Protein is currently receiving a lot of attention as a key macronutrient, and rightfully so. It is a crucial component of our diet, playing a vital role in muscle building and repair, hormone balance, immune system regulation, and more. Protein-rich products are popping up everywhere, from Chobani High-Protein Yogurt to Bob’s Red Mill Protein Oats and viral cottage cheese protein wraps. Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab, expresses her long-standing appreciation for protein, especially cottage cheese, which has seen an improvement in quality over the years. Good Culture stands out in the cottage cheese category, excelling in tests and proving versatile in various dishes. While protein is beneficial, it is important to avoid excessive intake as it can lead to kidney strain, weight gain, and dehydration. Ensure a balanced diet by incorporating fiber-rich foods, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals alongside protein.
Kate Merker, Chief Food Director for the Good Housekeeping Institute, highlights the trend of using flavors from different cuisines in recipes and products, enhancing both taste and nutritional value. International snacks are gaining popularity, offering a wide array of treats that cater to various preferences. Dietitian Valerie Agyeman recommends exploring a mix of familiar and unfamiliar foods to broaden your culinary horizons. Exciting options include Doosra’s Indian-Inspired Snack Mix and Fishwife’s Smoked Salmon with Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp, allowing a taste of different cultures through bold flavors.
Eva Bleyer, a Home & Kitchen Appliances Reviews Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute, predicts that mocktails, inspired by her experience with Dry January, will continue to be a trend. These functional mocktails provide a refreshing alternative to traditional cocktails, appealing to those looking for flavorful non-alcoholic options.
“More and more brands will be introducing mocktails into their product offerings by 2025,” she remarks, pointing to sparkling waters flavored like cocktails and innovative mocktails incorporating functional ingredients such as Recess. “I appreciate the ability to enjoy a fun evening out with a delicious drink, without the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover the next day. It’s a win-win situation in my opinion,” Bleyer shares. It appears that mocktails are solidifying their presence and becoming a mainstream fixture on popular bar and restaurant menus as well.
There is a growing focus on mental health, leading to a surge in packaged foods and beverages containing supposed mood-boosting ingredients, notes Susan Choung, Recipe Editor at Good Housekeeping. “Many canned beverages, in particular, are promoting mood-enhancing properties as individuals exploring sobriety seek alcohol alternatives.” Functional mocktails combine great taste with calming elements — such as chamomile for better sleep or L-theanine for stress relief during hectic days, suggests Agyeman. Our perspective: While these drinks are not a cure-all, enjoy them in moderation and check sugar content to ensure your mocktail is a healthier option. “I appreciate functional mocktails for their unique flavors and added benefits like digestive support, but nobody should anticipate life-changing effects,” Agyeman remarks. “No guarantees, just possibilities.”
From a $400 pineapple with a waitlist to $20 Oishii strawberries, luxury produce has entered the spotlight as the new trend. “While splurging on specialty produce is not new — high-end fruits are popular in Japanese gift-giving customs, for instance — this concept is gaining traction in the United States,” explains Trish Clasen Marsanico, Deputy Food Editor. “In supermarkets, a broader selection of produce, including premium varieties of apples, pineapples, citrus fruits, and berries with higher price tags, can be found. These pricier options are often cultivated in a unique manner (such as one fruit per tree, vertically farmed, hand-picked) and/or imported from various countries like Costa Rica, Vietnam, and Japan.” She notes that people seem willing to indulge, pointing to Del Monte’s limited edition Rubyglow pineapple, “flawless” Shine Muscat Grapes for over $50 from Melissa’s Produce, and Crown Melons harvested in Hamamatsu, Japan for over $150.
