In 2024, one of the big trends in food was “putting the plant back into plant-based.” That showed consumers were looking for less processed, more wholesome foods, like the ones you’ll enjoy during the Plant-Based Whole30®. So what plant-based food trends can you expect to see in 2025? I have some ideas!
Emerging plant-based food trends in 2025
Whole Foods came out with their annual top 10 anticipated food trends in fall 2024, and you won’t be surprised to see quite a few plant-based options on the list.
In the past, trends have included dates (the Plant-Based Whole30’s favorite sweetener) and upcycled “ugly” produce to lessen food waste. While trends come and go, some stick around for a while. Here are the 2025 plant-based food trends we want to see stick around, all of which can support your Plant-Based Whole30.
Proper hydration
Adequate water intake is one of the most overlooked aspects of nutrition. (Having a water bottle and using it are two different things.) This year, hyped-up hydration is a trend that will help encourage drinking more water.
An average person doing the Plant-Based Whole30 should aim to drink enough water so urine runs pale yellow, like lemonade. Roughly 6 to 8 cups per day should get you there. Assess your water intake and urine to help determine your needs, or chat with a registered dietitian.
Stay trendy by making your water more than water. In 2025, we expect to see drinks that offer hydration and highlight functional ingredients like electrolytes, fermentation, and a little sparkling fun.
Fun beverages like sparkling teas, functional mushrooms, and fermented drinks (like kombucha) are frequently found in the top drink round-ups. These add excitement, flavor, and nutrients—like antioxidants from fresh herbs, fruits, and aromatics—to your day.
(Psssst: check out all the Whole30 Approved® drinks to use during your Plant-Based Whole30.)
Take your hydration up a notch with electrolyte-rich beverages like cactus or coconut water, and check the labels for added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Electrolytes may help athletic performance and recovery by regulating fluid balance, helping with muscle cramps, and supporting overall energy production. Use your lifestyle, activity level, environment, and how much you sweat as a guide, or consult with a registered dietitian to help determine your fluid and electrolyte needs.
A new nightcap
Tea is expected to begin replacing alcoholic drinks as more people get “sober-curious” and explore their relationship with alcohol. Tea is trending for its flavor and versatility, but many teas also have health benefits from antioxidants like polyphenols.
Opt for a trendy cup of tea instead of an alcoholic beverage, which is excluded during the Plant-Based Whole30. Masala and Earl Grey are leading flavors, and, as such, are easy to find in packaged products at your local store. As always, read your labels while on the Plant-Based Whole30 (even with tea), and avoid added sugar or artificial sweeteners in beverages.
Plants of the sea
In 2023, we saw a wave of kelp take over the market. Now in 2025, other seaweeds are washing up on shore—and in stores. Foods like sea moss and water lentils are predicted to be plant-based trends for 2025.
Sea vegetables are trendy and loaded with unexpected nutrients like iodine. The majority of iodine comes from fish, dairy, or eggs, none of which are part of a plant-based diet. Sea vegetables can provide a much-needed source of this mineral (and others, like magnesium) for plant-based eaters.
Seaweeds also hit one of the plant-based consumer’s largest and arguably the most difficult desires: sustainability.
One of the top three reasons people choose to eat plant-based is environmental concerns (the other two are health concerns and animal welfare). Many people are drawn to plant-based diets by the desire to eat more sustainably, reduce greenhouse gases, and prevent overfarming of animals. Over time, these reasons often merge and are the motivation to continue a plant-based lifestyle.
Plant-based proteins
From the trend watch, consumers are also looking for other ways to add protein besides powders or bars, especially at meal times. For the Plant-Based Whole30, there are many ways to add protein to meals, like including tofu in sauces and dips, or making wraps out of high-protein red lentils. You won’t be short on protein intake just because you’re plant-based. There are plenty of ways to add or sneak them in if needed.
Roasted legumes and protein boosters like fermented nuts are two especially trendy types of plant-based protein. These are on trend as plant-based consumers crave crunch and texture. Not only do they provide a desirable texture, but nuts and legumes also have plant protein and nutrients like zinc and iron.
Eating fermented nuts will give you the most bang for your nutritional buck. Fermenting, soaking, or sprouting nuts and legumes increases the bioavailability of nutrients like iron, which can be more difficult to come by in plant-based eating—unless you pay close attention to it. To make plant-based eating less stressful, use this list of 33 plant-based foods with iron, so you’re never a milligram short!
Have a plant-forward 2025
It’s best to listen to your body and eat foods that truly make you feel good, not just what the trends say. However, all of these 2025 trends can help support satiety, energy, and health during the Plant-Based Whole30 and beyond. Trying new foods and ingredients can be fun, tasty, and beneficial to your health. Give one of these trends a try during your next Plant-Based Whole30, and see what they add to your experience!
