The Biggest Trends in Baking for 2025

The UK bakery market is constantly evolving, driven by consumer preferences, emerging technologies and global food trends. As we look ahead to 2025, several bakery trends are poised to reshape the way we bake, innovate and satisfy the growing demands of the modern consumer. For professional chefs, pâtissiers and bakers, understanding these trends is crucial for staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive foodservice landscape.

Bold & Adventurous Flavours

2025 will see an even greater interest in bold, adventurous and international flavours. As global influences continue to shape UK bakery trends, consumers are increasingly open to exploring new and exotic tastes in their baked goods¹. Think spicy chai cakes, zesty yuzu-infused pastries, or savoury elements like miso in cookies and crackers.

Flavours inspired by street food, such as sweet and salty combinations or savoury pastries with surprising ingredients, will appeal to the growing demand for novelty experiences in baking. Ingredients such as Cadbury Flake, Cadbury Dairy Milk Chunks or OREO Crumb can provide opportunities to experiment with different fillings and flavour profiles, whether through rich ganaches or as inclusions and toppings in cookies and brownies.

In addition, the fusion of different cuisines will continue to influence bakery trends and menus. Middle Eastern flavours such as rosewater, tahini and pistachio, or even African-inspired ingredients like hibiscus and baobab, will be seen more often across the UK bakery landscape². Bakers who embrace these trends and experiment with unexpected combinations will be able to offer something fresh and exciting to their customers.

Sustainability Takes the Spotlight

Sustainability continues to be a driving force in the UK bakery market. Consumers are more conscious than ever about the environmental impact of their food choices, and this extends to the bakery sector. From sourcing local ingredients to reducing food waste, sustainability is top of mind for both businesses and consumers.

In 2025, we expect to see more emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and responsible ingredient sourcing³. For example, alternative flavours made from ancient grains are becoming more popular due to their lower environmental impact when compared to conventional wheat.

In addition, packaging is also expected to play a big role. Biodegradable and recyclable packaging options will become the norm as customers demand more sustainable packaging solutions⁴. Bakeries and cafes will need to focus on reducing single-use plastic and exploring alternative materials that align with consumer values.

Health-Conscious & Functional Baking

Health and wellness continue to dominate consumer preferences in 2025. As people become more health-conscious, they are seeking bakery items that offer functional benefits, including low sugar, gluten free and high protein options. Consumers are no longer satisfied with just a sweet treat; they want snacks that align with their wellness goals.

The rise of functional ingredients is one of the most exciting bakery trends in the UK⁵. Adding ingredients like superfoods, probiotics, or adaptogens such as matcha or turmeric can elevate baked goods whilst catering to the health-conscious market. Chefs can experiment with incorporating these into cakes, cookies and other bakery recipes to meet the evolving demand for functional indulgence.

In addition to this, gluten-free and plant-based baked goods will continue to rise in popularity. More UK consumers are choosing to follow plant-based diets or avoid gluten for health reasons, making it vital for bakers to offer inclusive options that don’t compromise on taste or texture.

Personalisation & Customisation

Personalisation is no longer just a buzzword - it’s becoming a standard in the foodservice industry. Consumers increasingly want to enjoy treats tailored to their personal preferences, whether through bespoke flavour combinations or dietary requirements. Bakeries and patisseries are responding by offering personalised cakes, cookies and pastries to cater to individual tastes and events.

In 2025, this trend will expand beyond customisation to include digital experiences⁶. For example, allowing customers to design their own cakes or pastries online, selecting from a range of flavours, fillings and toppings, could become more prevalent. This level of engagement will enable bakeries to build stronger relationships with customers and offer more interactive and unique experiences, appealing to a younger audience.

Plant-Based & Alternative Ingredients

The plant-based movement is set to continue growing in 2025, particularly within the bakery market. From plant-based milks and butters to egg substitutes, there’s a wide range of ingredients that can replace traditional animal-based products in baked goods.

Bakers can tap into this key bakery trend by offering plant-based options that still deliver the indulgence that customers expect from their favourite baked treats. Our Oreo biscuits, already dairy-free, are a prime example of a popular product that meets the needs of vegans and those with dairy allergies. Incorporating such familiar, recognisable ingredients into plant-based bakes is a great way for chefs and bakers to innovate while staying aligned with consumer expectations.

In addition, alternative proteins such as those derived from peas, soy or hemp will continue to grow in the UK bakery sector⁷. These proteins can be used in various products, including high-protein bread and pastry options, meeting the demand for plant-powered nutrition.

Convenience & On-the-Go Options

In a fast-paced world, consumers are increasingly looking for convenient, grab-and-go options that fit into busy lifestyles. Bakery items that are portable, easy to eat on the move and still high-quality are gaining traction⁸. Items like individually portioned cakes, pastries or snack-sized biscuits and cookies cater to this demand for convenience.

However, convenience doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or sustainability. Innovative packaging solutions that allow for easy transport while maintaining product freshness will be essential for bakeries aiming to stay competitive.

Conclusion

The UK bakery market in 2025 is set to be an exciting and dynamic landscape, driven by sustainability, health-consciousness, adventurous flavours and personalisation. As consumers continue to seek out new experiences and innovative products, bakers will need to be agile and forward-thinking to meet these evolving demands. By embracing baking trends like functional baking, plant-based alternatives and customisation, bakeries can stay ahead of the competition and continue to delight customers with delicious, high-quality offerings that align with their values and lifestyle.

Sources:

Baking Business, Kerry predicts 2025 trending flavours https://www.bakingbusiness.com/articles/63091-kerry-predicts-2025-trending-flavors

Ascend Food, Bakery Food trends To Watch In 2025 https://ascendfood.co.uk/bakery-food-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

Viscovery, Top 7 Baking Trends to Watch in 2025 https://ascendfood.co.uk/bakery-food-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

Baking Business, FMCG Gurus predicts top bakery trends for 2025 https://in-bakery.com/fmcg-gurus-predicts-top-bakery-trends-for-2025/

Viscovery, Top 7 Baking Trends to Watch in 2025 https://ascendfood.co.uk/bakery-food-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

Delifrance, Top 10 Bakery Trends to follow in 2025 https://www.delifrance.com/Blog/post/top-10-bakery-trends-to-follow-in-2025