Spring food trends that are actually worth trying

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates grocery store prices will increase 3.2% this year, on top of the nearly 25% increase since 2020. Experts say that drives a push towards saving money, global flavors, health-focused dishes and sustainability for 2025.

Warm temperatures, freshly planted gardens, farmers’ market produce, lighter flavors — spring is the perfect time to change up your go-to meals with new foods. The latest viral food trend, microgreens, is poised to add flavor and nutrition, making old meals your new favorite dishes this season.

From bold to functional: 2025’s top food trends

Trending ingredients and dishes shift rapidly in 2025, fueled by grocery store offerings, restaurant menus and social media. Changing seasons are also a perfect time to mix up your menu, particularly as blossoming gardens herald fresh produce and warm temperatures demand light, springtime flavors.

This spring, current favorites are in line with 2025 trends. NielsenIQ reports that in the fresh food market, price sensitivity, sustainability and health will influence eating this year. Sourdough, plant-based seafood, extra protein, international flavors and crunchy textures will be key.

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Speaking to Food Business News, Suzy Badaracco, president of the market research group Culinary Tides, indicates that spring’s economic uncertainty will further influence these trends. Plant-forward or vegetarian meals will become more popular because of their affordability. Global flavors will become a source of excitement as consumers cut back elsewhere. Sustainability is a selling point, but only if it doesn’t cost extra.

Consumers want foods that make sense for their budgets, health and the planet. At the same time, delicious flavors will always be key. While there may be a few trends that are better to avoid, the popular bright flavors and seasonal ingredients can usher in a tasty spring season.

Healthy greens for early spring: Sprouts and microgreens

Microgreens have been having a moment. As of 2024, Intellectual Market Insights Research valued the microgreens market at $3.24 billion globally and predicted it would grow to $7.97 billion by 2032. These are the seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested approximately a week after germination. These tender greens are packed with flavor and nutrients.

Similarly, sprouts are a nutritious and flavorful topping to salads, sandwiches, pizza, fish and more. They often grow in water and are ready for harvesting after a couple of days, just after showing leaves.

Both microgreens and sprouts share the taste of their mature plants. For instance, radish sprouts are crisp and peppery. They are also both simple to grow at home, even indoors, and are ready quickly. This makes them a low-cost and sustainable way to add a burst of flavor and extra vitamins to your favorite dishes, as well as a way to enjoy fresh produce while you wait for your garden or local farmers’ market.

Smart meals to stretch a dollar

Consumers are getting more creative with affordable ingredients. USDA estimates that grocery store costs, already high from inflation, are likely to keep going up. Fruit, seafood, rice and beef are likely to get more expensive, although many goods have already seen price increases.

Spices, sauces and homemade seasoning blends can elevate low-cost ingredients into memorable dishes. An onion boil, posted by @aliviadonai on TikTok, is trending with over 18 million views and utilizes the first crop of spring onions. The recipe requires only a cored onion filled with butter, garlic and spices and boiled for 90 minutes. Both easy and affordable, viewers have embraced the dish, combining it with grains and other vegetables for a filling meal.

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Other home cooks have found ways to use food scraps to stretch their grocery budget. Some save vegetable scraps for homemade bone broth, while others regrow store-bought produce. Bok choy, for instance, is a healthy and versatile cabbage variety. Even if you don’t have space for a garden, you can submerge the bok choy roots in water after using the greens, and the leaves will regrow. Trending food hacks like these can make your kitchen more sustainable while giving you more access to fresh ingredients.

Viral food trends that deliver

TikTok is a hotbed for food trends, and several have already debuted there this spring. Some may be misses, but a few of this season’s standouts are surprisingly smart.

Lemon poppyseed pancakes with blueberry compote from user @kyrahungerford have racked up over a million views. The bright citrus pairs with warming temperatures, and the Greek yogurt topping offers a contrasting tang and a bit of protein, all for a brunch-worthy breakfast at home.

A video for sweet potato taco bowls from user @cookinwithmegg amassed over a million views and several imitations. This healthy and filling recipe combines affordable ingredients like sweet potatoes and black beans with a homemade pico de gallo.

For a sweet treat, Dubai chocolate continues to be all the rage this spring. These chocolate bars, filled with creamy pistachio, tahini and the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, have been sold out nearly since they hit stores. The vibrant pistachio and global flavors make for a unique and indulgent spring treat.

Seasonal vegetables for springtime dishes

Spring vegetables are coming into season, which means a return to crisper, sweeter and more delicate flavors. Asparagus, peas, radishes, turnips, onions and spring lettuces are welcome additions to dishes every year.

Seasonal menus lean heavily into these ingredients, and home cooks should too. Vegetables taste their best when in season, often cost less than imported out-of-season produce, and offer a more sustainable solution since they don’t require long-distance shipping.

Spring vegetable risotto, smoky guacamole and roasted asparagus wrapped in ham are just a few meal ideas that highlight seasonal produce. Beets, leeks, fava beans, artichokes and rhubarb are also among this season’s best vegetables.

Bring flavor, sustainability and ease together with spring trends

This spring, the most exciting food trends are those that make seasonal cooking easier, more affordable and delicious. Whether you are sprouting radish seeds at home, planting a seasonal garden or browsing social media for food inspiration, there is sure to be a trending new recipe that is fresh and satisfying all season long.

Kristen Wood is a photographer, food writer, recipe developer and creator of The Wonderful World of Sprouts. She is also the author of “Vegetarian Family Cookbook,” “Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook” and “Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners.” Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including NBC, Seattle Times, Elle, Martha Stewart, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times and more.