Rebellion, cannabis and hospitality will be hot trends for 2025

More hospitable service, cannabis-infused drinks and more adventure are just three of the food trends to look out for in 2025. 

The New York Times reports that American consumers this year will be looking to break rules and ignore tradition. At least, that’s what the market researchers, food sociologists and other prognosticators are saying.

And we all know that what happens in the US quickly becomes a global contagion. 

“It’s a take-chances time right now,” said Andrew Freeman, president of AF & CO, a San Francisco consulting firm behind the Hospitality Trends Report. 

“Think of what we’ve just gone through," says Freeman. "The whole world shifted. And if the whole world is going to break rules, why not do it with what we eat and drink?”

The hottest trend in hospitality will be … hospitality, the newspaper says. 

So look out for for cosy counter service, soulful food served in comfortable dining rooms and shorter menus that mix value and deliciousness. Restaurants that connect to the community and offer work-life balance for employees will matter more than ever.

“We are feeling doom; we are feeling big feelings,” said Renee Wege, a trend expert and publications manager at the research firm Datassential. 

“So more than anything else, people are craving that cosy, warm hospitality and service.”

Protein will continue its rise to the top of the popularity pyramid, driven in part by gym users and Americans on weight-loss medications. 

Rebellious consumers, meanwhile, are pushing limits with unconventional choices, said Melanie Bartelme, a global food analyst and trend spotter for Mintel. 

They eat snacks when they should be eating meals. They embrace weird combination. 

Japanese convenience stores, popularly known as konbini, are open 24 hours and known for pre-prepared foods like onigiri and ramen. 

Soon, the Japanese parent company of 7-Eleven will start to export its konbini-style food to some of its US stores.

Drinks spiced with cannabis and other mood-altering components like kava, guarana and an amino acid called GABA will grow as interest in alcohol declines, especially among Gen Zers, the newspaper predicts. 

“Younger generations see cannabis as having less negative side effects than alcohol,” said Candace MacDonald, co-founder and managing director of the marketing firm Carbonate. “We’re just beginning to see a shift in how this impacts their consumption.”

Image: Meghan Page, Scop.io

What the New York Times really likes about Tasmania

Wild places, indigenous culture and a restaurant that has not yet opened are among the the highlights of Tasmania that have caught the attention of the New York Times. 

The Australian island state was named No.29 of the newspaper's 52 best places to visit list for 2024, published this week. 

Here is what the paper had to say: 

"Venture outside and help protect vulnerable species in Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, with several new guided walks. Tasmanian Walking Company, in partnership with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, offers a three-day trek across rugged Bruny Island (above) to map flora and collect seeds for the garden’s seed bank.

"To get a taste of the island’s Indigenous culture, join members of the local Palawa community on multiday treks through the powder white sands of Wukalina (Mount William National Park) and orange-lichen-covered rocks of Larapuna (Bay of Fires). 

"Or to get an actual taste of the island, forage for ingredients like wattle seeds and pepperberries with guides from Palawa Kipli, a company that is Indigenous-owned and operated - the experience ends with a tasting menu that includes smoked payathanima (wallaby).

"Locavore menus are the norm throughout Tasmania, and the chef Analiese Gregory, a wild-cooking expert, will be showcasing ingredients like hand-gathered abalone and sea urchin at her yet-to-be-named restaurant set to open early this year."

Tasmania was one of only two Australian locations to make the annual list, alongside Brisbane and other global destinations.

Acting Premier Michael Ferguson said to be recognised by the New York Times as one of the best places to visit in the world was a huge achievement for Tasmania.

“Not only is the New York Times one of the most influential publications in the world, but it also has a massive global following far beyond the US readership,” Ferguson said.

“This list will be an essential, trusted source of travel inspiration for many global travellers, and we have no doubt it will influence readers to come and visit Tasmania.

“We know Tasmania has what the world wants, with our world-class produce and beverages, our beautiful regions, festivals, world heritage sites, events and rugged walks offering something for everyone.

“Tasmania welcomed 1.26 million visitors in the year ending September 2023, up 31% from the same period last year, and we want to continue to sustainably grow the industry."