The 2025 Food Trends that Can Boost Your Concession Sales
Current Food Trends Influencing Your Menu
Concession foods stand out with an overwhelming appeal and fun factor. Whether a festival, fundraiser, event, or attraction, concession foods are at the heart of the menu. Often, their success is because smart operators know how to incorporate current food trends into their menu selections. Let’s take a look at some of the 2025 food trends and how the concession industry is responding.
Global Snacks on the Rise
The influence of Gen Z is credited for spurring the growth of global flavors. Their exposure to multicultural influences through travel and social media is reflected in their food preferences. As such, the prevalence of global foods is expected to continue to rise.
To capture worldly flavors, use seasonings that reflect the desired culture and tastes. Cotija & Aleppo Pepper is a complex flavor that can be used to season popcorn, nachos, tacos, or street corn. It combines tasty Cotija cheese with the warmth of Aleppo pepper. With flavors from Mexico and the Middle East, it is a cross-cultural experience that appeals to a diverse audience.
A New Take on Heat
Hot foods remain a must-have for concessions in 2025. Yet, this year’s trend is not about turning up the heat. Instead, the flavor profiles that balance heat with complementary notes make spicy foods appeal to an even broader audience. “Swicy” is the term for sweet meets spicy. It entices both adventurous eaters and those who prefer milder tastes, drawing in a wide variety of customers.
A prime example of this trend is Sweet Chili seasoning, which combines the warmth of red bell peppers with subtle fruity undertones and a mild spice kick. A standout for any concession menu, it can flavor up popcorn, chili cheese fries, or gourmet burgers. With a balance of sweetness and heat, Sweet Chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What’s Next for Mocktails?
As adults decide more often to forego alcoholic beverages, mocktails have emerged as a way for them to still be active in bar life and enjoy premium alcohol-free beverages. According to Technomic’s Ignite Menu data, mocktails on menus are up 37.4% since 2019. Concession stands or similar venues can capitalize on this trend drawing in customers with delicious mocktail recipes.
Mocktails are essentially a canvas. You can mix and match flavor combinations to create delicious beverages. The Mojito Mocktail combines lime and mint for a refreshing drink in a striking green color. You can also create frozen variations using a Frusheez® machine. The Patriotic Pop Slush combines cherry, blue raspberry, and white citrus slush into a layered drink. Find these and more mocktail recipes in our blog.
Instagram-Worthy Foods
One of the greatest things about concession foods is that they are fun! They can create visuals that draw customers in. Whether you’re serving up cotton candy art or a funnel cake loaded with toppings, a visually stunning treat is something customers can’t resist. Let’s see how to incorporate this concept into any concession stand.
Cotton candy can be shaped into works of art. Flowers are most common, yet some more advanced do hearts, animals, or characters. Made in whimsical shapes, cotton candy art attracts attention and sales. Other Instagram-worthy ideas include a cookies and cream funnel cake, snow cones with edible glitter, or popcorn popped in bright, eye-catching colors. Elevate your offerings by creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression both in-person and online.
“Newstalgia” Makes Everything New Again
Concession food’s popularity stems from the fact that these are longtime, classic foods that have been beloved through the years. There’s a bond. People know and love their favorite concession foods. But now, these foods are being reimagined to create new experiences and attract more customers.
Experiment with different flavors for funnel cakes like salted caramel, birthday cake, or banana pudding. Or even try savory funnel cakes with bacon and cheese. Make sampler sized funnel cakes, so guests can try a variety of flavors. For popcorn, set up a calendar and plan for seasonal flavors. For example, pumpkin spice will be a hit in fall, while summertime customers will enjoy flavors like sun-ripened peach. Hot dogs are another concession food that can be given an upgrade. Choose toppings such as BBQ pulled pork and crispy onions that offer a unique taste experience. Or go with a Mexican street corn-inspired option with chili lime corn salad. The goal is to be unique and offer a customer experience guests can’t get anywhere else.
Food trends are more than just a buzz. They provide inspiration and direction for businesses looking to stay relevant and exciting. Popular flavors, unique presentation styles, and creative reinventions help to attract new customers and delight loyal ones. Embracing what’s current not only keeps your menu fresh but also positions your business as a leader. Stay ahead of the curve and find ways to incorporate some of these trends into your business!
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