*AI Translated
The food and lifestyle media outlet "macaroni" has announced its list of the "Top 10 Trendy Gourmet Foods" that attracted significant attention both in Japan and abroad in 2025. Through independent research and analysis of search trend data, it has become clear that "food trends" are accelerating alongside values that are "free and diverse" and "evoke a sense of nostalgia."
- Trends such as "choosing your own toppings, noodles, and ingredients," "steaming or simple cooking," and "enjoying the appearance and texture" have gained support as people seek food that matches their individual lifestyles and moods, reflecting a "free and diverse" approach to eating.
- At the same time, the focus on health and wellness remains strong, with continued interest in lighter meals that incorporate vegetables and fermented foods.
- Additionally, gourmet foods originating from overseas (especially Korea and China) have become more accessible in Japan through convenience stores, supermarkets, and cafes, expanding the reach of these "trends."
10 Representative Trendy Gourmet Foods
Below are some of the standout examples selected for the "Top 10 Trendy Gourmet Foods." The expansion of social media, increased distribution, and rising search numbers have all contributed to the popularity of each item.
1. Mala Soup (Málàtàng) | From Specialty Shop Boom to Productization Wave
The number of searches for "Málàtàng (Mala Soup)," which led the 2025 trend, maintained a high growth rate at 2.05 times that of the previous year, peaking at around 820,000 searches in November 2025. This authentic spicy and numbing soup dish is popular for its customizable nature, allowing diners to freely choose vegetables, glass noodles, and other ingredients. With the increase in specialty shops and the influence of social media, a wide variety of instant products for home use have also become available, making it popular among a broad range of people.
2. Dubai Chocolate | Crunchy Texture Takes the World by Storm
Dubai-based chocolate brand "FIX" became a hot topic on social media, sparking a worldwide spread of "Dubai-style chocolate" known for its unique crunchy texture. The number of searches grew rapidly to 2.93 times that of the previous year, peaking at around 450,000 in March 2025. As an exotic sweet with a crispy and crunchy texture, it attracted particular attention among younger generations and social media users.
3. Seiro Steamed Recipes | Popular Shops Fuel the Boom
The number of searches for the keyword "seiro recipe" increased significantly to 3.78 times that of the previous year, with multiple peaks in April, June, July, and December 2025. Simple and healthy "steamed dishes" that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients have been reevaluated, driven by health consciousness and the need for quick meal solutions.
4. Gamja Bread | Potato-Shaped Bread Sees Rapid Rise in Popularity
Among the keywords listed this time, "Gamja Bread" saw the most dramatic increase, with a year-on-year growth of 39.38 times and a peak of about 50,000 searches in September. Its striking appearance and chewy texture have made it popular, especially among younger people, as a new genre of bread and sweets.
5. Toowoomba Pasta | Instant Cup Noodles Drive Rapid Spread
One of the most beloved pastas in Korea is said to be "Toomba." This dish is characterized by its rich, spicy, and creamy flavor, made with shrimp and mushrooms. This spicy and creamy pasta, which originated in Korea, has also gained attention in Japan and has spread as a household product, such as cup noodles.
6. Yoajeong | The New Standard After Greek Yogurt
"Yoajeong" became a hot topic as a dessert (and a Korean brand name) where you enjoy frozen yogurt topped with fruit and honeycomb. The number of searches increased 7.16 times compared to the previous year. As the "next yogurt dessert" following Greek yogurt, it attracted attention especially among the younger generation.
7. White Peach Oolong Tea | Established as a New Flavor Among "Aromatic Drinks"
The number of searches for "White Peach Oolong Tea" increased 1.85 times compared to the previous year, peaking in July 2025 when demand for drinks is high. Amid the trend of "aromatic drinks" that emphasize fragrance and flavor, it drew attention as a new flavor.
8. Towel Cake | Evolved Crepes Go Viral on Social Media
The "Towel Cake," which is characterized by its appearance rolled up like a towel, saw a rapid increase in searches, up 5.32 times from the previous year. With its Instagrammable look and well-balanced sweetness, this evolved crepe became especially popular among younger people.
9. Heisei Girl Chocolate | The "Heisei Retro" Boom in Food
This year, trends from Heisei-era culture such as sticker book exchanges, loose socks, and Tamagotchi stood out. Among them, in the food sector, searches for "Heisei Girl Chocolate" peaked in March 2025 (with about 130,000 searches), increasing 1.68 times compared to the previous year. The packaging and flavor, which evoke the nostalgia and retro feel of the Heisei era, resonated with certain groups and became a hot topic.
👀Related article: "Heisei Retro" Is Hot Right Now! Nostalgic Heisei Culture and Items in Japanese Dramas and Fashion
10. Donuts | Polarization Between American-Style and Healthy Options
The donut boom that began in 2022 has shown no signs of slowing down and continued to attract major attention in 2025. In May, the LA-based donut brand "Randy's Donuts" opened its first store in Japan in Daikanyama. Meanwhile, "I'm donut ?" opened its first gluten-free specialty shop in June and a vegan-friendly specialty shop in November, further fueling the trend for "healthy donuts" that focus on ingredients. As American-style and healthy options become more polarized, donuts that balance nostalgia with a modern touch are gaining support across a wide range of generations.
👀Related article: Popular "Nama Donuts" in Japan: 7 Recommended Shops in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka
Food Trends: Moving Toward "Freedom" and "Nostalgia"
The food trends of 2025 are expanding support for "highly customizable food" that allows people to freely choose their favorite ingredients and enjoy the appearance and texture according to their personal preferences and lifestyles. In addition, "Heisei retro" and "traditional flavors" that evoke nostalgia are being reevaluated, and the sense of empathy is spreading, especially among younger generations.
The “ripple effect structure” in which trends start at specialty stores, spread through social media, and are then commercialized for general retail and home use is seen as the key to expanding future food trends.
For more detailed information about the “2025 Food Trends,” please see the article on macaroni.
Information provided by: PR TIMES
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