Consumers' tastes are always changing, and grocers must continuously evolve alongside them. In this article, we cover the top grocery industry trends set to shape the market in 2025, drawing on predictions from industry leaders to understand how the competitive landscape will shift over the next year.
The grab-and-go market has been on a long-term growth trend that exploded during post-COVID social distancing and hasn’t slowed down. Heading into 2025, this growth is widely expected to persist — and to manifest in not just higher sales volume, but more diverse and premium products.
In its survey of 2025 trends, The New York Times highlights examples like:
In their roundup of 2025 grocery trends, GroceryDive notes that “traditional grocers are coming off a year where they faced rising competition from rivals like Walmart, Amazon and Costco, and those pressures are likely to intensify in 2025.”
As competition rises, traditional grocers are working to proactively differentiate their offerings using a range of options including:
Food prices have increased historically in recent years, and even though inflation has slowed, consumers are still trying to restore their food buying-power, becoming more sensitive to pricing and value. Adding to this trend, digital shopping makes it easier and hassle-free to choose the lowest-cost option.
Discussing prospects for food inflation in 2025, industry leaders expect some challenges to continue. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, for example, notes that “[Food inflation] is primarily driven by eggs and dairy, but it’s not just those categories, there’s also pressure on cocoa and other inputs.”
This focus on value is related to some of the other trends discussed on this list, such as the growing popularity of private-label foods. However, it is important to note that consumers are still performing a nuanced balancing act and will not simply select the lowest-cost option. Market research firm Nielsen observes that “fresh food remains a key priority for many consumers, especially those who view it as integral to health and wellness. As a result, shoppers are making deliberate trade-offs between quality and affordability. Some are willing to pay a premium for organic or locally sourced produce, while others are opting for conventionally grown items or smaller portions to manage costs.”
Snack foods have been a key growth category for years, and international treats are creating new options for exciting consumers with novel flavors and experiences. These treats can include both regional favorites from around the world and entirely new fusion creations.
Forbes claims that “brands can tell their story by sharing their cultural roots, introducing consumers to different parts of the world. Think chili masala popcorn, Mexican chamoy candy, Korean seaweed chips and Thai chili & lime rice chips.”
Consumers continue to favor protein-rich snacks and meal options to stay full on fewer calories and boost muscle growth. This trend is apparent in everything from the growing popularity of protein shakes and drinks, to notable growth for some traditional favorites. For example, Instacart’s 2025 food forecast notes that cottage cheese purchases grew 17% in 2024, while Greek/Icelandic yogurt grew 6%.
Chili-flavored foods are one example of a booming food category, but today’s consumers are looking for more than just heat. In its 2025 predictions, Kroger notes that “customers shifted from chasing the highest Scoville ratings to now exploring how heat maximizes flavor. And delving into spices and peppers from international cuisines — like Calabrian chiles, guajillo peppers, and hatch chiles.”
And spice isn’t the only example of a growing consumer taste for strong flavors. Customers are exploring more ways to incorporate acidic and fermented flavors into their meals, including briny foods like olives, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Healthy food trends continue to dominate consumer preferences, with a strong emphasis on fresh, nutrient-rich options. Shoppers are prioritizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while also seeking new products that align with their health and wellness goals.
“Functional foods” are a great example of how the health food product category continues to grow and evolve. The Speciality Food Association 2025 trends panel predicts that “Companies will offer customizable product lines, develop AI-powered nutrition apps, and create functional foods with targeted health benefits.” These foods “support cognitive health and emotional well-being” through ingredients like “adaptogens, nootropics, and mood-enhancing botanicals.”
The trends highlighted above will exert pressure on grocers to adapt while creating new opportunities to gain market share, build new brands, and improve customer experience. For grocers, adapting to these shifts requires a focus on innovation in how products are sourced, marketed, and presented to consumers. Offering differentiated products means partnering with manufacturers and packaging providers that can deliver solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.
Packaging innovation is essential in helping grocers navigate these challenges. From ensuring freshness and quality on shelves to creating visually appealing, sustainable designs, packaging serves as a critical bridge between product and customer. Grocers that collaborate with forward-thinking suppliers to align packaging with emerging trends will be better positioned to capture market share and strengthen customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive industry.
Explore practical priorities for innovative food product development in our 6-step guide here.
If you need help developing the right packaging for your latest food products, Lacerta is here to help. From sustainable materials, to microwaveable solutions, to tamper-proof lids, we can help source packaging closely aligned with each product category’s unique requirements.
When developing unique, differentiated products, custom packaging can also help bring your vision to life. At Lacerta, we guide clients through every step of the custom packaging development process — from initial concept and prototyping to final production — ensuring the end result aligns perfectly with your goals. This integrated approach allows us to deliver high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions with industry-leading speed to market, helping you stay ahead in a competitive landscape.