Top Gen Z Food Trends in 2025

Gen Z makes up nearly 30% of the global population, making their food preferences more influential than ever. This generation isn’t just following trends. They are setting them with a strong focus on health, ethical sourcing, and digital convenience.

From plant-based alternatives to high-tech dining experiences, their choices reflect a mix of sustainability, technology, and a love for bold, unique flavors.

Social media plays a massive role in what Gen Z eats, with viral food trends spreading faster than ever. They value transparency in ingredients, innovative dining experiences, and meals that fit their fast-paced, digitally connected lifestyles.

Whether it is a new superfood rising in popularity or a nostalgic snack making a comeback, Gen Z’s influence on the food industry is undeniable.

Here are the top nine Gen Z food trends in 2025 that are transforming menus, grocery aisles, and restaurant experiences.

Top 9 Gen Z Food Trends in 2025

Gen Z is redefining what’s on the menu. With a preference for bold flavors, ethical sourcing, and digital-first dining, their influence is everywhere—from viral recipes to AI-driven nutrition plans.

This generation values convenience without compromising health or sustainability, making their food choices innovative and impactful.

1. Plant-Based & Flexitarian Eating is the Norm

Plant-based proteins and hybrid meat alternatives have gone from niche to mainstream, changing how people eat.

61% of people are now willing to eat less meat, with Gen Z leading the way in adopting plant-forward diets. While most aren’t giving up meat entirely, they are seeking sustainable and flavorful alternatives that align with their values.

This change is influencing major menu trends, encouraging fast-food chains and restaurants to expand their plant-based options.

For example, McDonald’s has expanded its McPlant menu globally, while Southeast Asian brands like TiNDLE (plant-based chicken) and Green Rebel (meat alternatives with regional flavors) are gaining popularity.

Burger King Thailand now offers plant-based Whoppers, catering to the growing demand for sustainable options.

The rise of flexitarian eating shows that Gen Z values flavor and sustainability, encouraging food brands to develop more innovative meat alternatives.

2. Functional Foods for Wellness & Mental Health

Health-conscious eating isn’t just about nutrition. Gen Z looks for foods that boost gut health, immunity, and mental well-being. Research from Stanford shows that a 10-week diet rich in fermented foods can boost microbiome diversity and improve immune responses.

This has increased the popularity of probiotic-rich options like kimchi, kombucha, and fiber-packed prebiotics, which are now grocery staples.

Additionally, brain-boosting ingredients such as adaptogens (like ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms) and nootropics (like L-theanine and ginseng) are getting attention for their ability to enhance focus, reduce stress, and improve mood.

A new food trend among Gen Z is swapping sugary sodas for kombucha, which offers digestive benefits while aligning with their wellness-driven lifestyle.

Popular brands like Health-Ade and GT’s Living Foods are leading this movement, offering functional beverages that cater to the generation’s growing demand for healthier alternatives.

Health-Ade has even expanded its lineup with SunSip, a new line of prebiotic sodas designed to support gut health while providing a refreshing, low-sugar option.

3. Sustainable & Upcycled Foods

Gen Z cares about where their food comes from and how it impacts the planet. With around $1 trillion lost globally each year due to food waste, they are supporting brands that find ways to minimize waste, source ingredients responsibly, and invest in carbon-neutral production.

Upcycled foods, made from surplus or imperfect produce, are becoming a significant part of sustainable menu trends.

Companies like Renewal Mill and Misfit Foods are turning food scraps into nutritious snacks and drinks, while major food brands are restructuring supply chains to cut waste.

Restaurants are also adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving soil health and biodiversity to create a more sustainable food system.

With sustainability as a top priority, Gen Z is challenging the industry to reduce waste and make environmentally friendly choices more accessible.

4. Lab-grown and Alternative Proteins

Cell-based meat, lab-grown dairy, and insect proteins are becoming more mainstream as sustainable alternatives to traditional animal products.

With concerns over factory farming, climate change, and resource consumption, Gen Z is open to exploring innovative protein sources that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

In fact, 60% of people are open to plant-based proteins, while 34% would try lab-grown meat, showing a move toward sustainable eating.

Singapore became the first country to approve cultivated chicken from GOOD Meat, setting a precedent for regulatory approval in other markets.

Meanwhile, companies like Perfect Day are developing lab-grown dairy, and brands such as Entomo Farms are making protein-packed insect-based snacks.

As production scales up and prices drop, these proteins could become common in grocery aisles and restaurant menus.

5. TikTok-Driven Food Trends

Social media is changing Gen Z’s eating habits, with viral TikTok and Instagram trends influencing what’s on their plates. A single trending recipe can spark nationwide demand, leading brands, and restaurants to adapt quickly.

