Ever since the pandemic turned us all into home cooks, many food ingredients have stolen the spotlight.
From bubbling sourdough starters and home-made jars of kimchi, we’ve seen our feeds and our kitchens shaped by what’s trending. But what do we see trending in 2025?
Join us as we explore the top 5 trendy ingredients of 2025, what all the hype is about, and where you can get your hands on them.
1. Yuzu
Yuzu is a well-known citrus used in Japanese and Korean cuisine, and its flavour is reminiscent of a combination of grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon. Yuzu is expected to gain global popularity for its vibrant taste, versatility in the kitchen, and visual appeal.
- How to use it: In salad dressings, cocktails, sorbet flavours, and other desserts like this yuzu tart
- Where to find it: Try your local Asian market, find a marinade at Woolworths, or speciality stores online
2. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Although all manner of fungi have gained popularity over recent years, one has stolen the spotlight: Lion’s Mane mushroom. This shaggy fungus, native to Europe, North America, and Asia, has a lot more to offer than an earthy-umami flavour. Research has shown that it has positive effects on cognitive function, fat metabolism, healthy triglycerides (making it appealing for those looking to support metabolic health), and is a rich source of antioxidants (great for reducing stress and anxiety). Lion’s Mane can be eaten raw or cooked, and its texture is great for creating vegan or meat-free dishes.
- How to use it: Blend up some powdered lion’s mane in a smoothie, otherwise it’s best seared (like a scallop) and enjoyed with pan juices, or in salads, pastas, in meat-free burgers, tacos – let your imagination run wild
- Where to find it: Fresh fruit and veggie stores, speciality food stores
3. Ube
This bright purple tuber, native to the Philippines, has taken social media, restaurants, and other food industries by storm. A cousin to the sweet potato, yam, and yuca, it is filled with vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that are great for your overall well-being. Its flavour has been described as nutty and earthy, with hints of coconut and vanilla.
- How to use it: Many foodies love incorporating ube into desserts like tea cakes, mochi, and ice cream
- Where to find it: Not widely available yet, but try your luck at your local Asian market, speciality food store, and Filipino markets
4. Black Garlic
Garlic that has been fermented in somewhat humid conditions for weeks, and then dried, becomes black garlic. The fermentation and drying process creates garlic that tastes mellow, smoky, and umami, with many people comparing it to soy sauce, molasses, and liquorice. Black garlic contains many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that enhance your health and overall well-being.
- How to use it: Because of its milder, sweet-and-sour flavour, incorporate black garlic into almost any dish to give it a tangy hit, like this asparagus or salmon dish
- Where to find it: Try out your local grocery or speciality food store, or have a look at the local online food stores
5. Seaweed
This green-brown plant grows in rocky shorelines around the world, and is most notably consumed in Japan, Korea, and China. However, 2025 has seen seaweed consumption go global, with products like seaweed chips, furikake, seaweed butter, and kelp noodles. Seaweed is not only rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients like iodine, tyrosine, vitamins, and minerals, but it’s also great for the climate, stepping up as one of the most sustainable food ingredients.
- How to use it: See our guide on how to use seaweed in the kitchen for ideas
- Where to buy it: Available in most grocery stores, speciality food stores, and Asian markets
Compiled by: Annemieke van Nieuwkerk
First published on Food & Home
Also see: Boost your natural collagen with what’s on your plate
