Nutritionists Explain the Biggest Diet Trends of 2025
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Food and nutrition advice is constantly changing, and each year sees certain themes rise in popularity. This year is no exception. There are already diet trends emerging in 2025, and nutritionists say they’re largely positive—and good for you.
Expect protein (see our favorite high-protein snacks!) to continue to be an “it” macronutrient, along with a growing movement away from alcohol. Plenty of people are also focused on being the healthiest version of themselves, and that can have a big impact on where we’re headed with dietary trends.
Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, R.D., is co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Keri Gans, R.D.N., is author of The Small Change Diet.
With that in mind, these are the biggest food and nutrition trends for 2025, plus what’s fueling them.
What are the biggest diet trends in 2025?
There are a few big dietary themes surfacing in 2025, according to nutritionists. These are the biggest ones they’re already seeing—and what they expect will continue to be hot in the year ahead.
Protein everything
Expect protein’s role as a buzzy macronutrient to continue, especially as more people start taking weight loss medications.
“Protein remains a priority, with consumers focusing on its role in muscle maintenance, weight management, and overall health,” says Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. But Keatley says you can expect to see “innovative” sources of protein like lab-grown meat and plant-based proteins gain more traction as people focus more on sustainability and health.
“However, the conversation is also shifting toward quality over quantity, with people seeking proteins that support gut health and align with personalized dietary needs,” he says.
But it’s also important not to neglect other macronutrients while ramping up your protein intake, says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet. “It is not recommended to focus solely on foods that provide protein, as many people might, and disregard foods that provide little to no protein, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains," she says.
Simple non-alcoholic drinks
Research shows that more people view alcohol as unhealthy—and that’s causing fewer to drink it these days, especially younger generations. But while some people enjoy mocktails, they’re not for everyone.
“Mocktails may not maintain their momentum as a mainstream trend,” Keatley says. “Instead, people may pivot toward simpler alternatives like sparkling water, functional teas, or beverages with added benefits like electrolytes or adaptogens.”
Momentum around drinks these days “seems to favor convenience and practicality over the crafted complexity of mocktails,” Keatley says. When people do enjoy mocktails, they’re more likely to do it socially (think: in a bar or at a party) and include botanicals that promote health benefits, Gans says.
A big emphasis on beans
Beans aren’t a staple food for most Americans, but a panel of top dietitians is hoping to change that. A new report from an advisory committee to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends tweaking the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to suggest that people have at least 2.5 cups of beans and lentils a week.
The committee also recommends replacing red and processed meats with beans. It also suggests thinking of legumes as your primary source of protein, focusing on beans, peas, and lentils first, followed by nuts, seeds, and soy products, before having seafood, meat, and eggs. Whether this will actually take off with the general public remains to be seen—but there is a definite push from the health community for it.
Personalized nutrition
Those who can afford it are more likely to seek out personalized nutrition this year, according to Keatley. “Tailored dietary plans based on genetic testing, microbiome analysis, and wearable technology are becoming more accessible,” he says. “This technology allows individuals to optimize health outcomes by targeting specific needs, from improving sleep quality to managing chronic conditions, making personalized nutrition one of the most exciting trends of 2025.”
A growing number of people also recognize that nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all, Gans says. Still, she points to the high cost of these services as a potential drawback, noting that they’re “very pricey.”
A more balanced view of processed foods
The idea of “clean eating” will continue to be a focus in 2025, according to Gans. “Unfortunately, this concept lacks a clear definition and is often misleading,” she says.
While clean eating often means avoiding ultra-processed foods, there is a growing movement in the dietary community to view food processing on a spectrum instead of just labeling foods as processed or not. “Processed foods are, and can be, an integral part of a healthy diet,” Gans says. “I hope that in 2025, consumers will understand that not all processed foods are created equal.”
Biohacking
In case you’re not familiar with the term, biohacking means making small changes to your behavior and health habits to try to improve your health. There seems to be a movement toward more biohacking, with a growing number of people using high-dose vitamins and specialty supplements, Keatley says.
Keep in mind that it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before putting yourself on a supplement, especially one at high doses. So, if you’re interested in ramping up your supplement regimen, talk to a doctor or dietitian first.
A natural approach to health
While some people are focused on biohacking, Keatley points out that there’s also a “counter-movement” that embraces a more natural approach to health.
This emphasizes eating whole foods, doing more classic strength training, and getting plenty of outdoor activity. “This return to simplicity focuses on maintaining a lean, functional body without over-reliance on modern technology or supplementation,” Keatley says.
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