The start of a new year often brings with it new changes and challenges, but we can be comforted by the fact that some things can always be counted on, such as the joy your favorite snack or a family meal can bring. However, even within these reliable staples, there is still room for evolution and exploration, often driven by larger cultural or social media trends.

At Land O’Lakes, our Culinary Center team works year-round to investigate emerging food trends consumers are adopting and opportunities to connect them to our variety of dairy products. We recently spoke with culinary product and content manager Tonja Engen to get an overview of the food trends you can expect to see in your kitchen in 2025, and ways Land O’Lakes can help you try them out.

Connection and comfort

Be it through an easy weeknight stovetop mac and cheese or a fun, flavored popcorn for family movie night, consumers are craving opportunities to easily indulge in comfort foods while creating memories and connections with their loved ones.

“We see that our customers are really looking for that permissible indulgence, finding ways to just celebrate and treat themselves,” says Tonja. Land O’Lakes butters and cheeses can be a key player in these special moments.

One pantry staple that is easily adoptable for life’s moments is noodles, which can help home cooks experiment with different cuisines, flavors, and ingredients in an affordable way. From one-pan Tuscan chicken pasta to spicy sesame butter noodles, consider these and other easy noodle recipes the next time you’re looking to come together and indulge in the new year.

Experience it

As consumers continue to be mindful of budgets, many are seeking creative ways to experience restaurant-like meals without the added costs and hassle of going out or ordering delivery. Luckily, making home-cooked, high-quality meals is easier than ever thanks to the many food products and kitchen equipment available in stores and online.

“It’s important to remember that impressive doesn’t have to be hard. By using Land O’Lakes ingredients and simple techniques, you can make something really exciting at home,” says Tonja.

The options to plus-up your at-home meals are endless. Use Land O’Lakes butter to baste a New York strip steak, or impress your dinner guests with Chicken Picatta. An elevated at-home date night is easily achievable with cheesy “faux-caccia” and a richly flavored pasta.

Taste and cuisine

If you regularly scroll TikTok or Instagram, you might recognize flavor terms like “swicy” (sweet and spicy) and “swalty” (sweet and salty) that are popular amongst food influencers. Expect these and other bold flavors to continue gaining popularity in 2025. An easy way to integrate different flavor combinations into your meals is by using Land O’Lakes’ seasoned butter spreads, such as garlic and herb or cinnamon butter. You can also make your own compound butter to enhance any dish.

Additionally, many consumers are seeking ways to try out more global flavors. This trend is especially true for younger generations like Gen Z. Classic recipes can easily be adapted to highlight more global flavors, such as gochujang buttered noodles or kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches.

“There is no limit to flavor with cuisine fusion and different flavor combinations. As a recipe developer, it’s really exciting how many creative delicious ways we can use Land O’Lakes products with all the global flavor trends happening,” says Tonja.

Conscious consumption

Beyond price considerations, consumers are increasingly searching for food products that offer multiple layers of value.

“Consumers’ way of thinking about value and what it means has shifted. It’s now about product quality, taste, functional health benefits and the environment,” says Tonja. “Consumers are savvy and are demanding more from their products and brands.”

Fortunately, as a farmer-owned cooperative, purchasing Land O’Lakes dairy products directly supports more than 1,000 American farmers and their communities. Meaning that no matter which food trends you explore this year, by using Land O’Lakes you will be contributing to the continued vitality of rural America.

Stay tuned for more insights on home cooking and flavor trends expected to pop in 2025, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to receive the latest trendy recipes from the Land O’Lakes Culinary Center.