From pistachios to gourmet hot dogs: These are the top food trends of 2025

Pippa Hudson interviews Charl Botha, Senior Lecturer at Capsicum Culinary Studio.

Listen below:

Food is a powerful way to unite people. It offers something for every taste and satisfies everyone's favourite dishes.

Like fashion and design, food follows its trends, constantly evolving to reflect new preferences and influences.

Botha explains that food trends emerge in response to industry demands and customer preferences.

He notes that these trends consider local flavours, restaurant menu innovations (often seasonal), and international influences.

This year is dubbed the Year of the Pistachio, Botha shares.

"I think it's because of the versatility of the nut and also the flavour that comes from it. There are so many uses that you can use it for."

- Charl Botha, Senior Lecturer – Capsicum Culinary Studio

Other notable food trends for 2025 include:

Gourmet sandwiches: Featuring elaborate, creative fillings.
Potatoes: A perennial favourite, evolving into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Gourmet hot dogs: Taking the classic to new levels with premium ingredients.
Ice cream: New and unique flavour combinations are hitting the market.
Savoury cocktails: A shift from sweet, with cocktails exploring more savoury flavour profiles.
Plant-forward eating: A trend that's here to stay, focusing on plant-based dishes and ingredients.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.

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