Top 3 Dining Trends for 2025 & How to Profit From Them

The year ahead is shaping up well for the foodservice industry. Interest rates are expected to fall, and consumer spending on eating out-of-home is back to pre-pandemic levels*.

To make the most of better times ahead, savvy operators are keeping an eye on industry trends and adapting them to suit their menu and venue.

Here are our top three dining trends for 2025:

1. Flexible options

Australian diners are continuing to seek out menus that offer flexible options. Trends such as ‘meat free Mondays’ are going mainstream, and around 10-15% of the Australian population is reducing its wheat or gluten intake.

There are many ways to ensure your business caters for all dietary needs and preferences, and you don’t have to rewrite the menu.

Consider offering dishes with meat as an optional extra – for example a Thai green curry with optional chicken. For meat alternatives, Edgell® supplies excellent plant-based burgers, schnitzels and mince or chicken-style strips. Meanwhile gluten-sensitive diners will love I&J’s gluten friendly Battered Hoki Bites and gluten free Battered Prawn Pops.

2. Meals between meals

Go beyond breakfast, lunch or dinner by adding tasty snacks available at any time of day. People under 35 are particularly fond of snacks, so make them Instagram-worthy!

Simplot’s latest Trend Feast reports snacks that can be held in one hand are having a moment. Think sliders, skewers, burritos, Pluto Pups® and of course Australia’s own Chiko® Roll.

One of the most consistently popular snack items is hot chips, and Edgell® offers a wide range of chips in every size and shape, including Edgell SIDEWINDERS® Chips with BENT ARM ALE™ beer batter. Elevate chips from a side to the main dish with loaded creations, or limited time offers to engage regular diners.

3. Spoil me

Although Aussies care about their health, they also like to spoil themselves every so often. Consider adding some indulgent dishes to share such as seafood platters – they don’t have to be high in food cost if you use high quality seafood from I&J’s range.

Diners are also looking for nostalgic comfort food – think hash browns, mashed potato, chicken Kiev and pasta Napoli.

Don’t forget all these trends are reflected in Simplot’s extensive recipe library where you can search for the perfect dish by cuisine, ingredient, venue or meal type. Also, remember the key to a healthy bottom line is regularly reviewing and revising your menu, and swapping out dishes that are not pulling their weight.

For lots of great menu ideas go to simplotfoods.com/au/recipes

*According to the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body’s State of Play report for 2024.