As a longstanding food marketing firm, we always look forward to Datassential’s Menu Trends. After attending their latest Simply Smarter webinar, it’s clear some exciting new restaurant menu items may soon be showing up in home kitchens and at retail.

These flavor innovations continue to reshape the culinary landscape, and food brands should take note as they contemplate new products.

Here are some of the most intriguing trends we discovered:

1. Avocado Leaves
Avocado leaves are emerging as one of the fastest-growing ingredients on menus. Traditionally used in Mexican cuisine, they have expanded beyond their roots into diverse dishes and even into craft cocktails. Their aromatic qualities bring a subtle anise flavor, making them a unique addition to both savory meals and alcoholic beverages. Watch for avocado leaves to become a new “it” ingredient in everything from roasted meats to artisanal cocktails.

2. Compressed Tomatillos, Cucumber, and Melon
Compression, a technique that removes liquid to intensify flavor, is gaining popularity, particularly with fruits and vegetables like tomatillos, cucumbers, and melons. This amplifies the natural flavor essence of these foods, making a great application for sauces, garnishes, and salads. As consumers continue to seek vibrant, fresh flavors, expect to see these ingredients popping up in everything from prepared meals at grocery to innovative side dishes.

3. Kimchi Hollandaise for Breakfast
Asian flavors continue to become increasingly mainstream, especially at breakfast. A perfect example is the Kimchi Hollandaise trend, which reimagines the classic Eggs Benedict dish with a spicy, tangy twist. This blend of cultures aligns with consumers’ desire for bolder, globally inspired flavors to start their day. Food manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by exploring fusion breakfast options that incorporate these vibrant tastes.

4. Everything Boursin: A Star from “The Bear”
Inspiration often begins with pop culture, and the popular Hulu show The Bear is shining a spotlight on a simple, yet unforgettable omelet made with Everything Boursin. This creamy, herb-packed cheese has endless potential beyond breakfast, lending itself to appetizers, savory pastries, and even pizza. Look for The Bear effect (think the return in popularity of Double Chocolate Cake) to influence food marketers, pushing Boursin into new applications that consumers will seek to recreate at home.

5. Scamorza Cheese
Scamorza is a semi-soft Italian cheese that’s similar to mozzarella but with a more pronounced, smoky flavor. While it’s been a staple in Italian cooking for centuries, its versatility is gaining attention in the U.S. Whether melted on a pizza, used in pasta, or even layered into sandwiches, Scamorza could become the next go-to cheese for food innovators.

6. Trending Pizza Toppings: Cotija, Sunny Side Up Eggs, Hot Honey, Pickled Onions, and Poblano
Pizza remains an ever-evolving dish for innovation, and right now, toppings like Cotija cheese, sunny side up eggs, hot honey, pickled onions, and Poblano peppers are taking center stage. These ingredients are a mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, which appeals to adventurous eaters. Food brands can tap into this trend by introducing pre-made pizza kits with these bold flavor combinations or frozen pizza options that go beyond the ordinary.

What’s Next for Your Innovation Pipeline?

These trends represent a roadmap for food companies to follow as they innovate to meet evolving tastes.

The time from the menu to the grocery shelf is shorter than ever and staying ahead of these trends could be the key to capturing a greater share of consumers’ attention in 2025 and beyond.

If your company is planning food innovations incorporating these or other trends, now’s the time to explore a marketing partner to maximize your brand’s prospects for success in the market.

Ready to maximize your brand’s potential? Reach out to us now for a consultation!