One type of beer, cocoa, and flowers are among the New Year food and drink trends.

In 2025, experts predict several intriguing food and drink trends for the New Year, and they have shared their insights.

In 2025, there will be a focus on blending different cuisines, incorporating flowers and mushrooms in dishes, and more cocoa-based beverages and culinary creations. Additionally, there will be a growing demand for Guinness beer among younger drinkers, as predicted by Food & Wine magazine.

Three predicted food trends were observed and analyzed by food experts contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Will you be trying any of these any time soon?

3 tasty trends for 2025

Cocoa is sweetening things up

Hot chocolate is a comforting beverage reminiscent of cozy nights by the fire.

Beyond the steaming mug with marshmallows, hot cocoa choices are being elevated in 2025.

According to Beverage Daily, a trade publication, consumers are increasingly seeking out more luxurious and rich hot cocoa options.

The report stated that consumers desire both sweet and savory infusions, as well as plant-based versions of the popular hot beverage.

And restaurants are responding accordingly.

Iannone stated that people are shifting away from chocolate-flavored syrups and artificial chocolate flavors in their coffees and are instead opting for fresh cocoa to provide rich and sweet flavors.

Cocoa is also enriching dessert menus.

The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee, pairs chocolate and coffee together in two of their desserts, hazelnut tiramisu and espresso crème brulee, according to Jason Francis, director of food and beverage.

"For the winter season, we have introduced a chocolate cheesecake with a subtle peppermint flavor."

Flowers are blooming

Throughout the country, beverage menus, salads, and other food items are featuring an increasing number of flowers.

Since the orchid on the tiki drink, edible flowers have been gaining popularity and have come a long way, according to Rich Iannone, corporate director of food and beverage programming and activations at Valor Hospitality Partners in Atlanta, Georgia, who shared this trend with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Numerous flowers exist that can be utilized in various enjoyable ways."

"Adding these flavors to a dish to accompany the primary ingredients gives depth and fun pops of color."

Mixologists are employing flowers in a straightforward manner to add vibrant hues to their cocktails, while others are using subtle tastes to intensify and add complexity to their drinks.

Chefs are incorporating flowers into salads to add flavors beyond just greens.

Iannone stated that incorporating these flavors into a dish alongside the main ingredients adds depth and vibrant bursts of color.

Research supports this blooming trend.

According to Food & Wine, the latest Flavor Report from Rubix Food found that hibiscus, lavender, and cherry blossoms are popular among Gen-Z consumers for both hot and cold beverages on menus.

Guinness is going gangbusters

Younger drinkers are driving the popularity of Guinness, which is currently experiencing a surge in demand, according to Food & Wine.

Bill Fritz, director of food and beverage at Caesars Atlantic City in New Jersey, believes that Guinness is outperforming its competitors in the beer industry due to its effective marketing strategies aimed at Gen Z.

The "Split The G" challenge, a trick that involves aligning the foam in a Guinness glass with the letter "G" in the logo, was popular on social media.

Fritz remarked that it was a wise decision to prompt their specific audience.

By combining a smart social media strategy with 'Guinnfluencers' and celebrity endorsements, the brand is walking the fine line between modernizing and maintaining its rich history while staying accessible to today's drinkers.

Valor Hospitality, with Iannone, has confirmed that Guinness is regaining popularity among younger generations due to its focus on capturing their attention.

Over 250 years, Guinness has remained relevant due to a specific reason, as stated by him.

The product has consistently attracted various generations and Diageo has excelled in engaging with the current generation, according to him.