Culinary Experts and Strategists From Leading Food Marketing Agency Forecast Flavor Innovation and Immersive Engagement to Take Center Stage—In and Out of the Kitchen
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, food marketing agency Ingredient released its 2025 Trend Report, an annual report that explores notable trends and consumer behaviors expected to dominate throughout the year. With predictions from Ingredient's industry-leading agency strategists and culinary professionals, this report aims to empower brands and businesses to stay ahead of the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry. This year's predictions from Ingredient's 60+ marketing strategists, designers, copywriters and culinary professionals highlight the cornerstones of success for brands, marketers and businesses navigating the food landscape in 2025.
"Our predictions are equal parts familiar and uncharted this year, emphasizing the growing need for brands and businesses to balance innovation with transparency," said Brian Brown, partner and president at Ingredient. "Consumers today seek genuine connections and radical candor, influenced by trends like sustainable food practices, GLP-1 drugs and AI-generated content. These shifts are reshaping eating and purchasing habits, determining which brands can satisfy both cravings and conscience. For over 30 years, we've supported iconic brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, along with high-end, independent grocers like Lunds & Byerlys, in navigating these changes."
Ingredient's top five trend predictions for 2025:
- Nameless, Faceless Brand Content is Out: Authenticity will become the ultimate currency for marketers as more consumers prioritize authentic connections with creators and influencers over anonymous, branded content. Consumers are turning to social platforms over search engines for information and inspiration, meaning brand content should prioritize real human faces and voices with clear descriptions and keywords to foster connection and community. Personalization will remain key, but brands must balance tailored experiences with consumers' hyper-relevant desire for privacy. Investing in AI data analytics tools instead of leveraging AI-generated content will win the trust and loyalty of real, human consumers.
- 'Newstalgia' Will Help Us Deal with Discomforts: During times of uncertainty, people crave comfort. In 2025, brands in the snack and dessert categories that blend nostalgic flavors and textures with a modern, unique twist will resonate with key audiences. Textural characteristics like crispy, crunchy and creamy will also play a role in meeting demand for feel-good, "newstalgic" experiences. Consumers will continue adding little luxuries like enjoying an unhealthy snack into their day in the name of self-care, while home cooking will shift to a back-to-basics approach. Traditional techniques will be embraced over shortcuts, and Gen Z will particularly crave educational content to learn foundational skills. Bold "dopamine design" packaging with striking designs will also take center stage, driving strong emotional connections with consumers, especially in the snacking category.
- Global Cuisines Will Influence Home Cooking: Sustainability and international flavors are shaping the future of food, with more consumers embracing sustainable, plant-based ingredients. This shift is driving interest in globally-inspired recipes, flavors and restaurants that align with consumers' health, environmental and economic values. 2025 will encounter surging demand for global flavors and diverse cuisines, from the traditional dishes of Georgia and Africa to classic French, Mexican and Portuguese fare, alongside a resurgence of fusion cuisine blending nostalgia with modern innovation. This shift will impact restaurants, home kitchens and retailers, influencing them to offer bold, eco-friendly flavors that align with consumers' values and tastes.
- GLP-1 Drugs Will Influence How We Eat: As GLP-1 drugs acquire traction beyond coastal markets, their widespread adoption is set to reshape eating habits and the health and wellness food landscape. GLP-1 weight loss drugs are increasing demand for macronutrient-rich foods like protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, while reducing overall calorie consumption. Functional foods like adaptogens and probiotics are gaining prominence, along with a rise in healthy "dupe" recipes that enable consumers to recreate restaurant-inspired dishes at home.
- Gen Z Takes the Spotlight: Gen Z is redefining consumer trends with the fastest-growing income globally, projected to reach $33 trillion by 2030. Businesses will need to adapt to meet their preferences and win over their significant $450 billion spending power. Brands that prioritize hyper-relevant, transparent communication, especially in loyalty programs, will gain Gen Z's trust. Budget-friendly meal solutions and semi-homemade options will also earn traction as economic factors influence spending habits, while the spicy food trend is predicted to expand into desserts, snacks and main courses, promising bold flavors in 2025.
Download the full report here. To learn more about Ingredient, or how brands and businesses can leverage the 2025 Trend Report to increase customer acquisition and retention, visit Ingredient.mn.
About Ingredient
Ingredient is a food marketing agency inspiring connections between brands and consumers. The team is built of experts in marketing strategy, creative, and culinary professionals to tell unique brand stories that build lasting relationships with consumers. Since 1994, Ingredient has led marketing and content strategies for iconic food brands, including both CPG companies and grocery retailers. With a deep commitment to understanding clients, their target audiences and channels, plus an in-house production studio and chefs on staff, Ingredient is the agency partner for delivering scroll-stopping work. To learn more about Ingredient's services and clients, visit Ingredient.mn.
Media Contact
Lindsey Stecki, Ingredient, 1 619-507-5281, [email protected], https://ingredient.mn/
SOURCE Ingredient
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