USA | Kroger Co has unveiled its top five food trends set to shape the retail landscape in 2025.
Leveraging insights from product developers, buyers, chefs, and its data science arm, 84.51º, Kroger provides a forward-looking view of emerging consumer preferences. The report offers a glimpse into shifting behaviours, evolving tastes, and product categories primed for growth in the year ahead.
According to Kroger, consumers are increasingly focused on balancing indulgence with mindful eating, turning to private-label options, bold flavours, and protein-rich foods.
"Our Brands offer exceptional value and capture the essence of upcoming trends," said Juan De Paoli, Vice President of Our Brands at Kroger.
"In 2025, it's all about flavour exploration, whether through fermented foods, pepper-forward products, or creative twists on classics like Caesar salad."
Kroger's Top Five Food Trends for 2025
1. Food Dupes
Consumers continue to gravitate toward private-label products that rival or surpass national brands. Retailers are meeting this demand with high-quality store-brand alternatives that mimic popular CPG and restaurant items. This trend signals further innovation in private-label development.
2. Bold & Briny
Fermented and briny foods are gaining traction, with consumers seeking acidity and texture to elevate meals. Products such as pickles, olives, kimchi, and sauerkraut are becoming pantry staples, offering freshness and depth.
3. The Protein Renaissance
Protein is evolving beyond fitness, becoming essential for sustained energy and health. Alongside traditional sources like chicken and yoghurt, interest in plant-based proteins, such as lentils, hemp seeds, and collagen, continues to rise.
4. Pepper Palette
Consumers are exploring nuanced heat by incorporating peppers like Calabrian chillies, guajillo, and hatch chillies into familiar dishes. The trend reflects a shift from extreme spice toward heat that enhances flavour.
5. Hail, Caesar
Following a viral moment blending Caesar salad with fries, this century-old dish is being reimagined. Caesar dressing is finding new applications beyond salads, appearing in pizza, pasta, and innovative flavour combinations featuring miso or tahini.
Kroger's insights not only guide consumer expectations but also highlight the growing demand for convenience, affordability, and unique culinary experiences. As the trends take hold, the retailer is prepared to meet evolving needs through in-store, pickup, and delivery channels, ensuring consistent access to products at competitive prices.
Kroger's delivery membership programme, Boost by Kroger Plus, further enhances convenience by offering savings on groceries and fuel.
The 2025 trends underscore Kroger's commitment to staying ahead of market dynamics, providing retailers with valuable insights into shifting consumer preferences. As private-label products gain momentum and flavour innovation drives purchasing decisions, Kroger is poised to help customers embrace the food landscape of the future.
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