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Dairy specialist Land O’Lakes has highlighted key food trends that consumers can expect to see in their kitchens this year.

In a recent report, Land O’Lakes Culinary Center identified four emerging consumer preferences set to gain traction: 'connection and comfort,' 'experience it,' 'taste and cuisine' and 'conscious consumption'.

Connection and comfort

Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal, like mac and cheese, or a snack, such as flavoured popcorn, for family gatherings, consumers are seeking simple ways to enjoy comforting foods while creating meaningful connections.

“We see that our customers are really looking for that permissible indulgence, finding ways to just celebrate and treat themselves,” said Tonja Engan, Land O’Lakes' culinary product and content manager. The company highlighted that butters and cheeses can be a key player in these moments.

In addition, Land O’Lakes pointed out that noodles are a versatile pantry staple, allowing home cooks to experiment with various cuisines, flavours and ingredients affordably. From one-pan Tuscan chicken pasta to spicy sesame butter noodles, simple recipes can offer easy and satisfying options for gathering.

Experience it

As dining out becomes less frequent, home-cooked meals are being elevated with restaurant-quality experiences. Land O’Lakes emphasised that by using simple techniques and high-quality ingredients, consumers are now turning toward crafting impressive meals at home. “Impressive doesn’t have to be hard,” Engen noted.

From basting steaks with butter to crafting gourmet dishes like Chicken Piccata, the options for enhancing at-home meals are extensive.

Taste and cuisine

Flavour innovation continues to take centre stage, with bold and unique combinations gaining popularity. Terms like “swicy” (sweet and spicy) and “swalty” (sweet and salty) are trending on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, offering fresh inspiration for home cooks.

Seasoned butter spreads, such as garlic and herb or cinnamon butter, make it easy to experiment with flavour pairings. Younger generations, in particular, are embracing global flavours, adapting classic recipes to feature international influences like gochujang buttered noodles or kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches. “There is no limit to flavour with cuisine fusion and different flavour combinations,” noted Engan.

Conscious consumption

Beyond flavour and taste, consumers are increasingly considering sustainability and product quality. Today’s shoppers are looking for food that offers more than just good taste – value now extends to health benefits, environmental impact and supporting local communities.

“Consumers’ way of thinking about value and what it means has shifted. It’s now about product quality, taste, functional health benefits and the environment,” said Engan. “Consumers are savvy and are demanding more from their products and brands.”

#LandOLakes