In 2025, the fast-food industry continues to innovate at high speed to meet new consumer expectations. Between technological advances, ecological awareness and changing eating habits, restaurants are constantly reinventing themselves. What are the main food trends for 2025? Discover the 8 food trends for 2025 to stay competitive and win over customers looking for something new.
Consumer trends
1. Healthy, natural foods: a must
According to a study on consumption in 2024, 78% of French people say they are impacted by the sustainability and ethics of the food products they consume. Today, eating fast no longer means sacrificing quality. Demand for organic, additive-free and naturally sourced dishes is exploding. Consumers are looking for vegetarian and vegan options, even in fast-food chains.
👉 To find out more: How is fast good transforming the French restaurant industry?
2. Customized controls: a lever for differentiation
In 2025, customizing dishes to suit tastes, allergies and food preferences is becoming the norm. Customers want menus to be more flexible, allowing them to adapt ingredients to their tastes or diets. Offering this possibility will become an essential loyalty lever for restaurants wishing to stand out from the crowd.
Green and sustainable trends
3. Reducing packaging: aiming for zero waste
Environmental concerns are at the heart of consumer expectations. Fast food chains must adapt by using compostable and recyclable packaging. The aim? Reduce the use of single-use plastic and move towards zero waste. This will not only meet customer expectations, but also reduce environmental impact.
Indeed, according to a study by Hellofresh, French consumers are looking to reduce food waste and energy expenditure, rethinking their consumption in a more virtuous way. This trend is in line with the quest for healthier, more responsible eating.
4. Priority to short circuits and local ingredients
In the same spirit, one of the major trends in catering in 2024 will be the adoption of eco-responsible cuisine based on short distribution channels. More and more restaurateurs are choosing to work with local producers to optimize inventory management and limit long-distance transport. Offering ethical, seasonal cuisine, using fresh, local produce, is a must for the coming year!
👉 To find out more: Anti-waste basket: the solution for your restaurant?
Digital trends in the foodservice industry
5. Digital ordering: an optimized customer experience
Digital innovations continue to transform the sector. Customers now want to order quickly via order kiosks and contactless payment, all with just a few clicks. This digitalization not only streamlines the customer journey, but also collects valuable data to personalize offers.
6. Kitchen automation: top efficiency
Automating kitchen tasks will be a must in 2025. Thanks to intelligent systems, order taking and stock management are optimized, reducing errors and speeding up service. The goal? Greater efficiency, lower costs and consistent quality, even during peak periods, while freeing up staff time.
Marketing trends and loyalty
7. Immersive experiences: attracting with sensations
Customers are looking for more than just a meal, they want an experience. By playing on atmosphere, decoration and sensory marketing, retailers can turn every visit into a memorable experience. Virtual reality helmets, dining in the dark, culinary shows... In 2025, it will no longer be a question of simply feeding, but of seducing all your customers' senses to capture their attention!
8. Loyalty programs: boosting customer commitment
Loyalty programs have been around for a long time, but their digitalization is changing the game. Today, restaurants analyze their customers' habits to propose personalized offers and targeted promotions, thus strengthening their commitment. What's new in 2025? Gamification: by adding games to their applications, restaurants are making the experience more fun and encouraging customers to return more often. An effective way to build loyalty while entertaining!
👉 Going further: 9 communication and marketing ideas for your restaurant
How can these new trends be integrated into the fast-food sector?
Tailor your strategy to your customers
Before adopting these new trends, it's crucial to analyze your target clientele. A restaurant in the center of town, frequented by young working people, will not have the same priorities as a family-run establishment on the outskirts. Market research will help you choose the most relevant trends to maximize your impact.
Train your teams
Implementing these new practices requires proper staff training. Make them aware of the importance of technology, new customer expectations and eco-responsible practices.
Digitalize the customer journey
Invest in ordering kiosks and mobile apps to offer your customers a smoother, more efficient experience, from food selection to contactless payment.
Adopt a data-driven approach
Usethe data gathered via an analytics tool to better understand your customers' preferences and personalize your offers. Data analytics enable you to make fact-based decisions and optimize your strategy.
-
Do you run a fast-food restaurant and are looking for a partner to help you digitalize your business? Innovorder is the only player in France to offer a complete ecosystem: order-taking, checkout, preparation, delivery and management!
