Puratos, provider of bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, today reveals the top three trends set to impact food producers, bakers, pâtissiers and chocolatiers globally in 2025. The three distinct trends have been identified using Puratos’s proprietary Taste Tomorrow platform: the biggest consumer understanding program in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate industry. From the rise of power ingredients to East-meets-West influences, these unique insights challenge current market perceptions and offer an intriguing glimpse into the future. The latest analysis of Taste Tomorrow data, which combines ‘always-on’ semantic AI-powered analysis of social conversation, search engine inquiries, and regular consumer surveys, reveals three trends predicted to be most prominent in 2025.

1. Sourdough – 40% rise Sourdough is here to stay. Taste Tomorrow data indicates that sourdough will remain the biggest and fastest-rising trend in the bakery industry through 2025, with a 40% predicted spike in consumer interest globally. This growth is driven by different factors depending on the region. In many countries where sourdough is already a part of the local food culture, its popularity extends beyond traditional bread and loaves. Here, sourdough is being incorporated into croissants, bagels, donuts, and more, creating new visual and sensorial experiences for consumers. This trend is particularly notable in French-speaking countries, where sourdough’s artisan appeal is already well-established. The deep-rooted knowledge of sourdough in these markets includes an appreciation of its distinct flavor profiles and gut health benefits.

2. Culinary fusion – 10% rise Culinary fusion, the blend of diverse flavors, textures, and formats from different cuisines, is set to be one of the leading trends for 2025—especially in pastry, patisserie, and cakes. This trend combines ingredients and techniques from various cultures to create innovative, hybrid desserts that excite the senses. Growing interest in tech and AI-inspired innovations is leading pastry chefs to use AI for new flavor pairings, designs, and formats. Consumers are drawn to these tech-driven creations, merging tradition with futuristic ideas. Social media is another powerful driver, giving these cutting-edge culinary fusions high visibility and turning them into viral hypes.

3. Nutritional balance - 30% rise Nutritional balance is emerging as one of the biggest trends in the chocolate industry. Although not a new concept, its rise to prominence—in an industry traditionally centered on indulgence—marks a significant shift in consumer perception of chocolate. This trend is expected to spike by a whopping 30% in the coming year. Our Taste Tomorrow research highlights that consumers increasingly seek chocolate products with health-promoting ingredients like turmeric, botanicals, nuts, seeds, and proteins. These chocolates are valued for their functional benefits, such as enhancing sleep and boosting immunity, and are increasingly being included in shoppers’ health-conscious diets. Meanwhile, those who view chocolate primarily as a treat are also seeking healthier options, amplifying this trend further.