June Trend Drop: Sardine Summer, Dubai Chocolate & What’s Next
June 2025 has been a hotbed for viral food trends 2025, with three clear winners across social media, restaurant menus, and consumer products: the nutrient-packed Sardine Summer, the indulgent Dubai Chocolate trend, and the fizzy, throwback Dirty Soda revival.
Tastewise data from April 2025 shows just how powerful these trends are. For example, interest in Dubai chocolate on social media has skyrocketed, with a 2,147% year-over-year growth in mentions. Dirty soda has followed a similar trajectory, growing 143.84% YoY, while sardine-related content continues to rise, supported by a strong 5.65% YoY uptick.
These aren’t just fun fads—they’re shaping what ends up on shelves, menus, and screens. Let’s break down why these three trends took off, how they’ve been used in the real world, and what’s coming next.
The social media engine behind trend cycles
TikTok, Instagram, and even Pinterest now dictate what’s hot. From ASMR bites to gold-dusted desserts, consumers want food that looks good and aligns with how they feel—whether that’s indulgent, nostalgic, or “clean.” That’s why TikTok food trends June 2025 are more than entertainment; they’re business signals.
A single video about sardines or a new soda recipe can go from 100 views to 10 million overnight. When that happens, brands need to act—fast.
Why real-time trend tracking matters for innovation
Trends today don’t last for quarters—they often peak within weeks. That makes it essential to track performance in real-time across consumer conversations, restaurant menus, and recipe platforms. Using platforms like Tastewise helps teams stay agile and make smarter calls on product development, content, and pricing.
Sardine Summer is a dive into nutritional nostalgia
It’s official: Sardine Summer has arrived.
Fuelled by TikTokers showing off their sardine toast, avocado combos, and “sardine boards,” this trend is the unexpected hero of 2025. Consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are drawn to sardines for their high omega-3s, vitamin D, and affordability.
Tastewise data reveals a steady 5.65% YoY growth in sardine-related discussions【source】. On menus, sardines are showing up in upscale contexts, from Mediterranean salads to toasties and even tapas flights.
Retail has jumped in too—brands are redesigning packaging to appear more premium, offering flavors like chili oil, lemon herb, and even smoked truffle. Looking for an easy way to ride the wave? Try this Sardine Almond Herb Crust recipe.
Dubai Chocolate: Edible opulence for the social feed
The Dubai Chocolate trend is pure luxury—and social media gold. Think chocolate bars filled with pistachio cream, wrapped in kataifi, and covered in edible gold. From TikTok clips with millions of views to viral recipes with over 400 saves, this trend has exploded.
Between April 2023 and April 2025, mentions of Dubai chocolate have grown over 2,100% YoY, with consumer needs focused on “sweet,” “tasty,” “indulgent,” and “premium”.
The top-performing dishes? Chocolate bars, knafeh, and chocolate pistachio desserts. The Pistachio Chocolate Delight is a perfect way to showcase the trend.
It’s not just a social media moment—retailers are releasing seasonal SKUs like ruby chocolate with gold flake, while cafés across Dubai, NYC, and London are selling out of $8 mini bars and limited-edition lattes. If you’re not innovating in premium desserts right now, you’re missing out.
Dirty Soda: Gen Z’s creamy nostalgia trip
The Dirty Soda revival is Gen Z’s version of a milkshake—fizzy, creamy, customizable, and photogenic.
Originally a Utah trend, this drink has gone national (and now global), with social media mentions growing 143.84% YoY, and new menu appearances climbing across cafés and fast-food chains.
Why is it so sticky? It’s playful and nostalgic but allows for endless customization: coconut cream, vanilla syrup, cherry, lime, and even lavender. Chains like Swig and Sodalicious have capitalized on the trend, with limited-edition “dirty” lines promoted via TikTok creators.
Want to test the trend yourself? Start with this Cherry Vanilla Dirty Soda.
The AI advantage in catching—and creating—trends
With the speed of food culture today, reacting is no longer enough. Platforms like Tastewise give teams access to early indicators, forecasted growth, and real-time menus and social chatter. The Food & Beverage Trend Survey helps brands shape product pipelines, test positioning, and catch a trend before it peaks.
The goal? Not just riding the wave—but leading it.
What’s next? Predicted food & drink trends for July 2025
Spicy beverages
This category is heating up—literally. From jalapeño cold brew to chili-infused limeades, spicy beverages are no longer a niche. Over the past 24 months, social discussions have grown consistently, with a 5.14% year-over-year increase and a current social share of 0.43%. With 171,341 people, 346,494 posts, and over 185,000 restaurants talking or serving spicy drinks, it’s clear this trend is sticking around.
The appeal? Bold flavor, adventurous sipping, and a link to functional wellness. Expect to see more spicy margaritas, peppery mocktails, and chili soda launches across foodservice and CPG beverage aisles.
Functional mushrooms
Mushroom-based drinks are popping up again, but this time with a focus on adaptogens for mental clarity and stress relief. While the YoY growth sits at 23.74%, activity has fluctuated in recent months. Still, with 10,800 people, 18,125 posts, and over 1,200 restaurants involved, the demand is real—especially in health-focused cafés and wellness brands looking to break into functional drinks.
Expect a wave of mushroom-infused seltzers, lattes, and cold brews. Brands who want to get ahead of the next viral food trends 2025 should act now while the space is still early.
Cheese tea
Once a viral hit in Asia, cheese tea is making its Western comeback. The combo of sweet iced tea topped with whipped salty cheese foam may sound strange, but consumers are warming up to the mix of sweet and savory. Social discussion has grown 8.29% YoY, with 50,083 people, 86,103 posts, and almost 19,000 restaurants tapping into it.
With 57,587 dishes already tied to the trend, the opportunity to innovate with regional tea bases, flavored cheese foams, or even dessert crossovers is wide open.
FAQs
What makes a food trend go viral?
A mix of visual appeal, relatability, and novelty. Add an influencer demo or recipe video and you’ve got a viral hit. Dubai chocolate is a perfect example—indulgent, beautiful, and easy to share.
How can CPG brands act on TikTok trends before they fade?
Speed is everything. Use real-time dashboards like Tastewise to spot rising keywords, then launch limited runs or marketing tests within weeks—not quarters.
How does AI help with real-time trend forecasting in food & beverage?
It tracks millions of data points daily—from TikTok hashtags to restaurant menus—to spot changes before they reach the mainstream. That means you can test and launch with confidence, not guesswork.Final thought: The pace of TikTok food trends June 2025 is fast, and it’s only getting faster. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, food & beverage teams can turn trend-watching into a growth engine.