With the 2024 year in review, last year marked a huge jump in the popularity of chicken fast food restaurants, like Raising Canes and Wingstop. Along with this chicken rave, the rise of Crumbl Cookie also gained recognition, which opened over 101 stores in 2024 according to Forbes. Amongst social media users, frozen grapes, Dubai chocolate, and Tini’s Mac and Cheese were fan favorites. Now with the new year in full swing, we set out to predict the top foods of 2025, and what to look for this coming year.
Clean Eating and Nutrient-Dense Foods
With the rise in popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, it’s likely that “clean eating” will trend in 2025. Smaller portions of foods rich in nutrients are looking to become the prime focus for weight loss or the improvement of diets.
“I’ve decided to bring my own lunches to school in 2025, so now I pack my own lunches so I know what I’m eating for lunch instead of eating the school food, because it’s really a mystery to me what nutrients are in it.” said Zoey Li (‘26).
Whole Foods, which releases a list of food trend predictions each year, predicted in late December that foods packed with protein, like easy-to-prepare meat dinners, will also become popular with consumers.
“In 2024 I liked smoothie bowls. So I’d like to try some new flavors and try adding protein, such as peanut butter, greek yogurt, or chia seeds – I’ve heard those are all really good options for smoothie bowls. “ said Kayla Knosp (‘28).
Dumplings and other Asian Treats
Dumplings, which have been trending recently for their adaptability and authenticity, are looking to be a top tier food amongst consumers in 2025. These treats have been showing up in grocery stores as shelf-stable or frozen products.
“Some foods that I hope will be popular in 2025 is pretty much all Chinese food, because I love Chinese food… a lot of it is really underrated.” said Michelle Lau (‘27).
2024 was a big year for Asian cuisine – Asian and Asian-fusion restaurants dominated Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US list last year. Hence, it is likely Asian cuisine will only continue to grow in popularity in the United States this new year.
“I’m surprisingly picky [about Asian foods], but I like beef noodle soup the best. They sell a really good one near Safeway, in that area with the ax-throwing place – they have the best beef noodle soup.” said Li.
Chicken to-Go
Just as they did in 2024, it is likely that chicken restaurants like Raising Canes and Wingstop will remain in the spotlight for consumers. Chick-fil-a, which was dethroned as the top fast food restaurant after a 10-year reign on USA Today Reader’s Choice list, is likely to join these restaurants.
“In 2024 I definitely… liked Wingstop. It was really good, especially their barbecue wings.” said Knosp.
2025 promises exciting food trends, from nutrient-packed meals and dumplings to the continued rise of chicken fast food favorites. With evolving tastes and health-conscious choices, this year’s dining landscape offers something for everyone.
