Page 23 - Interface August Issue 2025

The ever-shifting patterns of how our tastes are changing

makes exploring food trends a thrilling prospect.

everal food trends are emerging in Sustainable seafood trends this year include a growing demand for
2025, with a focus on sustainability, responsibly sourced fish, the rise of plant-based and alternative seafood
Shealth, and global flavours. Key options, and increased focus on transparency and traceability in the
trends include zero-waste practices, supply chain. Consumers are also seeking locally sourced and convenient
sustainable seafood, plant-based options, seafood choices, as well as exploring a wider variety of species. These
and a growing interest in fermented trends are driven by a desire to protect fish populations, reduce
foods and functional beverages for gut environmental impact, and prioritize health and nutrition.
health. Additionally, culinary upcycling, a
focus on high-quality ingredients, and the Seafood is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which our bodies cannot
influence of social media on food trends produce. This means that we are required to get them from external,
are also prominent. preferably natural, food sources. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial
role in brain function, normal growth and development, and they benefit
Given sustainability, cost, and availability, the heart in several ways: curbing inflammation in the blood vessels,
plant-based foods are becoming an reducing blood triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, and raising good
increasingly common part of the human cholesterol levels.
diet. Plant-based foods are associated
with numerous health and nutritional Functional beverages, offering benefits beyond basic hydration and taste,
benefits, including a reduction in obesity, are a rapidly growing market, with trends focusing on cognitive health,
cancer, and the risk of cardiovascular energy, hydration, and personalized nutrition. Consumers are increasingly
disease. Plant-based foods also contain seeking out drinks with specific ingredients to address various health
considerable levels of macro- and needs, such as improved sleep, blood pressure regulation, and enhanced
micronutrients, in addition to the presence cognitive function.
of several bioactive compounds, such as
phytochemicals, which are beneficial to Health-conscious consumers have also become increasingly focused on
human health, provided the processing gut health in recent years, and a range of beverages featuring gut-healthy
applied to the foods is not too drastic. ingredients, such as probiotics and fibre (especially prebiotic fibres), have
hit the market. Fibre is a star nutrient. There has been significant year-
Plant-based food primarily consists of fruits, over-year growth in the purchase of prebiotic and probiotic beverages,
vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, reflecting a growing consumer focus on digestive health.
and healthy oils, with a reduced or minimal
focus on animal products. It emphasises Zero waste practices involve a series of strategies aimed at minimising
foods derived from plants rather than relying and eventually eliminating waste generation through
heavily on animal-derived sources. redesigning systems and promoting responsible
consumption and production patterns. This approach
Fermentation is an ancient technology of prioritises resource conservation,
preserving foods. Limited research suggests waste reduction, and the
that certain bacteria in fermented foods recovery of materials for
can stimulate the production of serotonin, a reuse or recycling.
neurotransmitter that enhances feelings of
well-being. That’s because the gut and the To achieve a zero-
brain have a strong connection, so much so waste lifestyle, it is
that improving your gut biome can improve essential to focus
the central nervous system. on the key principles
of reduce, reuse, and
Fermented foods are those that have recycle. This means
undergone a process of controlled microbial minimising waste
growth, where beneficial bacteria or yeast production by choosing
break down food components, often products with minimal
resulting in unique flavours, textures, and packaging, reusing
preservation. These foods have been a part items as much as
of human diets for centuries, offering various possible, and properly
health benefits, especially for gut health. disposing of waste to
ensure it gets recycled
Common fermented foods include kimchi, or composted. Product
sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, KOMBUCHA, and designers help enable this
yogurt. These foods may help reduce the lifestyle by creating products that
risk of heart disease, support digestion, are sustainable, eco-friendly, and have a
immunity, and weight loss. minimal environmental impact.

INTERIOR DÉCOR Styles and Trends | 21