2025 Food and Drink Trends
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As we step into 2025, the UK’s food and drink scene is buzzing with fresh ideas and bold flavours. While many trends have dominated headlines, there are several under-the-radar movements poised to transform menus, products, and dining experiences. From emerging global cuisines to innovative ingredients and sustainability-driven practices, these lesser-known trends highlight the evolving tastes and values of UK consumers.
At Uren, we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve, sourcing exceptional ingredients and supporting food businesses in creating memorable culinary moments. Let’s explore the hidden gems shaping the future of food.
Emerging Global Flavours
Southern States Cuisine
Comfort food from the Deep South of the United States is finding its way onto UK menus, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the table. Dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and smoky barbecued meats are resonating with diners seeking hearty, flavour-packed meals.
What makes this trend stand out is its fusion of influences—West African, French, Spanish, and Indigenous American flavours. This culinary diversity offers a versatile foundation for lunch, dinner, and even grab-and-go meals. Restaurants and food manufacturers can capitalise on this trend by experimenting with spice blends, slow-cooked recipes, and street-food-inspired formats.
Southern US cuisine is the most in-demand "flavour less travelled," with 80% of consumers interested in trying it
Swiss and Portuguese Cuisines
While Italian and French cuisines often take centre stage, Swiss and Portuguese food are carving their niche. From Switzerland, expect an embrace of indulgent dishes like cheese fondue, potato rosti, and artisanal chocolates. These hearty options tap into consumers’ love for comfort food with a premium twist.
Meanwhile, Portuguese cuisine is expanding beyond the beloved piri piri chicken. Dishes like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and caldeirada (mixed fish stew) are gaining recognition, showcasing the depth of Portuguese culinary heritage. These offerings are perfect for businesses looking to introduce lesser-known but highly marketable European dishes.
Innovative Ingredients and Dishes
Black Lime
This dried citrus is making waves as a versatile ingredient with a tangy, smoky flavour. Known for its dramatic black appearance, black lime adds depth to stews, marinades, and even cocktails.
Its bold flavour profile is ideal for adventurous chefs and product developers looking to create standout dishes. Imagine a black lime-infused barbecue sauce or a zesty seasoning blend for roasted vegetables. As consumers seek unique taste experiences, this ingredient is a game-changer.
Celtic Salt
Interest in natural, unrefined salts like Celtic salt has surged, with consumer discussions growing by over 230% in the past two years. Unlike standard table salt, Celtic salt retains essential minerals and is celebrated for its hydration benefits.
This trend aligns with the growing focus on wellness and clean eating. Food brands can incorporate Celtic salt into product lines ranging from artisan snacks to health-focused seasoning kits, offering both flavour and functionality.
Evolving Drink Trends
Premium Hot Chocolate Innovations
Hot chocolate is undergoing a luxurious transformation, moving far beyond the classic cup of cocoa. This trend embraces bold new formats, including frozen hot chocolates, white chocolate mochas, and flavoured hot chocolates infused with hints of orange, chilli, or sea salt.
This evolution caters to consumers craving indulgent treats and rich sensory experiences. Cafés and beverage brands can set themselves apart by crafting unique, Instagram-worthy drinks that captivate customers in a highly competitive market.
Hydration Heroes
The wellness movement continues to influence the drinks sector, with hydration-boosted beverages taking centre stage. Inspired by the popularity of “sleepy girl” mocktails, new formulations promote relaxation and better sleep. These non-alcoholic drinks often feature calming botanicals like chamomile or magnesium, and ingredients such as tart cherry juice, a natural source of melatonin, reflecting the growing interest in nighttime wellness.
Culinary Techniques and Concepts
Seasonal Fusions
Chefs are pushing boundaries by blending seasonal British ingredients with unexpected global cuisines. Think wild garlic tacos or pumpkin ravioli with Thai spices. This approach not only celebrates local produce but also introduces diners to fresh, creative flavour combinations.
For restaurants and caterers, seasonal fusions are a way to stay relevant and exciting while supporting local suppliers—a win-win for both taste and sustainability.
Next-Level Lunchtimes
The humble lunch is getting a gourmet upgrade. Consumers are gravitating toward premium salads, bao buns, and artisanal sandwiches featuring high-quality meats, inventive sauces, and unique textures.
This trend reflects a shift towards more thoughtful, satisfying midday meals. Businesses can capitalise by offering grab-and-go options that combine convenience with culinary excellence.
How Uren Supports These Trends
At Uren, we specialise in sourcing high-quality ingredients to help businesses bring these trends to life. Our commitment to sustainability and quality ensures that every product we supply supports your business goals while aligning with consumer preferences for transparency and responsible sourcing. Whether you’re looking to create fusion dishes, enhance health-focused recipes, or explore new product opportunities, Uren is your trusted partner for innovation and excellence.
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Contact Uren today to discover how we can help you create standout products that capture the trends shaping the future of food.
