Datassential Unveils 2025 Midyear Food & Beverage Trends: GLP-1s, UPFs and a Touch of ‘Whimsy’

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CHICAGO, July 14, 2025 — Seismic shifts are redefining what’s on restaurant and retail menus — and how much of it people are ordering. Datassential, the global leader in food and beverage intelligence, has released its 2025 Midyear Trends Report, spotlighting the major forces reshaping food culture, from the growing impact of weight loss medications, concerns ultra-processed foods, tariffs and more.

The report also takes a look at the emerging trend of whimsical restaurant design, plus offers a sneak peek at a trio of trends for 2026.

Datassential unpacks the data behind each, offering foodservice brands the insights they need to make sense of the chaos — and turn disruption into opportunity.

GLP-1 Appetite Shift

11% of U.S. consumers now use GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic — and 39% of users say they buy less food overall. Nearly 1 in 3 report the types of food they buy have changed. The impact is already rippling through menus, purchasing, and product strategy.

Ultra-Processed Reckoning

Nearly 3 in 4 consumers have grown more aware or concerned about ultra-processed foods in the last year — with possible bans on dyes and additives looming. This shift is changing consumer expectations and ingredient strategies across the board.

Food Safety Front and Center

70% of consumers say food safety concerns are top of mind, especially as regulatory scrutiny and transparency demands grow.

Whimsical Dining Emergence

86% of consumers say they are very or somewhat interested in a playful, whimsical restaurant designs for special occasions — a departure from the sterile, all-white aesthetic of the past.

Economic Anxiety Rising

74% of consumers and 66% of operators are worried tariffs and economic volatility will hurt the food industry — adding fuel to price pressures and procurement challenges.

Sneak Peek: 2026 Trends

Food Trend to Know: Fermented black beans (aka douchi) are gaining traction as Asian flavors and fermented foods continue to grow.
Beverage Trend to Know: Ancient grain beer is gaining ground as it blends health with indulgence.
Macro Trend: Meat is back. More consumers are identifying as meat eaters and less are identifying as vegetarians than just a few years ago.

“Our 2025 Midyear Trends Report provides critical intelligence for anyone navigating the food and beverage landscape,” said Datassential Trendologist and Senior Publications Manager Renee Lee Wege. “From economic updates to the latest on GLP-1s and ultra-processed foods and beverages, this report is an indispensable resource for brands, operators, and manufacturers looking to anticipate and capitalize on change.”

Get a free preview copy of the Midyear Trends Report here. And if you missed it, catch the webinar unveiling these trends at that link, too. But there’s much more in the full report, available exclusively to subscribers. For access or to become a subscriber, reach out here.

About Datassential

Datassential is the food and beverage industry’s trusted insights and intelligence partner, helping brands make smarter decisions since 2001. With the launch of Datassential One, the company unified its most powerful tools – from menu trends and consumer insights to sales intelligence and social listening – into a single platform. Over 90% of the biggest names in foodservice, including Starbucks, General Mills, Land O’ Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target, rely on Datassential to stay ahead of what’s next.

Media Contact
media@datassential.com