thanks in part to the rise of Korean and Asian supermarkets, we expect this trend to continue its meteoric rise in 2025.
Pistachio Flavours: A Nutty Sensation
Pistachio is having a major moment in the food world, and this trend is set to grow even stronger in 2025. From pistachio-stuffed croissants to pistachio tiramisu, this nut is popping up in both sweet and savoury dishes everywhere. A standout in the trend has been the “Dubai chocolate” phenomenon on TikTok, with Lindt introducing their own spin on it, releasing a pistachio and kadayif pastry-stuffed ‘tablet.’ This innovation is already available in several countries, including the US, Switzerland, and the UK.
In addition to chocolates, other pistachio-inspired products are quickly becoming favourites. Retailers like Waitrose have seen a 19% increase in searches for pistachio products, and the demand for pistachio-flavoured sweets shows no signs of slowing down. Aldi also offered a pistachio panettone for the Christmas season, proving that this versatile nut is a staple in festive and everyday treats alike.
Matcha Mania: The Green Gold Rush
Matcha, the finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves, is far more than just a trendy beverage, it’s becoming an everyday indulgence. Matcha’s rise can be attributed to its natural energy boost, which many people find to be a gentler alternative to coffee. As more people seek healthier options that provide sustained energy without the jitters, matcha’s popularity continues to grow.
The global matcha market is projected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.39% from 2023 to 2028, according to Forbes. In the UK, matcha sales saw a significant boost in 2024, with companies like Blank Street reporting a staggering 500% increase in sales in the UK. Expect matcha to make an even bigger impact in 2025, from lattes to cakes and beyond.
The Alcohol-Free Revolution
As the world becomes more health-conscious, the demand for alcohol-free beverages continues to rise. The mocktail movement, which has been gaining momentum for several years, is set to take over in 2025. More people are choosing to cut back on alcohol or abstain altogether, with 28% of young people in the UK identifying as “non-drinkers,” according to The Guardian. Additionally, 38% of people now prefer spending their evenings in, reflecting the shift toward a more relaxed, alcohol-free social culture.
The growth of non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and innovative mocktail creations means that bars and restaurants will continue to offer more alcohol-free options. With more people opting to reduce their alcohol consumption, the trend of sophisticated, alcohol-free drinks is expected to dominate the social scene in 2025.
All-Day Breakfast: Brunch Forever
The brunch trend isn’t just a weekend phenomenon, it’s evolving into an all-day dining experience. More restaurants are offering breakfast and brunch menus that cater to both early birds and late risers. With favourites like eggs benedict, avocado toast, and fluffy pancakes, all-day breakfast spots are popping up everywhere across the UK.
A great example of this is Eggslut, which has seen massive success not only within its restaurants, but also through an exclusive partnership with UberEats that launched in April 2024. Eggslut has expanded to five locations across the UK, including Victoria Market Halls, Shoreditch, Portobello, Fitzrovia, and Stratford. With demand for delivery growing, it’s clear that breakfast is no longer just for the morning. As 2025 approaches, the all-day breakfast trend will continue to thrive, offering comfort food for every time of day.
From Korean food to pistachios, matcha, and mocktails, the food trends of 2025 promise to bring bold flavours, healthier options, and a deeper connection to culinary cultures worldwide. As the hospitality industry continues to adapt to these ever-evolving tastes, one thing is clear: food lovers are in for an exciting year ahead. Stay ahead of the curve, embrace the change, and prepare your menus for a delicious future!
