March 3, 2025 – The culinary landscape in the US and Canada is evolving rapidly, driven by an increasing demand for innovation, sustainability, and cultural exploration. Innova’s 360 research into culinary trends highlights consumer preferences and how fusion cuisine and plant-based eating are gaining momentum in the culinary market. It also reveals innovation opportunities that are likely to develop in the future.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Culinary Cuisines in the US & Canada report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
Culinary Innovation Trends
The culinary landscape is evolving with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and value-driven choices, as highlighted by the National Restaurant Association. Social media plays a key role in shaping food trends, with diverse culinary movements sparking engagement. In the past year, 26% of consumers in the US and Canada have expressed positive sentiment about culinary trends on social media and online platforms. Baby Boomers are driving conversations on the social media platform X, where culinary discussions have reached 264 million users over the past year.
Culinary trends are going toward personal wellness, environmental consciousness, and economic considerations. The rising popularity of mushrooms, cold brews, and locally sourced ingredients reflects this change. Consumers are also exploring acidic, briny, and fermented flavors to enhance freshness and texture in meals, fueling demand for foods like olives, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi. This growing interest in bold, tangy flavors shows a broader movement toward adventurous eating and ingredient-driven innovation.
Flavor Trends
In the US and Canada, briny flavors are making waves on social media, with food influencers and chefs spotlighting dishes that embrace bold, tangy profiles. Posts featuring briny pan sauces, creamy and boozy dips, pickle chips, and spicy maple bourbon pickles are driving engagement, reflecting a growing appetite for sharp, savory flavors. Alongside this, consumers are showcasing authenticity by highlighting locally sourced ingredients, reinforcing the demand for fresh, regional produce in modern cooking.
Fusion Cuisine Trends
Social media continues to fuel culinary mashups, bringing together diverse cuisines to inspire and captivate consumers. Fusion dishes such as Indian cheesy chicken tikka masala naan tacos, Italian pizza burgers, Korean kimchi grilled cheese, and Mediterranean one-pan rice are gaining attention in the culinary industry, demonstrating how global flavors seamlessly blend into the North American food trends. Chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with innovative combinations, highlighting the significance of fusion cuisine.
Canadian food culture is also experiencing an impact of global influences. Social media users are celebrating local favorites while embracing international flavors. Posts highlight iconic Canadian dishes like ginger beef, Baja fish tacos, authentic poutine, and California crab rolls, showcasing the region’s culinary scene.
Plant-Based Trends
Culinary trends indicate that the plant-based food sector is increasingly focused on creating products that replicate the full texture and culinary experience of animal-based foods. As health-conscious consumers seek more functional food options, brands are enhancing plant-based products with added nutritional benefits. The rise of plant-based seafood is a key trend, with brands like Impossible Foods, Good Catch, and Konscious Foods leading the way.
Frozen Meal Trends
Frozen meals are diversifying with a wide range of options to meet evolving consumer demands within the culinary industry. It includes globally inspired dishes, diet-specific meals like keto, vegetarian, and diabetic-friendly, and plant-based offerings.
Lean Cuisine has prioritized creating frozen meals that cater to modern health trends. It focuses on low-calorie, high-protein, and balanced nutrition options. In the past year, this brand has innovated with Balance Bowls, introducing diabetic-friendly frozen meals in the culinary market, tailored for National Diabetes Month.
What’s Next in the Culinary Trends?
Consumers are eager for new culinary experiences, driving the rise of mashup innovations that blend multiple cuisines. Social media fuels this culinary trend, showcasing adventurous fusion dishes. Fusion cuisine will continue to grow and become more adventurous, combining unexpected flavors like African-Korean or Peruvian-Indian.
Consumers are increasingly favoring restaurants that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This includes practices like local sourcing, reduced waste cooking, and the use of sustainable ingredients, influencing dining choices and menu offerings in the culinary industry. Meanwhile, the plant-based market, though still emerging, is likely to grow due to increasing consumer awareness of health, sustainability, and ethical concerns. From plant-based seafood to whole-ingredient vegan meals, creative plant-forward dishes are redefining modern dining. Innovation in global flavors and sustainable practices is likely to shape the culinary trends in the US and Canada.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Culinary Cuisines in the US & Canada report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
