NEW YORK CITY – The specialty food industry remains dynamic and innovative as ever. This year’s Summer Fancy Food Show proved as much, celebrating the return of dairy, tallow, fruits, and natural sugar with ingredients in their purest forms, while delivering products that are taste forward with wellness and sophistication in mind.
According to MenuData, while bold flavor remains key to 76% of specialty food consumers, more than half now also seek organic ingredients, showing a growing appetite for food that’s both exciting and intentional.
From protein-fueled frozen yogurt to ancient tea remedies and the surprising resurgence of beef tallow, the New York City event was an exciting global tapestry for both the palate and newfound creativity. Below, we break down 10 standout trends that were on display.
1. Beyond the Can: Gourmet Food from the Sea
Premium tinned seafood is evolving beyond just cans, now packed in better oils, and offered in snackable formats like bites and biscuits. Across the board, sustainability ties these innovations together, from responsibly sourced fish raised in fresh water to wild-catch Salmon.
Notable products:
- Nice Cans: A bold canned sardine brand to shake up your pantry with new flavors
- Onboard: A harmonious blend of Tuna Bites in Arrabbiata Sauce
2. Whipped Wonders: A New Era for Airy Sweets
Desserts went light this year, bringing a sense of playfulness to indulgence. Think elevated meringues and macarons now packaged in everyday formats. These soft, textured treats appeal to those craving comfort with a modern, premium twist with experimental flavours.
Notable products:
- Dainties: Korean-style buttercream filled macarons and ice cream sandwiches
- Aycho Melange: Authentic macarons with personality and unique flavours
3. Healing Brews: Ancient Teas for Modern Wellness
Ancient medicinal practices are informing today’s products, spotlighting gut health, single-origin sourcing, and caffeine-free options inspired by Ayurveda and other indigenous traditions. The goal is to not only promote the health and inspire wellness for consumers but for the benefit of local communities impacted by the operations of said suppliers.
Notable products:
- Ayurvedist: Caffeine-free, gut-friendly Ayurvedic teas
- Goldholly: Organic Supertea from the only caffeinated plant native to America
4. Mexican Revival: Superfoods Get a Snackable Makeover
Mexican ingredients like cactus and chaya are making a comeback through nutrient-rich snacks. These offerings deliver vibrant flavor and ancestral superfoods in familiar, snackable formats that celebrate heritage and health of Mexico. These foods are not just a pantry staple but a slice of Mexico’s vibrant culture straight to your snack drawer.
Notable products:
- Nemi: Plant-powered high fiber cactus sticks made with Mexican spices
- Buena Vista: 100% Mexican corn paired with tostadas and cactus
5. Just Add Culture: Global Cuisine in a Cup
Single-serve, shelf-stable meals are being reimagined, with authentic regional recipes and better ingredients. These heat-and-eat options provide the convenience of an instant noodle cup with the flavor and substance of a home-cooked meal, without the mess and time. Kai Vida said it best, to use their food as medicine so medicine doesn’t have to become your food.
Notable products:
- Kai Vida: Southern-inspired meal kits like collard greens and cornbread
- Sipsopa: Authentic chupe chicken soup
6. The New India: Spice Meets Snack
Indian flavors are expanding far beyond curry into everyday snacks and sauces. The new wave of Indian-inspired products blends traditional spice profiles with modern formats, from crunchy chickpea puffs to ready-to-use BBQ sauces. Inspired by the land of spices, these products introduce consumers to a world of flavor.
Notable products:
- Tasting India: Indian rendition of chili crunch and spice blends
- Serangoon Market: Tandoori BBQ sauce
7. Brew Bar Bites: Coffeehouse in Your Pocket
Beloved café beverages are crossing categories, showing up in bars and chews. Don’t get it mixed, high quality is stressed with these bars, retaining the complexities of premium teas. This trend transforms daily rituals, matcha lattes, espresso, chai, into convenient, edible moments.
Notable products:
- Coba: Matcha, chai, or espresso bars
- Dry Brew: Waterless coffee in a chewable format
8. Sweet Protein Pleasures: Dessert with Benefits
Dessert doesn’t have to be a cheat day. These sweet innovations pack a protein punch while satisfying cravings, the perfect blend of indulgence and health. Whether dairy-based, egg white-infused, or dark chocolate-dusted, functional indulgence is the goal.
Notable products:
- Trujoy Yogurt: 24g of protein per pint
- Culiraw Cheesecake: 11g of protein per jar
9. Boivin’s Return: Animal Fat Goes Gourmet
Animal fats, now making a return, are being embraced for their taste and culinary nostalgia. Tallow, ghee, and other traditional animal fats are making their way into snacks, sauces, and pantry staples, often with a clean label.
Notable products:
- Butcher Ben’s: Rich taste of beef tallow sustainably crafted with local butchers
- Oshi: Authentic Bengali-style ghee: International superfood as clarified butter
10. Elevated Spreads and Sauces
Dips are being redefined with unexpected bases, like chicken, beans, and caramelized onion, and layered with bold, globally inspired flavors such as pomegranate molasses and tom yum. These elevated dips and sauces go beyond chickpeas and hummus, offering versatility as spreads, marinades, or standout flavor enhancers, all while delivering convenience and shelf stability.
Notable products:
- Little Sesame: Caramelized onion hummus with pomegranate molasses
- Waza Waza: Tom Yum bean dip
Premiumization and Beyond: What’s Next?
This year’s Summer Fancy Food Show highlighted a return to simpler times, embracing the wholesome offerings of nature and the traditions our grandparents grew up with. Brands are redefining comfort and convenience through modern upgrades that deliver functional benefits like protein, bold flavors, and healthy fats, all while maintaining a contemporary and convenient approach.
Moving forward, expect to see more products inspired by these F&B movements:
Flavors with Southeast Asian Roots: We can expect to see a celebration of Southeast Asian flavors from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, going beyond the familiar.
Animal-Based Fats and Indulgent Snacks: There will be an increase in indulgent snack products made with animal fats, including full-fat dairy products, tallow-based snacks, and ghee-based treats with a focus on sustainability and ancient practices.
Protein’s Continued Popularity: Protein will remain in the spotlight, with high-protein options in everyday items like rice, noodles, buns, and even hydration products gaining popularity.
The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show revealed that consumers crave meaning, not just flavor. Brands that embrace nature and tradition while delivering functional wellness, familiar, and indulgent experiences are set to lead the future of food.
Editor’s note: Joseph Chen is the CEO of research management and insight consultancy Leo & Dragon, and previously worked for the likes of Mondelez International, McDonald’s, Hershey, Unilever, and Kraft.
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