Midwest grocer partners with SPINS to forecast top emerging food trends, from brain-boosting supplements to plant-based beverages and sustainable produce

Fresh Thyme Market, a Midwest-based grocer focused on offering healthier options, has announced its highly anticipated food trend predictions for 2025.

The report, compiled in collaboration with SPINS, a leading retail data and intelligence provider, highlights 10 key trends expected to shape consumer preferences in the Midwest grocery scene. These emerging trends are poised to redefine how shoppers approach nutrition and flavor in the coming year, from functional ingredients and adaptogenic mushrooms to natural sweeteners and sustainability.

According to the report, Fresh Thyme’s top trend predictions reflect a shift toward functional foods, with consumers seeking ingredients that provide added health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This includes products like colostrum, known for its immune-boosting properties, and probiotic cultures for gut health.

Additionally, the rise of adaptogenic mushrooms, such as Chaga, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, is expected to play a significant role in daily dietary routines, integrating into pantry staples like pasta, broth, and coffee.

One notable trend is the evolution of non-alcoholic beverages that offer mood-enhancing effects. The report predicts an increase in drinks made with ingredients like kava, magnesium, and CBD, catering to both wellness needs and social settings. Meanwhile, consumers with a taste for spice can expect a takeover of more complex flavor profiles, with ghost chilies, Chilis De Arbol, and Pepper X leading the way in hot sauces and seasonings.

Mangos are set to become a grocery staple, expanding across categories as a versatile ingredient rich in vitamin C, with applications ranging from snacks to beverages. Fresh Thyme Market’s registered dietitian, Meghan Sedivy, highlights mangoes as a “nutritional powerhouse,” enhancing both taste and nutrition. Alongside this, natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and dates will see a surge in popularity as alternatives to refined sugar, responding to consumer demand for cleaner, less processed options.

President of Fresh Thyme Market, Liz Zolcak, emphasized the retailer’s commitment to staying ahead of trends and offering an exceptional experience to its customers. “Our annual trends report helps us not only understand the needs of our shoppers, but ensures we’re exciting them by curating our shelves with the most fresh, innovative, and local products,” Zolcak said. She added that Fresh Thyme’s shoppers are savvy and appreciate the store’s focus on discovering new products, often before they’re widely available across the Midwest.

Brain health and cognitive function are also expected to gain attention in 2025, with a growing interest in supplements like ginkgo biloba, magnesium, and GABA, known for enhancing mental clarity and focus. Concurrently, the report identifies a trend toward Korean flavors, with ingredients like gochujang and kimchi becoming more mainstream as consumers seek bold, global flavors in everyday cooking.

Sustainability is another focal point, with grains and produce grown using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), such as greenhouse farming, expected to gain popularity. These next-generation practices not only minimize environmental impact but also offer delicious, sustainable options, aligning with consumer values. Products like Ancient Grain Granola and Bim Bam Boo Kitchen Towels exemplify this push for environmentally conscious choices.

As Fresh Thyme Market looks ahead to 2025, protein will continue to be a key dietary focus, with an expansion beyond traditional sources like meat and seafood. The report foresees a rise in protein-rich alternatives across a variety of grocery categories, including cereals, pasta, and even burgers, reflecting consumers’ desire for high-nutrition and high-flavor options.

Fresh Thyme Market, which operates 70 stores across 10 Midwest states, has positioned itself as a trusted resource for health-focused shoppers. By sourcing both local and national products, it aims to provide an immersive shopping experience that encourages discovery and healthier lifestyles. SPINS, with its mission to promote natural products and sustainable production in North America, plays a pivotal role in analyzing trends and guiding market developments within the grocery sector.