The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has identified mushrooms, honey, and cold brew as the food trends for 2025 in the food industry. This reflects consumers' efforts to improve not only health but also the global environment. What are the nutritional aspects of these foods, which have been highlighted as 2025 food trends?

 

◇Mushroom

 

According to a report by the American Restaurant Association, mushrooms offer various health benefits and are highly versatile, used in staples such as pasta, coffee, desserts, as well as beverages and snacks. Mushrooms commonly contain beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and various vitamins. These components have antioxidant functions in the body, activating bodily functions and boosting immunity, thereby preventing various diseases. A study from Pennsylvania State University in the United States found that consuming 18 grams of mushrooms daily reduced the risk of developing cancer by 45% compared to not consuming mushrooms. 18 grams of mushrooms is equivalent to two enoki mushrooms about 8 cm long, one about 4.5 cm in diameter white mushroom, or one large shiitake mushroom.

◇Honey

 

According to a report by the American Restaurant Association, honey is a food that adds sweetness to dishes while raising blood sugar levels less than sugar. The glycemic index (GI), which quantifies how quickly a food affects blood sugar levels after consumption, is 55 for honey and 68 for sugar. Although honey has a lower GI than sugar, it contains a high amount of fructose and calories, so excessive intake should be avoided. One tablespoon of honey contains approximately 58 kcal, 15.3g of carbohydrates, and 15.4g of sugars, so it is advisable to consume only one or two teaspoons per day. Honey is viscous and tends to stick to teeth, which can easily cause cavities, so it is better to dilute it by adding it to food or water before eating.

 

◇Cold Brew

 

Chad Moutrey, Vice President of the American Restaurant Association, said, "Cold brew is becoming more popular every year and satisfies people who want to enjoy a smooth, cool taste while gaining energy." Cold brew is less acidic than regular coffee brewed with hot water. Coffee has higher acidity as the heat and temperature increase, and strong acidity can stimulate healthy gut bacteria, potentially causing digestive issues. Since cold brew contains high levels of caffeine, it can cause heartburn, insomnia, and other side effects, so it is advisable to adhere to the maximum recommended daily intake. The maximum daily caffeine intake recommended for Koreans is ▲ 400mg for adults ▲ 300mg for pregnant women. According to a survey by the Korea Consumer Agency, the average caffeine content per cup of cold brew is 212mg, so it is advisable to consume no more than one or two cups per day.

 

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Trend foods for 2025?

 

Mushrooms, honey, Goldbrew

Coffee always tastes good, haha.

It's Gold Blue.

 

There are many types of mushrooms.

Nutrients are all different.

The texture is also good, so it's nice to eat as a substitute for meat.