Trending Gen Z foods, such as butter boards, cloud bread, and baked feta pasta, have gained millions of views, inspiring home cooks and food businesses.

Fast-food chains and grocery stores now use TikTok to introduce limited-time menu items or innovative product launches, recognizing its power in setting menu trends.

Dunkin’, for example, successfully used influencer marketing by collaborating with TikTok star Charli D’Amelio.

The coffee chain introduced “The Charli,” a customized cold brew based on her go-to order, which resulted in a 57% increase in app downloads and a 20% sales boost for cold brew beverages.

This strategy shows how social media-driven collaborations can turn everyday menu items into viral sensations that resonate with Gen Z consumers.

6. Zero-Alcohol and Low-ABV Beverages

Gen Z is changing the way people drink, favoring alcohol-free and low-ABV options that align with their wellness-focused lifestyle. Instead of traditional cocktails and beers, they are reaching for sophisticated, booze-free alternatives that offer great taste and functional benefits.

The demand for zero-alcohol drinks, including non-alcoholic craft beers, botanical spirits, and CBD-infused beverages, is growing, with brands like Athletic Brewing and Seedlip creating complex, flavorful options.

According to industry reports, the global non-alcoholic beverage market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2025, showing a major change in drinking trends.

Restaurants and bars are responding by expanding their zero-proof cocktail menus, offering drinks infused with adaptogens and nootropics that promote relaxation and stress relief.

With Gen Z prioritizing social experiences without the effects of alcohol, the rise of mindful drinking is shaping menus and supermarket shelves worldwide.

7. Hyper-Personalized Nutrition

Gen Z is leading the move toward personalized nutrition, where food choices are customized to individual health needs, genetics, and lifestyle.

The personalized nutrition market is projected to reach $16 billion in 2025 and soar to $64 billion by 2040, highlighting its rapid growth.

AI-powered apps and at-home testing kits now provide insights into how specific foods impact metabolism, gut health, and overall well-being.

For example, Zoe uses gut microbiome testing to offer real-time feedback on blood sugar responses and personalized meal recommendations. Similarly, platforms like DNAfit analyze genetic markers to suggest diets for weight management and performance.

With increasing awareness of how nutrition affects energy levels, mental health, and long-term health outcomes, brands and restaurants are adapting by offering customizable meal options based on allergens, macronutrient needs, and wellness goals.

8. Global Fusion & Experimental Flavors

Gen Z’s love for bold, cross-cultural flavors is influencing the food industry, bringing unexpected ingredient pairings into everyday meals. This generation actively seeks out new culinary experiences, leading to the rise of hybrid cuisines such as:

• Korean-Mexican fusion (e.g., kimchi quesadillas, bulgogi tacos)
• Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine (e.g., miso-marinated ceviche, sushi with aji amarillo sauce)
• Indian-Italian mashups (e.g., tandoori pizza, butter chicken pasta)

Food brands and restaurants are responding by experimenting with global spice blends, fermented ingredients, and umami-rich flavors, appealing to Gen Z’s curiosity and social-media-driven food culture.

Popular fast-casual chains and fine-dining establishments are incorporating unexpected, fusion-inspired dishes into their menus, proving that food exploration is as much about storytelling as it is about taste.

9. Quick Commerce & Instant Food Delivery

Autonomous delivery robots can cut delivery costs by up to 40%, making them a game-changer for quick commerce.

The rise of on-demand grocery delivery and instant meal solutions is changing how Gen Z shops for food. With fast-paced lifestyles, they expect meals and groceries to arrive in minutes.

Fifteen-minute grocery services like Getir, Gorillas, and Gopuff are expanding in cities, while GrabFood and Deliveroo lead in Asia.

To keep up, companies are investing in AI-powered logistics, autonomous food robots, and drone delivery to speed up service. In cities like Shanghai and Singapore, food delivery drones are already being tested to drop off meals within minutes.

As Gen Z’s current food trends lean toward instant gratification and tech-driven solutions, brands that provide fast, seamless, and eco-friendly delivery will stay ahead in the changing food market.

Conclusion

Gen Z isn’t just shaping food trends but setting new standards. Health, sustainability, and convenience influence their choices, from plant-based proteins and functional beverages to hyper-personalized nutrition and quick commerce.

Viral food trends spread rapidly through social media, inspiring home cooking and sparking new product innovations. At the same time, Gen Z’s demand for ethical sourcing, zero-waste initiatives, and alternative proteins is pushing brands to rethink their strategies.

To stay relevant, businesses should prioritize social media engagement, sustainability, and unique, health-conscious offerings. Those who innovate and adapt will connect with Gen Z and lead the future of food in an increasingly competitive market.