2025 Ingredient Trends Update
As a follow up to the previously published 2025 Food & Beverage Trends article, AIFI has updated their top 2025 ingredient trends as we approach the halfway mark of 2025.
The following food & beverage ingredients/industry trends are continuing to see growth throughout 2025 and are on track to continue their upward trajectory into 2026:
- Protein Ingredients
- Global/Fusion Flavors
- GLP-1 Ingredients
- Clean Label Products
- Sustainability
- Functional and Personalized Nutrition
- Convenience/RTD Products
- New & Surprising Trending Flavors
Emerging 2025 Ingredient Trends
Protein
In 2025, high-protein diets continue to gain popularity, influencing product innovation across many food & beverage categories.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the North America Protein Market size is estimated at $8.36 billion USD in 2025 and is expected to reach $10.41 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.48% (2025-2030).
Consumers are seeking protein-enriched versions of everyday foods, such as pasta, bakery items, and dairy alternatives. The protein content in these products helps support muscle maintenance and overall health.
Specific protein categories, such as plant-based proteins, are seeing growth in 2025 as well. Pea protein is projected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 12% through 2033, and soy protein currently holds nearly 41% of the global plant-based protein market share, according to Market Data Forecast.
Global & Fusion Flavors
A study by Grand View Research shows the global flavors market size was estimated at $20.25 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030. With innovative ingredient combinations like kimchi fried rice arancini and chicken tikka pizza, consumers are embracing bold, globally inspired flavors. Plant-based products are also incorporating international spices such as za’atar and gochujang to enhance flavor profiles.
GLP-1 Specific Foods
With increasing use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, consumers are seeking nutrient-dense, portion-controlled foods rich in protein and fiber to support their health goals.
According to Research & Markets, the GLP-1 market is projected to reach $22.37 billion in 2025, representing a growth from $20.88 billion in 2024, a CAGR of 7.1%. The market is expected to continue to grow, reaching $31.27 billion by 2029.
Examples of GLP-1 focused products include Nestlé’s Vital Pursuit frozen meals and Abbott’s Protality nutrition shakes.
Clean Label Ingredients & Products
The global clean label ingredient market is projected to reach $69.3 billion by 2029, driven by consumer demand for natural, organic, and additive-free products. Regulatory actions, including plans to eliminate the use of synthetic food dyes by 2026, contribute significantly to this increased trajectory.
Sustainability
Future Market Insights states that the clean-label ingredients market is expected to grow from $57.3 billion in 2025 to $212.4 billion by 2030 – a CAGR of 15.5%. Sustainability is a key driver in food innovation. Consumers are becoming more aware of not only the ingredients in the products they consume, but also how the products are made and packaged. Brands are turning their focus to eco-friendly packaging and reducing carbon footprints to meet consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products.
Functional & Personalized Nutrition
The global functional ingredients market size is anticipated to reach around $201.49 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.19% from 2025 to 2034, according to Precedence Research.
Personalized nutrition is becoming mainstream, facilitated by AI and wearable technologies that help consumers make informed dietary choices. Functional foods targeting specific health benefits, such as mental well-being and immune support, are in demand. This innovation is also driven by consumer inclination toward fortified and gut-health-improving beverages such as kombucha, energy drinks, and functional water. Ingredients like turmeric, adaptogens, and plant extracts are being incorporated into new & reformulated products to meet these consumer preferences.
The gut health market is currently on pace to nearly double its market size, reaching nearly $72 billion by 2027. Prebiotic beverages have attracted attention from major beverage companies as the sales of functional sodas continue to grow 11% year-over-year, according to Grandview Research.
Prebiotic soda brand Poppi was recently acquired by Pepsi for approximately $2 billion. Olipop, another prebiotic soda brand, received a $50 million investment this year, bringing its total valuation to $1.85 billion.
Convenience & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Products
Fueled by the growth of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, convenience remains a priority for consumers in 2025. According to Fortune Business Insights, the ready-to-drink market is projected to grow from $804.87 billion in 2025 to $1,227.81 billion by 2032, a CAGR of 6.22%. Companies that produce RTD products are beginning to incorporate functional ingredients, such as dairy alternatives and natural sweeteners, highlighting a dynamic shift in the food and beverage industry toward health-conscious, sustainable, and personalized products. Adapting to these evolving consumer demands will give food and beverage manufacturers the potentional for success in 2025 and beyond.
New 2025 Ingredient Trends
Each year, there are a few ingredients that surprise the market estimates regarding their popularity in the food & beverage industry. Listed below are a few of the ingredients that have shown unexpected growth in 2025 so far:
Brown Sugar
Named the “Flavor of the Year” for 2025 by T. Hasegawa for its nostalgic appeal, brown sugar has surged in popularity in 2025. Valued as a natural/unrefined sweetener, brown sugar has been a customer favorite in the health and wellness market.
Functional Mushrooms
AIFI mentioned functional mushrooms in a previous article, The Rise of Functional Mushrooms and the numbers from 2024 to 2025 have shown that this trend is beginning to expand at a rapid rate. Its initial growth was slow due to this sector being new with customers showing skepticism of functional mushrooms, but as food & beverage companies continue to infuse their products with these ingredients, the public has caught on to their potential therapeutic benefits. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global functional mushroom market is estimated to grow 9.14% in 2025 and continue that trajectory year-over-year.
Chili Peppers
According to Research & Markets, the chili pepper market grew from $1.23 billion in 2024 to $1.31 billion in 2025, expecting to continue its growth at a CAGR of 6.41%, reaching $1.79 billion by 2030. An increasing consumer awareness of natural food choices has led chili peppers to the forefront of beverage, sauces, snacks, and ready-to-eat meal formulation.
Golden Mango
Hydration beverage & smoothie manufacturers have begun to incorporate golden mango into their products. Golden mango provides a sweet tropical twist with a hint of honey and pear. They are rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Miso
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is now being used as an ingredient in confections, beverages, and desserts. It provides a rich umami flavor when added to cookies, pastries, yogurts, sauces & dressings.
About AIFI – A Leading Ingredient Supplier & Distributor
We recognize the importance of staying ahead of consumer trends. American International Foods, Inc. has over 20 years of experience in helping its clients effectively predict and respond to top ingredient trends in the food manufacturing sector. We strive to offer our clients several ingredient options, including non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, and fair trade.
We maintain complete documentation for each ingredient we offer, allowing our customers transparency and peace of mind. AIFI provides its customers with unparalleled industry knowledge, personalized supply chain solutions, and a complete product line comprised of more than 2500 food and beverage ingredients.
For further information about ingredient sourcing, pricing, general inquiries, or additional information regarding 2025 ingredient trends, please contact AIFI using the link below.