7 Recent Food Trends to Save You Money

You’ve likely seen many viral food trends and recipes pop up on TikTok and Instagram reels over the past year. While some may be overhyped and merely flashes in the pan, many have actually been fun, unique and can have longevity and staying power in your kitchen. Here are seven we particularly loved from 2025 that can also help cut grocery costs.

1. Upgraded ramen

We love packages of instant ramen noodles. And creative upgrades to this classic cheap eat were all over social media this past year. It’s a great way to take something affordable and add as many or as few ingredients as you prefer to make a new dish that’s hearty and delicious.

30-Minute Recipes

Ramen Carbonara

Vegetarian

Creamy Red Curry Ramen Noodles

2. Snacks galore

It all began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when snacks for those working at home saw an increase in demand. As the years passed, the need for yummy treats continued, culminating in 2025, where we’re seeing more snacks with bold flavours, crunchy textures and also a protein boost. Bonus: making them at home is cheaper than buying them, and allows you to get creative.

Snacks

Sweet and Spicy Chili Crisp Popcorn

Finger Foods

Pickled Lupini Beans

3. Bagged dumpling hack

A bag of frozen dumplings from the grocery store has huge meal potential. As seen in the various viral baked dumpling recipes, they’re cheap, delicious and you can build a meal around them with proteins, legumes and fresh ingredients.

Baked Dumplings with Green Curry Peanut Sauce

Meal Salads

Dumpling and Smashed Cucumber Salad

4. Creative use of leftover rice

Finding a second use for your leftovers is always great. Rice, in particular, has been a viral ingredient, the inspiration behind dishes like salmon rice bowls and crispy rice salad. Delicious ways to use up any excess!

Zero-Waste Recipes

Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls

Isabelle's Recipes

Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumber, Pork and Peanuts

5. Cheap flavour bombs

Looking for inexpensive ways to add flavour to your meals? Cheap and easy-to-make condiments are an essential to have in your pantry. Hot honey was a viral hit in 2025, great for drizzling on pizza, fried chicken or even focaccia, and chili crisp (which was an earlier sensation) has officially become a staple in many kitchens.

Sauces, butter and pesto

Hot Honey

Asian-Inspired Recipes

Spicy Chili Crisp

6. Cottage cheese everything

Cottage cheese has had a recent gain in popularity, due to the increased demand for high protein in 2025. While cottage cheese ice cream may have mixed reviews, it’s great to use it instead to make flatbread, add to a breakfast or lunch bowl, or even use in a lasagna, as it’s a cheaper alternative to ricotta.

Colourful Recipes

Avocado and Spicy Shrimp on Cottage Cheese Flatbread

Power Bowls

Lunch Bowl with Egg, Vegetables, Hummus and Toasted Pita

7. Sustainable cooking

From brands making upcycled drinkable yogurts to bartenders crafting cocktails out of food scraps, reducing food waste was not only a huge trend this past year, but it is—and should be—an everyday lifestyle that will continue in 2026 and beyond. Using up all the parts of food, from broccoli stalks to strawberry stems, is a great sustainable cooking practice that benefits the planet.