The National Restaurant Association's 2025 What's Hot Culinary Forecast is here, revealing top trends set to shape the nation's menus with a fresh focus on flavor, wellness and sustainability. For 2025, consumers can expect restaurant menus to buzz with wellness-enhancing mushrooms, honey-infused creations with a spicy twist, and the tastes of Southeast Asia. Today's diners are not only craving bold flavors but are also prioritizing environmental consciousness, value and well-being in every bite.
The report, based on the insights of thought leaders in the culinary world, highlights the top trends that will likely shape the culinary landscape in the coming year. Among the hottest trends identified, sustainability and local sourcing emerged as the top overall trends on the list, with industry experts noting that customers increasingly seek out restaurants that offer locally sourced, environmentally friendly options.
In the "top ingredients" category, diners are expected to be utilizing functional mushrooms in 2025 for wellness-centric dishes. Earthy fungi are now being explored by chefs everywhere, as mushrooms offer a variety of perceived health benefits and can be used in a variety of dishes. Meanwhile, hot honey — a sweet-and-spicy sensation — is taking the culinary world by storm. Leading customer cravings in cuisines, Southeast Asian flavors take the top three spots for "top dishes". Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino cooking are capturing Americans' attention for their unique, bold profiles that balance flavor and wellness.
"This year's forecast highlights a powerful shift toward enhancing both individual wellness and the health of our planet," said Dr. Chad Moutray, vice president of research and knowledge for the National Restaurant Association. "As customers seek sustainable choices and exciting new flavor experiences, restaurants are responding with options that emphasize locally sourced ingredients and innovative menu offerings. The popularity of Southeast Asian flavors also speaks to a more adventurous consumer palate, with many diners interested in global cuisine that brings added depth to their dining experiences."
Top trends for 2025:
- Sustainability and local sourcing – Eco-friendly practices are on the menu as diners increasingly prefer locally sourced ingredients and waste-reducing efforts that support the planet and local farms.
- Korean cuisine – With its spicy, tangy and umami-rich flavors, Korean cuisine is sizzling in popularity, satisfying diners' thirst for adventurous and bold meals.
- Hot honey – This honey variation is heating up dishes.
- Vietnamese cuisine – Light, herbaceous and packed with fresh flavors, Vietnamese food is ideal for health-conscious diners who want a balanced, flavorful meal.
- Fermented/pickled foods – From kimchi to pickled veggies, these zesty, tangy flavors please diners who want a unique flavor punch.
- Value Deals – With inflation still on consumers' minds, value-focused deals are keeping dining out accessible for budget-conscious patrons.
"Macro trends reflect the bigger-picture priorities of today's consumers, extending beyond just what's on the plate to convenience, creativity, and efficiency," Moutray said. "As the restaurant industry tackles challenges like labor shortages and changing consumer values, operators are innovating with streamlined menus, pre-prepped ingredients, and inventive flavors that balance efficiency with excitement. This year's forecast celebrates both novelty and nostalgia, offering modern twists on familiar favorites and globally inspired flavors that make dining out a memorable experience."
The National Restaurant Association surveyed nearly 300 culinary and industry professionals in the United States in October 2024.
Source: National Restaurant Association
