Youth Food Trends 2025: What Young Consumers Want
Published: November, 2025
Young people across Europe are reshaping the way they eat. Food is no longer just about fuel - it’s identity, convenience, wellness, and fun. The Youth Pulse Wave 4 report shows that 15–30-year-olds have strong opinions about food culture. They are open-minded, experimental, and quick to adopt new tastes, diets and viral food trends.
So, what’s really cooking in 2025? Let’s dig into the data.
Youth Food Lifestyles
Most young people don’t follow strict diets - they mix and match what works for them.
In fact, 61% say they don’t follow any specific food lifestyle.
But among the remaining 39%, diversity is the name of the game:
7% practice intermittent fasting
6% are vegetarian
6% follow a gluten-free diet
6% are dairy-free
4% are vegan
4% identify as flexitarian
Smaller groups follow pescatarian, keto, or paleo diets.
The interesting part? Even without strict labels, young consumers experiment constantly. They cherry-pick habits from different lifestyles, like eating gluten-free snacks or having vegan lunches, without labelling themselves.
Ask yourself:
Do you stick to one diet, or simply eat what feels right? Most young people would say the latter.
The Rise of Plant-Based Meals ( Even Among Meat-Eaters)
Plant-based eating is no longer niche, it’s mainstream.
Among youth who do not identify as vegan or vegetarian, 48% eat at least one plant-based meal per week, up slightly from late 2024.
Country differences are striking:
Germany: 65% eat plant-based at least weekly
Spain: only 42% do the same
Other EU5 countries fall somewhere in between
Why is this shift happening?
Because plant-based food no longer feels like “giving something up.” Youth see it as:
Healthier
Cheaper
Better for the planet
Easy to prepare
Plant-based eating is about choice, not compromise. And it’s becoming part of everyday life.
Top 11 Youth Food Trends for 2025
When asked about emerging food trends, young Europeans revealed what’s shaping their plates in 2025. Here’s what’s hot and why.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Zero-Waste Cooking: 46% ranked this in their top two.
Young people care deeply about sustainability. Root-to-stem recipes, composting, and eco-friendly packaging matter. They want food that feels responsible, not wasteful.
2. Protein-Enriched Snacks: 43% ranked it highly.
Snacks must “do something” now: fuel workouts, satisfy hunger or boost focus. Protein bars, Greek yogurt bites, and high-protein chips are winning the snack wars.
3. Dubai Chocolate & Destination Sweets: 41% placed this trend near the top.
Think pistachio-filled chocolates, Middle Eastern sweets, or limited-edition travel treats. Global curiosity meets luxury indulgence.
4. Vegan Indulgent Options: 40% ranked this top.
Plant-based is no longer about “clean eating.” Now, youth want vegan comfort food, rich desserts, creamy sauces, and satisfying snacks that don’t feel restrictive.
5. Japanese & Asian Candy: 41% named it a favourite.
From mochi to Pocky, anime and K-culture fuel fascination with colourful, playful Asian treats.
6. Gourmet Fast Food: 41% ranked this highly.
Youth crave fast food that feels premium: artisanal burgers, loaded fries, fusion bowls, and creative sauces. Quick, tasty and elevated.
7. Gut-Healthy Fermented Foods: 40% rated this important.
Kimchi, kombucha, miso, kefir: these are not niche anymore. These foods offer flavour, culture, and wellness all at once.
8. Global Street Desserts: 38% ranked it top two.
Churros, mochi waffles, Turkish delights, Filipino halo-halo. Youth love desserts that have personality and a story.
9. Alternative Grain Pasta: 35% ranked it top.
Chickpea, lentil and quinoa pasta appeal to those seeking more protein, fibre and gluten-free options.
10. Nostalgic Sweets & Cereals: 34% listed this trend.
Comfort food is back. Youth love the childhood throwbacks but with an adult update — lower sugar, vegan versions, or bolder flavours.
11. Dragon Fruit: 34% ranked it high.
It’s bright, nutritious, and photogenic. Dragon fruit is the perfect symbol of the “eat healthy, look good” mindset.
What this means for food brands
When you step back, the message is clear: Youth want food with purpose.
They value taste, creativity and authenticity, but they also care about health, planet and identity.
To win their attention:
Offer flavour with function (energy, gut health, sustainability)
Create content that educates and inspires
Design experiences, not just meals
Young people are not following food trends, they are creating them.
Watch Our Webinar
Want to explore these insights further? Watch our on-demand webinar: https://www.opeepl.com/trends/youth-food-trends-to-watch-in-2025
Discover more trends among 15-30 y.o. in Youth Pulse Report
Opeepl Youth Pulse is a bi-annual study that keeps pulse on the latest developments in the youth market. Discover key youth trends in consumer confidence, media habits, attitudes, values, and five major categories: Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Fashion, and Personal Care.