Trends for 2025

Welcome to the new year, as with any new year, predictions are made on what will be popular.  Food appears to be trending to be more basic, less processed.  However, that doesn't mean less flavor, more creative combinations of ingredients, spices and multicultural combinations, also known as fusion cuisine will be available.  Additionally, we will be expecting more in terms of transparency in our food systems such as origin, conditions of processing (how it is grown, environment, food safety).   Along with our expectations for foods that are sustainable, less wasteful or upcycled.

• "Clean" Foods -   This is eating more basic or whole foods.  Food that are not processed but closer to as they appear in nature.  Examples are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein that's not processed or minimally processed.  This is a healthier way to eat in the long run.


• Environmentally Produced -  This is not just organically grown foods.  However, foods that are grown in a way to support the environment, such as protecting instead of depleting the soil nutrients.  Additionally, this could include foods that are made from re-purposed food scraps that would otherwise be thrown away.  Current examples of these upcycled foods are vegetable broth made from vegetable scraps or bread crumbs made for stale bread.  Look for more creative upcycled foods in the new year.


• Custom Meal/Grocery Services- Use of AI or other apps that can generate customized meals and shopping lists to your tastes and preferences.  This could be a way to avoid food boredom, expand food choices and discover new flavor combinations.  Having variety in the diet offers a wider array of nutrients.


• Flexible Plant-based - Having plant-based meals doesn't exactly mean a full on vegetarian or vegan diet.  This involves less reliance on animal based proteins and having the flexibility to eat plant-based without committing to it full-time.  Look for more plant-based options from restaurants, meal delivery services and grocery stores.  Eating more plant-based is good for the environment and health too, especially if it's the less processed alternative.


• Meal Kit Delivery - For added convenience, more meals can prepared at home for those who are short on time for cooking or shopping.  These meal kits include pre-measured ingredients and easy to follow recipes delivered to the home.  Additionally, look for a wider variety of selections to accommodate special diets and food preferences.  If you don't eat gluten, onions or avoid red meats, there will be a meal-kit that can be customized to meet your individualized needs.


• Dining at Home - Dining in can be a more economical option to going out to restaurants.  Assistance with meal planning will be more accessible from grocery stores or other apps to create the dining-out atmosphere at home with prepared meals, ready for pick-up or easy to assemble.  Comparable to having an in-home catered experience.


• Food and Exercise for Mental Health -  More research supports the benefits of exercise and diet for improving mental health.  The next logical step is to manage mental health with food and fitness, incorporating all aspects of lifestyle to the therapy.  This could be an adjunct to the standards of counseling, psychotherapy and medication.

Free introductory 15-minute appointments are also available.