The FIE Paris fair took place last week. As is customary every year, discussions revolved around how the food industry is being shaped through the eyes of both consumers and producers, which trends are on the rise, and what the near future might hold. As we conclude 2025, we will share the takeaways from the fair, detailing new products entering the market, consumer trends, and how production is being shaped, each in separate articles. This week, we focus on consumer trends.

Some trends we observed at the fair, while not entirely new, had transformed according to current conditions. Many factors were cited for this transformation, including climate change, political and economic uncertainties, the integration of technology into our lives, and the ways we form relationships.

To touch on a few, protein content and probiotic content were two leading and important features consumers were still looking for when reading labels this year.

Healthy ingredients continue to be one of the most significant trends.

It's a fact that sometimes we snack just to be happy. The most marketed attribute of snacks is their claim to provide pleasure, but why not have both? Consumers are looking for delicious products that can offer both pleasure and health benefits.

Beverages containing potentially beneficial ingredients are being preferred more often. The tendency for consumption to be purpose-driven is strengthening. 

Vegan products made with plant-based sources are entering the market not by mimicking animal products, but with their own unique names and structures. Authentic flavors that are minimally processed are increasingly preferred.

Fresh-frozen and single-serving, ready-to-cook products stand out as healthy and fast alternatives. The new version of "fast food" seems to be moving towards being healthy. 

In this period of increased global uncertainties and price volatility, consumers are preferring products that are more readily available and affordable. Brand loyalty and accessibility play an important role in this trend.

It was emphasized that stress management is critical for Generation Y (Millennials), who constitute a significant percentage of the consuming segment. Snacks that contribute to mental well-being are among the rising trends for Millennials. 

Traditional products maintained their position; foods placed on the shelf that were minimally processed and emphasized their method of production and packaging provided a sense of comfort.

Sustainability and environmentally conscious products also continued to influence choices. 

Since food choice carries a multi-dimensional meaning for people, it is necessary to also look at psychological and sociological tendencies. We consume not just to survive, but to socialize, express ourselves, belong to a group, or simply to follow a trend. Therefore, understanding the consumer's decision-making mechanism requires interdisciplinary research. A few prominent topics are:

More than the average number of consumers now prefer flexible, healthy, and friendly meetings and social settings over a formal meeting.

The "Me time" movement and the trend of spending quality time alone continue. This ritual, used as a method of stress reduction, also influences snacking choices. 

Energy preservation, healthy sleep, and a balanced life remain consumer priorities. This criterion is reflected in food selection. 

Artificial intelligence is integrating into consumers' lives, becoming a factor that influences their choices. Despite concerns about security and privacy, most consumers are eager to use AI better and integrate it into their daily lives. 

 Trends such as spending time in nature and living a simpler life, also related to stress management, continue. This trend is seen as important for a balanced life and a healthy mind. 

We will see how much these trends continue, increase, or decrease next year. This year showed us that consumer behaviors can change due to various factors, and we will continue to examine the dynamics of the food industry with this perspective.