The age of social media has ushered in an abundance of annuals food and drink trends, from tart based on cherry juice mocktails for sleepy girls to cheese-covered pickles (aka…wait for it…'chicks“).
As we welcome another year and another arsenal of wacky flavor pairings, we spoke to six world-renowned chefs to get their predictions on the type of cuisine we should expect beyond Instagram feed and restaurant kitchens. We also asked which cuisines and ingredients they hope to see more of, as trends tend to be short-lived and unpredictable (Fig. the fate of TikTokbut we digress).
Here are their answers, as well as advice from us to get you started and turn these predictions into reality.
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“If you're new to cooking, my advice is simple: spice up your life. Experimentation can be your trend. Take what seems like a basic meal, like perfectly roasted chicken, your favorite vegetable pilaf and rice, then try different combinations of spices. You'll be amazed at how it transforms a dish. And if you want to get really “trendy,” try using AI to suggest spice blends from different places and cultures. It's a fun way to explore the world through your taste buds and build your pantry.”
The 2025 trend hopes to see:
“For 2025, I hope food will be a bridge to cultural understanding, with a growing appreciation for the diversity and depth of African cuisines.” certainly, his cuisine offers unique ingredients, techniques and stories that deserve attention.
For advice: For custom, global spice blends, start with one of these 10 it rubs which you can apply to proteins and vegetables before throwing them on the grill or in the oven.
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“Climate change affects us all. I want to see us eat more grains and local vegetables in season. “Maybe African grains like teff, fonio and millet that you now find in some parts of Whole Foods, but I want it to be more mainstream.”
The 2025 trend hopes to see:
“The next place exposed (or frequent) travelers, especially young people, will go is to a continent (rather than just a city). Going to places like Senegal, Morocco, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana … you will see more of it. Travel changes and transforms, but what Africa does have is pop culture influence. Next will be the food. I've already started watching jollof rice battles.''
For advice: We can all do more to reduce ours carbon footprintespecially when it comes to eating. Consider which everyday practices can be harmful to the environment and how you can limit or eliminate them altogether.
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“I think the love of island and Caribbean food will continue in 2025, with dishes like crab salad, Bahamian fish stew and Bahamian peas and rice.”
The 2025 cooking trend hopes to see:
“I hope island and Caribbean food gets some love in 2025 — it's about time!” I really love the wonderful combination of flavors that island cuisine brings. “Each island uses its own local, fresh seafood and puts its own signature on it, and it's amazing.”
For advice: While amateur chefs can certainly invest in island-inspired hot sauces, curries, and spices, a trip to the Caribbean will satisfy any sudden craving for these bold and unique flavors. Check these out Money-saving summer travel tips (applicable year-round) to plan that dream trip to the Bahamas and beyond.
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“I expect a continued rise in the popularity of plant-based and vegetarian cuisine as more diners look for healthier and sustainable options. I also think that specific ingredients like algae, ancient grains and fermented foods are likely to continue to gain popularity.”
The 2025 trend hopes to see:
“I hope to see more recognition of global plant-based cuisines, especially those from regions that deserve more attention. There are amazing plant foods around the world that are underrated. I strongly feel that dishes that celebrate bold spices and diverse cooking techniques can inspire chefs and home cooks alike.”
For advice: If you are intimidated by the idea of preparing delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, rely on one of our best vegan meal delivery services for 2024 to start your foray into plant-based cooking and inspire future meals.
Jeffrey Zakarian
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“I'm not a trend forecaster because the word trend refers to things that will come out this year. What I see is a very deliberate march towards real food and nothing processed.
The 2025 trend hopes to see:
“The Middle East has always played second fiddle to Italy. They are extraordinary cuisines and, together, the healthiest on the planet.”
For advice: A clay tagine makes a wonderful investment for low and slow cooking of stews, mushrooms and soups. It is also one of the seven cooking tools from around the world that our editors have tested and recommended.
Born in Saint-Pierre-de-ChandierDaniel Boulu would like to see the trend of French country cooking in 2025.
Culinary trend prediction for 2025:
“I think the big culinary trend in 2025 will be marinating.”
The 2025 trend hopes to see:
“I'd like to see the trend of French country cooking in 2025.”
For advice: Pickling will require a jar to allow the flavors to blend, transform and preserve. Check out our complete canning guide to enjoy farm fresh produce, with or without tang, all year round.