Buzz
Photo: Westend61/Getty ImagesAs 2025 kicks off, it's time to look ahead at the food trends that will shape the year. Kroger’s food trend report offers a glimpse into the future of what we’ll be eating and buying at the grocery store. Crafted by Kroger’s expert team of chefs, culinary specialists, product developers, and buyers, this report outlines the top food trends for the coming year.
Kroger predicts that 2025 will bring a rise in brine, spicy peppers, and more. Get ready to spot these exciting food trends on grocery store shelves this year.
Food Dupes
Trader Joe’s is known for its food dupes—products that are similar to popular name brands. In 2025, other grocery stores like Kroger will also follow suit. These dupes often offer the same quality (or even better) at a much lower price. As the trend report highlights, shoppers will increasingly choose store-brand alternatives over national brands, with innovation in private-label products meeting growing demand. Look for items such as Kroger’s Cheese & Uncured Bacon Egg Bites, a dupe for Starbucks’ egg bites, and more.
Bold and Briny
While 2024 was all about cucumbers, 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on pickles and other briny treats. As noted in the trend report, expect an uptick in super briny foods like olives, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Shoppers can look forward to discovering items such as Trader Joe’s Lemon Stuffed Olives and Kroger’s Breaded Dill Pickle Chips on store shelves.
The Protein Renaissance
Protein is all the rage these days, with supermarkets stepping up by offering a variety of protein-rich products, which help promote fullness and support overall health. Shoppers can expect to find items that go beyond the usual options like cottage cheese and chicken, such as Costco's Alderwood Smoked Salmon Fillets and Kroger's Simple Truth Buttermilk Vanilla Protein Waffles, both of which are great sources of protein.
Pepper Palette
Get ready for peppers to take center stage in 2025! As the trend report mentions, customers are moving away from just seeking the hottest peppers to focusing on how heat enhances flavor. By exploring spices and peppers from global cuisines, such as Calabrian chiles, guajillo peppers, and hatch chiles, the flavor game is being elevated. Expect to see these new varieties in everyday products like wings, pizza, and pasta. Look out for items like Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese and Kroger’s Private Selection Hot Pepper Bacon Spread.
Hail, Caesar
Caesar salad is having a major moment, and it looks set to continue into 2025. However, it’s not just about salads anymore. The classic Caesar flavors are extending beyond just salads and wraps, with creative uses of Caesar dressing in dishes like pizza, pasta, and even a wider range of greens than just romaine lettuce. Get ready for exciting twists on this beloved dressing, incorporating flavors like miso, tahini, and black garlic. Look for products like Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Caesar Dressing and Kroger’s Flat Anchovies in Olive Oil & Salt to join the craze.
