TL;DR:
- Americans are shifting from cooking to eating out or ordering in this year, for the sake of comfort, convenience, and pleasure.
- What’s hot in food and drinks: plant-forward meals, protein-packed dishes, fusion fares, eco-friendly practices, non-alcoholic thirst-quenchers
- What’s hot in dine-in: Experiential meals, personalization, mid-week indulgence, group dinners
- What’s hot in delivery and takeout: Simple, healthy meals, foods that aren’t messy, aesthetic presentation, eco-conscious packaging, hassle-free ordering
With life becoming increasingly busy (and exhausting) in recent years, Americans are choosing to eat out or order in more than ever. Most people are leaning towards comfort and convenience rather than preparing meals while juggling a million work-related, familial, and social responsibilities. In fact, over 50% respondents from an OpenTable survey wish to head out for food more this year. And last year, around 30% of adults in the USA used apps to order meals once a week. However, as per the latest food trends, even when not cooking at home, Americans still care about healthy eating, unique experiences, and the planet.
Let’s dig into what’s trending in food habits, restaurants, and the world of meal delivery in 2025.
Food & Drinks: Hottest 2025 Trends
For centuries, eating and drinking have been as much about nutrition as pleasure. And in recent years, caring for the environment has become an integral part of the experience too. Here’s what’s in:
- Plant-Based Recipes: In the US, about 6% and 4% of people are vegetarians and vegans, respectively. The numbers are likely to rise in the coming years. And while the plant-forward trend isn’t really new, in 2025, Americans are seeking lip-smacking dishes that don’t necessarily have to be replacements for meat. Unique recipes involving lentils, jackfruit, mushrooms, and kelp are especially a rage.
- Protein-Packed Foods: This is one of the top food trends this year as more and more Americans want to look good and feel strong. Besides lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, people are embracing sweet potatoes, tofu, avocadoes, and cottage cheese.
- Creative Fusion: If you are looking for some foodie tips in 2025, sampling fusion dishes has to be on the list. Gastronomes in the US are currently interested in combinations of different cooking techniques, flavors, and textures. Think Italian staples like risotto and pizza with a global edge or Mexican favorites like nachos and tacos with a spicy Indian touch.
- Sustainable Practices: This year, American diners are expressing their love for meals that involve locally-sourced, farm-fresh, or organic ingredients. They want to know if and how restaurants minimize food waste. Eateries that use compostable or biodegradable materials for packaging are also scoring brownie points with conscious foodies.
- Zero-Alcohol Liquid Bliss: Non-alcoholic beverages that are created thoughtfully and creatively are becoming increasingly popular in the US. Whether you want a boost on a weekday, are on a wellness journey, or are planning to go sober, specially crafted mocktails and sparkling waters can help. Luxe, artistically garnished presentations are on the rise, too.
Dine-In Trends Dominating 2025
Be it a special occasion dinner or a leisurely brunch with we-go-way-back friends, Americans want their restaurant experience to be worth the effort, time, and money. The top dining trends of 2025 are:
- Experiential Dining: Over 40% Americans are keen on experiential dining this year. This means they are looking forward to memorable meals paired with shows, be it dancing, singing, or acrobatics. Themed dinners (rustic, tropical, underwater, you get the drift), interactive chef tables, and dining on floating platforms are in vogue too. The idea is to fire up your imagination, senses, and emotions.
- Personalization: This is one of this year’s top food trends as US gourmands are looking for experiences that align with their preferences. For instance, customized tasting menus, appetizer platters curated specially, and special menus for anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays are hot this year. Americans are also attaching a whole lot of importance to preferred seats and premium perks like champagne toasts.
- Mid-Week Dining: In 2025, more the 40% people are ready to dine at a restaurant on a Wednesday without waiting for Friday. Remote or hybrid work schedules are often driving this trend. Many Americans are also dining mid-week to capitalize on less-traffic scenarios where they can binge, chat, and enjoy more freely.
- Dining in Big Groups: People in the US are into dining experiences that go beyond good food. They want to socialize, bond, exchange ideas, and soak in community vibes while saving on the bill too. Hence, this year, group dining is in fashion, and it is a great way to order different dishes and savor interesting textures, flavors, and aromas.
Also Read: Trending Restaurant Coupons for Dine-Out Deals
Delivery & Takeout: What’s Trending in 2025?
Did you know that every month, 40% Americans opt for takeout thrice or even 5 times with the aid of food delivery apps. Here’s what’s on the rise:
- No-Fuss Foods: When eating on the go, Americans want meals that are easy to hold, enjoy, and don’t cause a mess. Tightly wrapped burritos, boxes with separate slots for different items, grab-and-go bowls, and salad shakers paired with dressing are gaining popularity.
- Easy Healthy Meals: Since people in the US are choosing to order food over cooking frequently, they want meals that are nutrient-rich, simple, and tasty. They care about the ingredients used and are conscious about calories too. This is why apps that allow you to order healthy meals or those tailored to your special dietary needs are in vogue.
- Presentation and Packaging Matter: With a majority of Americans relishing restaurant meals offsite, there is a ton of focus on packaging and presentation this year. Hence, materials and techniques that allow the food to retain shape and texture, prevent heat loss, and resist tampering are being used increasingly. Meals you can put together yourself, planet-safe cutlery, and custom sections for fries, dips, salads, etc. are among recent food trends as well.
- Simplified Ordering: People in the US want to spend minimal time and effort on ordering takeout or delivery. Hence, AI-powered food delivery apps that ease navigation, filtering, sorting, and checkout are all the rage. Modern foodies also prefer apps that suggest meals based on past orders, time of the day, holidays or special occasions, budget, etc.
Also Read: The Best Fast Food Deals Today: You Can’t Miss in 2025
The Bottom Line
Being aware of the latest food trends can help you enhance your gourmet experiences in 2025, whether you prefer dine-in, takeout, or delivery. From stylishly packed on-the-go meals to elaborate themed dinners at one of the best restaurants in town, the options are aplenty. And it doesn’t have to cost you a limb.
Simply explore My Exclusive Deals to get your hands on coupons and offers that let you save at even popular eateries. The deals are mindfully curated and undergo rigorous verification. Bookmark our site so you don’t miss the latest promotions and let your foodie friends know.
Also Read: Pizza Deals, Coupons, Discounts & Special Offers
FAQs
What are some popular food trends to know about in 2025?
This year, high-protein meals, plant-based recipes, tasty non-alcoholic drinks, fusion fares, and sustainable practices are in vogue.
Is experiential dining still a rage in 2025?
Experiential dining is more popular than ever this year, with more Americans craving meals that spark their emotions, senses, and imagination.
Are food delivery apps getting better in 2025?
Yes, they are leveraging advanced technologies like AI to simplify the ordering experience, from selecting dishes to checking out. They are focused on saving time, too.
How do I know if a restaurant takes eco-friendly measures?
Find out if their ingredients are organic or locally sourced, what they do to control food wastage, and if their packaging is biodegradable.
How can I enjoy tasty meals affordably in the US?
Check out My Exclusive Deals for carefully chosen and verified coupons from leading eateries. You might be able to save on both dine-in and delivery experiences.