The age of social media has ushered in an abundance of annual food and drink trends, from tart cherry juice-based sleepy girl mocktails to cheese-covered pickles (known as…wait for it…”chickles“). While these are often creative, visually compelling, and yes, (sometimes) delicious, they’re often concocted out of boredom or with the sole intention of going viral. And they succeed.
As we bid adieu to another year and another arsenal of wacky flavor amalgamations, we chatted with six world-famous chefs to get their predictions of the type of cuisine we should expect beyond the Instagram feed and in restaurant kitchens. We also asked what cuisines and ingredients they hope to see more of, since trends tend to be short-lived and unpredictable (much like the fate of TikTok, but we digress).
Here are their responses, as well as a tip from us to get a head start and turn these predictions into realities.
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“If you’re new to cooking, my advice is simple: Spice up your life. Experimentation can be your trend. Take what seems like a basic meal, like a perfectly roasted chicken, your favorite vegetable and rice pilaf, and then try different spice combinations. You’ll be amazed at how it transforms a dish. And if you want to get really ‘trendy,’ try using AI to suggest spice blends from various places and cultures. It’s a fun way to explore the world through your taste buds and build your pantry.”
2025 trend she hopes to see:
“For 2025, I hope to see food as a bridge to cultural understanding, with a growing appreciation for the diversity and depth within African cuisines. It’s time we delve into the distinct culinary traditions across the continent rather than viewing Africa itself as a monolith and certainly its cuisine….Each region offers unique ingredients, techniques and stories that deserve the spotlight.”
Pro tip: For custom, global spice blends, start with one of these 10 rubs that you can apply to proteins and vegetables before throwing them on the grill or into the oven.
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“Climate change has an impact on all of us. I want to see us eat more grains and local vegetables in season. Maybe African grains like teff, fonio and millet that you now find in some sections of Whole Foods, but I want it to be more mainstream.”
2025 trend he hopes to see:
“The next place exposed [or frequent] travelers, especially young people, will go is to a continent [instead of just a city]. Going to places like Senegal, Morocco, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana…you see more of it. Traveling changes and transforms, but what Africa has is an impact on pop culture. Food will be next. I’ve already started to see jollof rice battles.”
Pro tip: We can all do more to lessen our carbon imprint, especially when it comes to eating. Consider what everyday practices may be detrimental to the environment and how you can limit or eliminate them altogether.
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“I’m thinking the love for island and Caribbean food will continue in 2025, with dishes like conch salad, Bahamian fish stew, and Bahamian peas and rice!”
2025 cooking trend she hopes to see:
“I’m hoping island and Caribbean foods get some love in 2025 — it’s time! I really love the beautiful amalgamation of flavors that island cuisine brings. Each island uses its own local, fresh seafood and puts its own signature on it, and it’s amazing.”
Pro tip: While amateur cooks can certainly invest in island-inspired hot sauces, curries and spices, a trip to the Caribbean will satisfy any sudden craving for these bold and unique flavors. Check out these money-saving summer travel tips (which can be applied year-round) to plan that dream trip to the Bahamas and beyond.
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“I anticipate a continued rise in the popularity of plant-based and vegetarian cuisine, as more diners seek healthier and sustainable options. I also think that specific ingredients like seaweed, ancient grains and fermented foods will likely keep gaining in popularity.”
2025 trend he hopes to see:
“I hope to see a greater recognition of global plant-based cuisines, especially those from regions that deserve more attention. There is amazing plant-forward food around the world that is underrated. I feel strongly that dishes that celebrate bold spices and diverse cooking techniques can inspire chefs and home cooks alike.”
Pro tip: If the idea of preparing delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes intimidates you, rely on one one of our best vegan meal delivery services for 2024 to jump start your foray into plant-forward cooking and inspire future meals.
Geoffrey Zakarian
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“I’m not a trend predictor because the word trend refers to things that will be around this year. What I see is a very deliberate march towards real food and nothing processed at all.”
2025 trend he hopes to see:
“The Middle East has always played second fiddle to Italy. They are both tremendous cuisines and, together, the healthiest on the planet.”
Pro tip: A clay tagine makes a wonderful investment to low-and-slow cook stews, braises and soups. It’s also one of seven cooking tools from around the world that our editors have tested and recommended.
Born in Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, Daniel Boulud would love to see French country cooking trend in 2025.
2025 culinary trend prediction:
“I think the big culinary trend in 2025 will be pickling.”
2025 trend he hopes to see:
“I would love to see French country cooking trend in 2025.”
Pro tip: Pickling will require a jar of sorts to allow flavors to meld, transform and preserve. Check out our complete guide to canning to enjoy farm-fresh produce, with or without tang, year-round.
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