Consumer preferences are changing fast. Trends can peak quickly, and products that are popular today might be forgotten tomorrow. In the world of food and drink, Autumn 2025 is highlighting some clear shifts.
What’s Trending Up
Functional Foods and Beverages
People want food and drinks that do more than just taste good. The market for functional foods and beverages is booming, worth over $281 billion (around €242 billion) and expected to reach $500 billion by 2028, according to Statista. Alon Chen, CEO of Tastewise, notes that “functionality is now an expectation for consumers, not a bonus.”
Health concerns are driving this trend. A report indicates that 57.3% of non-alcoholic drink sales are influenced by health needs. The dairy section is seeing growth thanks to products like kefir and live yogurt, known for their gut health benefits. Social media buzz around adaptogens like ashwagandha is growing at 15.2% annually, showing that consumers are keen to explore these benefits.
Snacking
Snacking habits are on the rise, with people moving away from traditional meal patterns. The global snack market is projected to reach $269.45 billion in 2025, according to Statista.
In fact, snack frequency has increased by 11.2% year-over-year. Already, meal-replacement options like protein bars are seeing a 10.8% growth, as people prefer quick, convenient nutrition. This trend is supported by data showing that savory snacks have increased by 8.4% on restaurant menus.
Exciting Flavors
Flavor is becoming a key reason people buy food. Research from Grand View shows that global tastes are influencing demand for ethnic and regional flavors. Social media exposure helps fuel this curiosity, and spending on bold flavors in baking and snacks is up 53.4% year-over-year. Terms like ‘zesty’ and ‘rich’ are trending, highlighting a growing appetite for intense tastes.
What’s Declining
Sustainability Disillusionment
Though the food industry is working to be greener, interest from consumers seems to be faltering. A recent survey revealed that only 9% of Europeans prioritize sustainable practices in their lives. Since 2020, fewer consumers—46%—are considering sustainability when shopping.
Klaus Grunert from Aarhus University explains that high costs, confusion, and “crisis fatigue” are leading to this decline. For many, sustainable products cost 75-80% more than standard items.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol sales have been on a downward trend since the mid-2000s, with many opting for healthier choices. Freya Twigden, founder of Fix8 Kombucha, points to a societal shift towards health, especially since 2020. As social venues focus more on fitness than drinking, people’s priorities are changing.
The cost of alcohol has also surged. Data from Eurostat indicates a 95% increase in alcohol prices since 2000. This means consumers are seeking alternatives more than ever.
Restrictive Diets
Restrictive diets like keto are losing their appeal, with interest dropping by 4.6% year-over-year, according to Tastewise. Emily Vencat from YouBar explains that consumers are now gravitating toward more balanced and flexible nutrition methods, focusing on whole foods instead.
The food and beverage industry must adapt to these changes, embracing trends in functional foods, snacking, and bold flavors. Staying in tune with consumer desires will separate the winners from the rest in this fast-evolving landscape.
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