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As we step into the new year, experts are predicting some intriguing food and drink trends for 2025. Insights shared by specialists offer a glimpse into the culinary landscape that awaits us.
Predictions for 2025 highlight an increasing focus on fusion cuisine, the incorporation of flowers and mushrooms in dishes, innovations involving cocoa-infused beverages, and a growing interest in Guinness beer among younger consumers, as per Food & Wine magazine.
Fox News Digital consulted with food industry experts to delve deeper into these emerging trends, uncovering valuable observations and perspectives on three noteworthy culinary directions for 2025.
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Will you be sampling any of these intriguing developments soon?
Three Delicious Trends to Watch for in 2025
Cocoa’s Rising Popularity
Hot chocolate evokes memories of warm gatherings and chilly evenings.
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In the coming year, the offerings around hot cocoa are expected to evolve beyond the traditional mug topped with marshmallows.
“People are abandoning artificial chocolate flavors and syrups in favor of fresh cocoa that delivers authentic, rich sweetness,” noted a report from Beverage Daily.
As consumers seek gourmet variations of this classic drink, there’s a demand for both sweet and savory infusions, along with plant-based alternatives. Restaurants are also adapting to these desires.
Jason Francis, the director of food and beverage at The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee, shared, “In our desserts, we creatively combine chocolate and coffee, exemplified in our hazelnut tiramisu and espresso crème brulee. This winter, we’ve introduced a chocolate cheesecake infused with peppermint.”
Edible Flowers Making Waves
Flowers are increasingly appearing on menus, enhancing beverages, salads, and various other dishes.
“The trend of using edible flowers has been on the rise for several years, evolving well beyond just garnishing cocktails,” explained Rich Iannone, corporate director of food and beverage programming at Valor Hospitality Partners in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mixologists are utilizing flowers to introduce vibrant colors to cocktails, while chefs use them to elevate flavors in salads, moving past the usual greens.
“Incorporating these floral flavors into dishes adds both depth and visual appeal,” Iannone remarked. Research supports this trend, highlighting that Gen Z particularly favors ingredients like hibiscus, lavender, and cherry blossoms, which have made their way onto both hot and cold beverage menus, as noted by Food & Wine.
A Resurgence of Guinness
Guinness beer is enjoying a surge in popularity, largely driven by a younger demographic.
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Bill Fritz, director of food and beverage at Caesars Atlantic City, stated, “Guinness is outperforming many of its competitors in the beer market, partly due to its targeted marketing strategies aimed at Generation Z.” He pointed out the viral “Split The G” challenge, which encourages drinkers to tilt their glasses so the foam aligns with the “G” in the logo, has gained traction on social media.
Fritz noted how clever marketing alongside “Guinnfluencers” and celebrity endorsements is helping the brand strike a balance between modern appeal and its storied legacy. “Guinness has persisted for over 250 years for a reason,” he remarked.
According to Iannone, the renewed interest in Guinness among younger drinkers speaks to its ability to resonate with contemporary consumers while still honoring its history. He emphasized, “Diageo, its parent company, has effectively connected with this generation.”
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