Brands can cater to the desire for more connection with easy dinner inspiration that delivers on rising needs including global flavor, conscious convenience and creative affordability as trend forecaster WGSN cites weeknight meals a key trend in 2025.
In a report, WGSN Food and Drink Team said category applications include meals, ingredients, sauces and condiments and packaging.
“Leverage creative and more affordable substitutions to make realistic dinner options,” it said, adding that accessible convenience will rise as forecasted.
WGSN cited affordable ingredients like root vegetables that will be upgraded with texture play and innovative treatments.
“Food waste and upcycling strategies will be leveraged to lower the cost of eating well,” it added.
On meals, the report underscored the need to reimagine familiar dishes such as spaghetti bolognese and curry with affordable off-cuts and offals.
“Focus on whole vegetables and beans and nuts as meat replacements with creative cookery to bring down costs,” it said.
WGSN said creative transformative condiments and easy-to-use flavor boosters in different formats, including squeezy bottles, pastes and cubes, can elevate affordable ingredients without the need for spices or extra toppings.
It said brands can also develop ready-to-cook products and kits for energy-efficient cooking appliances like air fryers, microwaves and kettles.
“Private label brands and new frozen or bulk formats of healthy food basics will make eating well more accessible,” it added.
On ingredients, they can include small amounts of specialty ingredients to deliver an affordable gourmet restaurant-at-home moment.
“Harness under-utilized ingredients to create new products,” the report said.
