Tastewise Trends in Review
Remember when we told you offal would be cool? Or that guajillo peppers would sashay onto your salsa shelves? Yep, we called it. Tastewise trends aren’t just a prediction—they’re a culinary crystal ball. Now, with cottage cheese starring in your midnight snacks and Asian-inspired desserts sweetening your weekends, it’s official: we’ve got trend-spotting down to a science.
At Tastewise, we thrive on predicting transformative trends in the food and beverage industry. Nothing validates our expertise quite like seeing these trends come to life. The 2024 Tastewise Trend Report spotlighted several key shifts that are now shaping consumer behavior, product innovation, and marketing strategies across the globe.
What did Tastewise predict?
1. Affordable Indulgence: Offal’s Moment in the Spotlight
In a time of economic uncertainty, consumers are balancing affordability with nutrition, turning to once-overlooked options like offal. Organ meats, celebrated for their nutrient density and versatility, are now staples in home kitchens and restaurant menus alike. Influencers like “The Meatfluencers” have championed this trend, making offal cool for younger audiences.
Tastewise foresaw this movement, where cost-consciousness meets culinary creativity. This is a clear signal to lean into products that embrace affordability without sacrificing quality.
2. Cottage Cheese Transforms Late-Night Snacking
Cottage cheese isn’t just for breakfast anymore—it’s the ultimate protein-packed nightcap. Innovations like Daisy’s “fruit-on-the-top” cups, allowing consumers to blend fresh flavors into their cottage cheese, have resonated with late-night snackers seeking healthy indulgence.
As predicted, this trend isn’t just about nutrition but also customization. Brands embracing versatile snack options are tapping into a consumer base that demands both health and convenience.
3. Pop Culture Food Brings Communities Together
Taco Bell’s Live Más LIVE event in February 2024 epitomized how pop culture and food intersect to create a sense of belonging. By offering interactive fan experiences, product unveils, and celebrity chef collaborations, Taco Bell used pop culture to forge deep emotional connections with its audience.
This is exactly what we predicted: the convergence of digital engagement and culinary creativity to foster vibrant food communities. Brands should note the power of interactive and inclusive experiences in building lasting loyalty.
4. Guajillo Peppers Spice Up Everyday Meals
With their mild heat and earthy flavor, Guajillo peppers are having a major moment. Trader Joe’s guajillo salsa is just one example of how this versatile pepper has entered the mainstream, offering a bold yet approachable flavor profile for home cooks and foodies alike.
Tastewise identified this shift early, recognizing the growing consumer preference for authentic and unique ingredients. Guajillo peppers represent the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, paving the way for brands to explore untapped regional flavors.
5. Women’s Wellness and Natural Sweeteners
Functional beverages tailored to women’s wellness are growing, with natural sugars and nutrient-rich ingredients taking the lead. Pretty Tasty Tea’s collagen-infused drinks cater to health-conscious women focused on skin health, aligning perfectly with the trend of low-sugar, functional beverages.
We highlighted this shift in our report, emphasizing how wellness-driven products can meet the increasing demand for holistic health solutions.
6. Asian Desserts Inspire Global Palates
From bingsu to mochi donuts, Asian desserts are dominating dessert innovation. Mochinut’s creative takes on traditional flavors like pandan and calamansi have brought Korean and Southeast Asian treats to the forefront of American dessert culture.
Our forecast accurately predicted the mainstreaming of Asian-inspired flavors. For brands, this is an opportunity to diversify dessert offerings and capture the adventurous eater’s imagination
7. Nutrient-Dense Weight Loss Foods Dominate
The rising popularity of weight-loss medications like Ozempic has shifted the focus to portion-controlled, high-protein foods. Sweetgreen’s latest menu additions, packed with balanced nutrients and labeled for transparency, cater directly to this trend.
Tastewise predicted this movement towards nutrient-dense, easy-to-consume options. As health becomes a priority for consumers, brands must innovate around convenience without compromising on nutrition.
FAQs
How does Tastewise identify trends so accurately?
Tastewise’s AI platform analyzes billions of consumer interactions across social media, menus, and online recipes to uncover emerging patterns and predict future movements.
How can brands use these trends?
By aligning product development, marketing, and positioning strategies with these trends, brands can remain relevant and gain a competitive edge.
Want to be part of the next big “I knew it first”? The 2025 Tastewise Trend Report is your guide to the future of food and beverage. Packed with insights that shape what’s next, it’s your chance to stay ahead of the curve and turn today’s whispers into tomorrow’s must-haves. Don’t just watch trends unfold—lead them.