From bold flavors to protein innovations, Kroger’s 2025 forecast reveals emerging consumer preferences and the next big trends in food.
The Kroger Co. has unveiled its top five food trends for 2025, offering a glimpse into upcoming consumer behaviors, evolving preferences, and the popular items expected to make waves in the coming year.
This annual forecast, shaped by Kroger’s food specialists, culinary experts, and data science arm 84.51º, reflects shifting priorities among shoppers, including budget-conscious choices, bold flavor exploration, and increased interest in wellness-driven ingredients.
According to a report from Kroger, 2025 will be a year where consumers seek unique flavor experiences while remaining mindful of their budgets.
Juan De Paoli, Vice President of Our Brands, emphasized this focus on taste, stating:
2025 is all about flavor – with hot peppers continuing to rise, fermented flavors quickly growing in popularity, and staples like Caesar finding new adaptations in the kitchen.
De Paoli further noted that customers are increasingly drawn to store brand alternatives, which offer high quality and innovative takes on popular items at competitive prices.
The company’s forecast identifies several key trends. Among these, “Food Dupes” highlight a growing preference for private-label products that rival national brands, providing affordable alternatives to restaurant-style offerings and customer favorites. This trend is reshaping consumer habits as shoppers increasingly turn to private labels for both savings and quality.
Another notable trend is the rise of “Bold & Briny” flavors. Consumers are embracing acidic, briny, and fermented foods such as olives, sauerkraut, and kimchi to enhance meal freshness and complexity. Products like Kroger’s Breaded Dill Pickle Chips and Simple Truth’s Korean Style Kimchi reflect this shift toward more adventurous flavor profiles.
In parallel, the “Protein Renaissance” signals an evolving approach to nutrition, where protein is no longer just associated with muscle building but is valued for sustained energy and general well-being. Traditional protein sources like chicken and yogurt remain popular, but there is also a rising interest in plant-based proteins, including lentils, hemp seeds, and collagen supplements, catering to consumers’ health-conscious lifestyles.
The forecast also highlights a “Pepper Palette” trend, where customers are exploring global spices and peppers for deeper, more nuanced heat rather than simply chasing spiciness. Peppers from cuisines such as Italian and Mexican – including Calabrian chiles and guajillo peppers – are predicted to feature prominently in diverse dishes like pizzas, wings, and pastas.
Lastly, Kroger projects a revival of the classic Caesar salad under the trend labeled “Hail, Caesar.” This beloved dish is undergoing creative reinventions, with its umami-rich dressing appearing in non-traditional combinations such as pizzas and pastas. New interpretations incorporate unexpected ingredients like miso and black garlic, reflecting consumers’ desire for modern twists on familiar recipes.
These trends will be available through Kroger’s in-store shopping experience, as well as its Pickup and Delivery services, ensuring customers can access the latest products conveniently and affordably. The company also promotes its Boost by Kroger Plus membership, which offers customers savings on grocery delivery and fuel. Eligible shoppers can explore this service through a free 30-day trial, with subscriptions starting at $7.99 per month.
Kroger, a leader in the retail grocery industry, serves over 11 million customers daily and is committed to its mission of “Feeding the Human Spirit™” through food innovation and community engagement. The company operates with a vision of creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities, striving to uplift lives through food and sustainability.
