With the 2024 year in review, last year marked a huge jump in the popularity of chicken fast-food restaurants. Alongside the chicken rave, Crumbl Cookie also gained recognition opening over 101 stores in 2024 according to Forbes. Amongst consumers, Frozen Grapes, Dubai Chocolate, and Tini’s Mac and Cheese are fan favorites. To take a full swing into 2025, we set out to predict the top foods of 2025.
Clean Eating and Nutrient Dense Foods
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will likely continue the “clean eating” trend into 2025. Smaller portions of foods, rich in nutrients are looking to become the prime focus for weight loss.
“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, or greek yogurt, or chia seeds – I’ve heard those are all really good options for smoothie bowls. “ said Kayla Knosp (‘28).
Dumplings and 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 like all Chinese food cause I love Chinese food … a lot of it is really underrated.” said Michelle Lau (‘27).
2024 was a big year for Asian cuisine. Asian-fusion restaurants dominated Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US” list last year. Hence, it is likely that 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 think 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
Continuing the trend from 2024, Raising Canes and Wingstop will most likely remain as the go-to chicken restaurants for consumers. Chick-fil-A, previously dethroned from the top fast food restaurant on USA Today Reader’s Choice list, will 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.
