AI-enhanced research shows healthier chocolate and food fusion high on 2025’s agenda
pic: Adobestock
The Puratos ingredients group has released its latest AI analysed trio of major anticipated trends for next year, with healthier profile chocolate, culinary fusions, and sourdough used within bakery are all set to continue making their mark, writes Neill Barston.
As the Belgian-based business explained, its latest projections have been delivered through its Taste Tomorrow platform, that aims to track consumer behaviour across the confectionery sector.
This includes tracking the concept of ‘power ingredients’ to offering insights on how Eastern and Western flavours are combining, with the company’s algorithms evaluating social media conversation, search engine activity and regular shopper surveys to arrive at its present outlook for what will be hot in 2025.
Laurence Herbert, Chief Marketing Officer, Puratos, commented: “With over a decade of data behind it, Taste Tomorrow has become a trusted source of information for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors. Staying up to date with these insights is crucial for industry professionals to remain competitive and innovative. At Puratos, we’re dedicated to helping our partners leverage this knowledge to drive continuous innovation and meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers.”
The three core areas are as follows:
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 flavour profiles and gut health benefits. In other parts of the world, where it is more of a novelty or has been associated with Western food culture, there is a growing interest in sourdough bread. This newfound curiosity is driving its popularity and contributing to its rapid growth.
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. Unexpected combinations like sweet & spicy, sweet & savory, and the latest sensation—sweet & sour, also known as the “tangy twist”—are captivating audiences and raising demand for more adventurous and unconventional taste experiences.
But the trend goes beyond just flavours—fusion also extends to textures and formats. Consumers are drawn to hybrid creations that combine the crispiness of one dessert with the chewiness of another or merge different formats into a single, innovative sweet. Whether it’s fusing East and West flavors, incorporating Latin American influences, or playing with the contrasts of texture, fusion is driving creativity and excitement in the pastry world. This trend will grow steadily in English and Portuguese-speaking countries and is expected to rise among Chinese (+13%), Spanish (+11%) and German-speaking consumers (+7%) in 2025.
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. 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. They are exploring sugar-reduced chocolates and those with nutrient-dense ingredients that not only improve taste but also support small steps towards healthier eating.