While luxury fruits are in vogue, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the nutritional benefits of produce. Whether conventional or organic, all produce offers a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. We are opting for supercharged fruits with vibrant flavors and refreshing textures, such as Cosmic Crisp Apples, Hiiros Tomatoes, Sumo Citrus, and Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit. “These varieties may cost slightly more than others, but people are still including them in their shopping carts. Some have even developed dedicated followings, with fans eagerly
Various aspects such as mood, cognition, digestion, and more are influenced by what we drink. The beverage industry is thriving, offering options for those seeking to enhance their hydration routines, from stylish reusable water bottles to more inventive choices. “Just plain water no longer suffices. Nowadays, H2O is infused with electrolytes, antioxidants, vitamins, caffeine, and even protein,” notes Samantha MacAvoy, Assistant Food Editor at Good Housekeeping. “Consumers crave beverages that offer health benefits like added electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants.” She also highlights the shift towards sports drinks with reduced or no added sugars. While water remains essential, these enhanced waters can supplement your daily intake and aid in meeting your hydration goals. Sparkling water has also evolved, with brands like Spindrift and Aura Bora offering exciting flavors to keep things interesting.
Concerns regarding heavy metals in baby food made significant headlines a few years back, prompting industry changes and increased transparency. Starting January 1st, 2025, new legislation in California will require baby food manufacturers to test for harmful heavy metals and provide accessible test results via QR codes on their products. This move aims to improve the quality and safety standards in the baby food category, benefiting informed parents seeking better options.
In the realm of sourdough, a surge in baking tools and products beyond bread, such as organic crackers and baking mixes, has been observed. Sourdough’s popularity has skyrocketed, with its nutritional benefits like lactic acid aiding in nutrient absorption and promoting gut health. Expect to see sourdough’s influence grow in 2025, as more brands incorporate it into their offerings, catering to health-conscious consumers.
Incorporating these products can enhance the practicality of incorporating sourdough into your regular diet. Organ meats are known for their high nutrient density, with liver being particularly rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Compared to other foods, organ meats offer a concentrated source of nutrients and are often more cost-effective. The popularity of consuming organ meats is on the rise globally, with a growing appreciation for their nutritional benefits. Chefs are creatively incorporating organ meats into dishes such as chicken liver mousse, grilled duck hearts, and braised tripe. Utilizing every part of an animal for dining is not only responsible but also budget-friendly compared to opting for pricier cuts like steaks and chops.
If you’re unsure about preparing organ meats or intimidated by their taste and texture, consider products like Force of Nature’s Ancestral Blend, which combines ground beef with ground beef liver and heart for a balanced flavor. While organ meats are high in cholesterol and saturated fats, moderation is key.
Upcycling is a positive trend gaining momentum to reduce food waste, with nearly 40% of food in the U.S. ending up in landfills. Repurposing ingredients that would otherwise go to waste is becoming more common. Brands like Daily Crunch and Seven Sundays are leading the way in upcycling, using ingredients that would have been discarded to create new products. Regenerative organic agriculture is also on the rise, focusing on improving soil health and sustainability.
Personalized nutrition acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet and exercise. Tailored products and tools based on individual genetics, lifestyle, and environment are becoming increasingly popular as people seek personalized solutions for their unique needs.
In conclusion, these food and nutrition trends reflect a growing interest in health-conscious and sustainable practices that cater to individual preferences and needs.
The trends of 2025 are undeniably captivating, but amidst all the excitement, let us not forget the fundamental significance of maintaining a well-rounded, nourishing diet. While it’s exhilarating to explore these emerging trends, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in the timeless principles of good nutrition for our well-being.
Why should you place your trust in Good Housekeeping? Stefani Sassos, a registered dietitian and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, stands at the helm of our commitment to delivering diet and nutrition information that is rooted in solid evidence. With her finger on the pulse of the latest developments in nutrition research and trends, Stefani distills this wealth of information for our readers, highlighting the science-backed principles that enrich a healthy lifestyle while cautioning against fleeting fads. Her dedication lies in promoting the consumption of nutrient-rich whole foods within a diverse diet, fostering holistic health and wellness.
In the curation of this compendium, Stefani collaborated closely with a team of esteemed experts at Good Housekeeping, including in-house chefs, food science specialists, and registered dietitians. Their collective insights and expertise lend credence to the recommendations presented here, ensuring that readers receive well-rounded guidance on optimizing their dietary habits.
Remember, as you navigate the landscape of nutritional trends, always prioritize the foundation of a balanced and wholesome diet. Let your exploration be informed by science and guided by prudence, steering clear of passing fads in favor of sustainable practices that nurture your well-being.
