Welcome to 2025—a year where innovation meets indulgence, and natural elegance takes center stage. If you’re in the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG), you know the game is changing fast. From luxury snacking to botanical skincare wonders, the trends we’re seeing today are bold, refreshing, and full of growth potential.
We at Ai Palette love a good trend (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), so we’ve crunched billions of data points to bring you the January Spotlight Trends Report. Grab a snack (maybe a Chu-toro chip?) and let’s dive into the five trends everyone’s buzzing about this year.
Trend 1: Chu-toro: Sushi Vibes in a Snack Bag
You know Chu-toro, the buttery middle cut of tuna that melts in your mouth and makes sushi night the best night of the week? Now, imagine that luxury… in a snack!
Why it’s hot:
- Premium meets portable—luxury flavors are no longer reserved for fine dining.
- It’s high-protein, globally inspired, and ridiculously indulgent.
- Millennials and Gen Z are loving the blend of sophistication and convenience.
📈 Fun Fact: Chu-toro snacks are growing at a jaw-dropping CAGR of +227.06%! So, if you haven’t thought about bringing a sushi-inspired snack to the market, now’s the time to roll with it.
Trend 2: Bierkäse Cheese: Bold, Boozy, and Bar-Worthy
Cheese and beer: a combo as old as time. But Bierkäse (or beer cheese) takes this partnership to a whole new level. From pretzels to kettle chips, this bold and pungent cheese is elevating snacking to an art form.
Why it’s hot:
- Perfect for the craft beer culture that’s still thriving post-pandemic.
- Nostalgia gets a modern twist—comfort food vibes meet foodie innovation.
- Bar snacks are getting fancier, and consumers are loving it.
📈 Did you know? This trend boasts a whopping CAGR of +419.14%! We’re talking real cheese goals here.
Trend 3: Iyokan Citrus: Zesty Sweetness That Pops
Say hello to Iyokan, Japan’s tangy, sweeter cousin to the orange. This little citrus dynamo is taking over confectionery, and honestly, we’re not mad about it.
Why it’s hot:
- It’s naturally sweet, refreshingly tangy, and fits the clean-label trend like a glove.
- Younger consumers are adventurous, and global ingredients like Iyokan hit the sweet spot (literally).
📈 Stat Alert: With a +307.39% CAGR, Iyokan is proof that citrus never goes out of style. Brands are pairing it with chocolate, mint, and sparkling drinks for that extra zing.
Trend 4: Nasturtium: Flowers That Do More Than Look Pretty
Here’s a skincare tip: if it’s good enough to eat, it’s probably great for your skin. Enter Nasturtium, a vibrant edible flower with a peppery kick and incredible anti-inflammatory properties.
Why it’s hot:
- Clean beauty is booming, and plant-based solutions like Nasturtium are leading the charge.
- It reduces redness, soothes skin, and looks great on the ingredient list.
- Flowers in skincare are pure magic—and Nasturtium is the new star.
📈 Blooming Trend: With a +441.40% CAGR, this flower is more than just pretty—it’s profitable.
Trend 5: Red Algae Extract: Dive Deep into Anti-Aging
From the depths of the ocean comes Red Algae Extract, a marine ingredient packed with hydration and anti-aging benefits. It’s sustainable, effective, and already making waves in skincare.
Why it’s hot:
- It’s a hydration hero, giving consumers the plump, glowing skin they crave.
- Eco-conscious buyers love that it’s ocean-derived and sustainable.
📈 Stat Speak: Red Algae is riding a +236.29% CAGR wave, proving that the ocean is full of beauty treasures.
What Does This Mean for You?
2025 is the year to embrace bold, indulgent, and natural innovation. Whether you’re a brand looking to create the next big snack or a beauty company ready to tap into botanical skincare, these trends are your golden ticket.
At Ai Palette, we’re here to make sure you’re not just following trends—you’re leading them. Our proprietary AI tools dig deep into consumer data to help you spot opportunities, launch products faster, and grow with confidence.
Don’t Just Watch the Trends—Act on Them!
Ready to bring these trends to life? Download our January Spotlight Trends Report for an in-depth look at why these trends are booming and how you can capitalize on them.
📥 Click here to download now and start your 2025 with innovation!
