The Food Trends Everyone Was Obsessed With in 2025

’Tis the season for end-of-year roundups that really sum up what defined the year. While there are plenty of TV and movie lists making the rounds, it was honestly refreshing to see a food list take center stage.

2025 brought a wave of food trends straight to the front of our feeds, menus, and delivery apps, and Grubhub’s 2025 Delivered Trend Report does a solid job of spotlighting even some of the weirder things Americans were eating this year.

The nationwide report analyzed millions of orders placed on the platform, and the message was clear: food in 2025 had to do something. Flavor alone wasn’t enough anymore. People wanted meals that boosted energy, supported wellness goals, and still felt satisfying.

Grubhub's 2025 Delivered Report: Beans Were a Main Character

One of the biggest food moments of the year came from a surprisingly humble source: beans.

According to Grubhub, grocery bean orders jumped 135 percent, totaling more than 1.5 tons of legumes delivered nationwide. Dense bean salads made with chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans became a go-to meal for wellness-focused eaters, taking over lunch routines and social feeds alike.

Protein Wasn’t Just a Nutrient It Was a Priority

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that protein wasn’t optional. Protein-labeled grocery items available on Grubhub increased nearly 20 percent, popping up in unexpected places from cookies and popcorn to cinnamon rolls. Even with all the innovation, America’s comfort-food instincts stayed strong.

Grubhub diners ordered more than 750 nuggets, tenders, and strips every single hour, adding up to roughly 5.2 million orders so far this year. In the country’s largest cities, 76 percent of all chicken orders included nuggets, reinforcing that protein goals and nostalgia can happily coexist.

Tinned Fish Had a Full Glow-Up

Tinned fish officially stepped into the spotlight in 2025.

What was once a quiet pantry staple turned into a social-media-friendly food moment, complete with curated boards, artisanal bread, pickled vegetables, and glossy olive oil drizzles. Grubhub reports tinned fish orders tripled this year, with grocery purchases up 209 percent compared to 2024.

High protein, healthy fats, minimal prep, and strong visual appeal made tinned fish one of the year’s most unexpected breakout stars.

The Rest of 2025’s Food Trends at a Glance

While beans, protein, and tinned fish led the charge, they weren’t the only trends shaping how Americans ordered food this year. Grubhub also saw major increases in cold foam coffee upgrades, matcha drinks, egg-heavy breakfasts, protein-forward convenience store meals, and electrolyte-packed hydration options.

Together, the trends point to a year where food wasn’t just about craving satisfaction- it was about getting the most out of every bite.

Grubhub’s 2025 Delivered Trend Report shows that 2025 was the year Americans expected more from their food. Meals had to deliver flavor, function, and comfort all at once.