by Dawn Smith-Pfeifer
What’s cooking in 2025? Foodies everywhere love to predict what’s going to be hot (and spicy) on our plates each year. According to the experts, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for adventurous eaters. The Food Network is all in on novel freeze-dried treats. Better Homes & Gardens says protein will remain king, while the Associated Press predicts Asian-inspired cuisine will take the culinary spotlight.
But let’s bring it closer to home. Registered dietitian Elizabeth Magee keeps a keen eye on food trends — partly because her kids are always ahead of the curve. Case in point: one of them is already talking about Coconut Cult Yogurt (I had to Google it). She also mentioned the Ninja CREAMi, which seems to be having its moment in the sun. Turns out, single-use appliances are riding the trend wave, just like I read in one of those food trend roundups.
To dig deeper, I reached out to our blogger Justin from My Complete Cooking, who’s got a knack for spotting what’s next in the food world. Here are some of his 2025 predictions:
1. People are leaning into bold spices and mixing them with comforting classics. He says it’s all about those unexpected combos — like hot honey, fiery cinnamon rolls, or flamboyant cocktails that pack a punch, like margaritas or jazzed-up Old Fashioneds.
2. Global spices are already in the pipeline and will be making more inroads in 2025. Here are some flavors you might want to familiarize yourself with now:
- Sichuan peppercorn
- Gochugaru (Korean red chilis)
- Caribbean Scotch bonnet peppers
3. And let’s not forget the fermented flavor craze — Justin says to think miso caramel, spicy kimchi mayo, and fermented chili sauces.
If you’re itching to shake up your taste buds in 2025, stay tuned. Justin’s got more insights and ideas coming soon.
Smith-Pfeifer is the editor for On Your Table.