#Japan #Tokyo #Foodist Service #Calrose Rice #Vegetable Prices

2025 Mid-Year Cooking Trends: Insights from Food Influencers

In a landscape marked by rising food prices and economic pressures, the Foodist Service has recently announced the winners of its "2025 Mid-Year Cooking Trends" awards. This event showcases keywords that have gained traction among the culinary community, particularly on platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok. Over 30,000 culinary influencers and creators participated in the survey that led to these findings.

Grand Prize Winner: Soaring Vegetable Prices

The standout trend for the first half of 2025 is undoubtedly the phenomenon of skyrocketing vegetable prices, which has significantly impacted household budgets. Owing to factors such as adverse weather conditions and escalating transportation costs, the price of vegetables has shot up, particularly leafy greens. Reports indicate that cabbage prices have tripled compared to typical figures, while Chinese cabbage costs have risen to 2.5 times their usual price. As a result, many home cooks have had to rethink their meal preparations, sometimes substituting more expensive veggies with lower-cost alternatives like bean sprouts and tofu.

Foodists shared their struggles, stating, "Vegetables have become prohibitively expensive. I've had to abandon my favorite recipes or find substitutes often." In an effort to cope, consumers have increasingly turned to frozen and pre-cut vegetables, which remain more affordable.

Popular Trends Among Culinary Influencers

Following the grand award, second place went to "Seiro Mushi," a Japanese steaming technique that is gaining followers. The recent release of a compact steamer by Muji has made it more accessible, and influencers note that it’s easy to create healthy meals without using oil. The third trend, "Chokatsu" or gut health, reflects a broader awareness of the link between diet and wellness. Influencers have reported improved energy levels and digestion after focusing on gut-friendly foods, marking a shift in dietary habits.

Calrose rice, a medium-grain variety from California, takes the fourth place. The shift to this rice is attributed to the high price of domestic rice, offering a more affordable option. Influencers have touted its versatility in dishes such as curry and fried rice, leading to increased interest among home cooks. Users share their experiences, noting its presence in supermarkets and expressing satisfaction with its taste.

Other notable entries include:

• - Number 6: Retro Recipes - Nostalgic dishes from the Showa and Heisei eras are resurging, particularly among younger audiences on social media.
• - Number 7: Spicy Chinese Soup (Mala Tang) - Trending among the Gen Z demographic, this customizable dish is celebrated for its flavors.
• - Number 8: Frozen Mackerel - Recognized for its high protein and cost-effectiveness, making it popular for quick meals.
• - Number 9: Towel Cakes - This visually appealing dessert has gained fame for its intricate design reminiscent of actual towels.
• - Number 10: Churros - Home cooks are experimenting with variations, especially using pancake mix for an easy preparation.

Forward-Looking Trends for 2025

As we look to the second half of the year, the Foodist Service anticipates emerging trends shaped by societal shifts, such as a focus on sustainable cooking and health-oriented eating. Expect to see an expanded market for functional food products that promote wellness and a continued rise in plant-based alternatives.

Conclusion

The culinary landscape in 2025 is uniquely shaped by economic pressures and a strong penchant for health-conscious cooking. Through innovation and adaptability, home cooks are navigating this challenging environment to create meals that are not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and satisfying. As trends evolve, we can expect an enriching dialogue within the cooking community that champions both creativity and sustainability.