At the start of 2025, food and beverage industry experts and analysts released their forecast of the trends expected to shape consumer preferences over the next 12 months. Topping the list is an age-old pantry staple: honey.
However, recent revelations have left European consumers stunned. Investigations found that 100% of honey samples in Austria contained added sugars, followed by 96% in the UK, 83% in Germany, 79.31% in Serbia, and 62.5% in Finland. These findings have driven buyers to think more critically about the honey they purchase.
Experts note a growing demand for honey produced by small-scale, ethically-minded beekeepers, offering verified authenticity and free from foreign sugar additives. Consumers are increasingly looking for transparency and trust when it comes to what’s in their jars.
In addition to honey, here is what experts predict will be the most in-demand foods globally in 2025:
These trends reflect a broader shift toward health-conscious, culturally rich, and sensory-driven eating habits. From nostalgic local dishes to gourmet indulgences and functional superfoods, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of both culinary exploration and mindful consumption.