1. Farm to fork for a premium
Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for trusted, traceable ingredients. This is set to continue in 2025, with British produce leading the way. With provenance in mind, customers are prioritising domestic items like cheese, vegetables, fish, fruit and wine, according to The Grocer. Accreditation schemes such as MSC build consumer trust and justify the premium price point. Versatile options such as British sausages and haddock are likely to remain popular, reinforcing the appeal of homegrown choices.
2. Healthy choices in bloom
Health-conscious eating remains a priority as consumers grow wary of ultra-processed foods. This shift favours authentic and organic choices, with low-fat, low-sugar and nutrient-dense foods taking centre stage. Although snacking is still popular, consumers are moving away from high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) snacks, preferring healthier bites like cereal bars, almonds and pistachios. Major brands are adapting too – Kellogg’s now attributes 80% of its sales to lighter snacks and has launched a dedicated ‘snacking division’ to meet demand.
3. Gut-friendly focus
The trend for gut-friendly foods continues to flourish as consumers prioritise digestive health. Probiotic foods are expanding, with options like kefir and drinkable macrobiotic beverages overtaking traditional yoghurts. Now that the choices are so broad, this trend is expected to become a staple in many households as awareness of the benefits of gut health grows.
4. Plant-based foods take root
Plant-based eating is now mainstream, with over 50% of UK consumers actively reducing meat and animal-based product consumption. This shift is driving demand for vegetable-based options that meet a variety of dietary needs, from vegans to flexitarians. As plant-based meals and snacks continue to gain ground, retailers have an opportunity to highlight innovative new options and stock a diverse range that appeals to these customers.
5. Value without compromise
With food inflation impacting purchasing habits, consumers are seeking value and quality in own-brand products. Even though inflation appears to be topping out, this trend looks set to continue, with customers more willing to try premium own-label products that offer both value and satisfying experiences.
6. Low alcohol on the rise
Alcohol consumption is on the decline, especially among younger consumers. A recent YouGov survey found that 39% of 18-to-24-year-olds now identify as ‘alcohol-free’, driving the popularity of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks. This new generation of drinks offers innovative flavours, moving away from watered-down alternatives to high-quality options. With the stigma around low-alcohol choices fading, retailers can expect growing interest in healthier beverages.
This new food and drink landscape offers valuable insights for retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing these trends, Nisa retailers can meet these evolving customer demands and connect with health-conscious, value-driven shoppers.
To meet growing customer demand and keep your shelves on-trend for 2025, stock up on these items through our OCS ordering site here.