At NuSpice, we build flavor from every angle—sensory exploration, cultural shifts, culinary behavior, and the small-but-telling signals that show up long before a trend hits a menu or a grocery shelf. We pull inspiration from everywhere: what chefs are plating, what consumers are craving, and what people are endlessly searching for at home. That’s why tools like Google Trends’ Year in Search are invaluable; they offer a real-time look into how Americans are thinking about food and beverages, what flavor ideas they’re chasing, and which recipes are shaping everyday cooking. Being able to scour Google’s data and watch curiosity translate into cooking behavior isn’t just interesting—it’s a roadmap. It helps us understand where taste is headed next, and how we can support product developers, manufacturers, and food entrepreneurs in meeting consumers exactly where their cravings are going.
In 2025, Google Trends’ Year in Search revealed a remarkable mix of flavor curiosity and comfort eating in the world’s most-searched food and drink recipes. At the top of the list was Hot Honey, a sweet-and-spicy condiment that topped global recipe searches this year and became one of the defining flavor obsessions of 2025. Unlike traditional dishes or elaborate restaurant creations, hot honey’s appeal came from its versatility and universal “sweet-heat” punch — home cooks drizzled it on pizza, fried chicken, salads, brunch bowls, and even cocktails, making it a cultural food moment that rewired how many people thought about balancing flavor profiles.
Closely following was Marry Me Chicken, which secured the #2 spot on Google’s most-searched recipes of the year. Its creamy sauce — built with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, garlic, and herbs — captured home cooks’ imaginations not only for its rich, comforting flavor but also for its viral name and storytelling power. The “proposal-worthy” moniker helped fuel shares on social and search alike, turning a comforting chicken dinner into a meme-worthy and widely cooked dish across platforms.
Chimichurri was another standout trend in 2025. This bright, herby Argentinian sauce surged in searches as people looked for fresh, globally inspired condiments that bring bold flavor to weeknight meals. Its rise signals a broader culinary shift toward easy, herb-forward enhancements that elevate everything from grilled proteins to simple roasted vegetables — reflecting an appetite for depth and freshness without complexity.
The year also saw wellness-inspired recipes gaining serious traction. Chia Pudding, a nutrient-rich, no-cook breakfast or snack made from soaked chia seeds, became a search favorite as more consumers embraced health-forward eating with visual appeal. Its popularity spotlights how convenience, nutrition, and Instagram-ready presentation came together in everyday kitchens.
White Chicken Chili emerged as a cozy comfort favorite, reinventing traditional chili with a lighter, cream-based broth and white beans. Its search popularity reflects 2025’s ongoing love for familiar yet fresh takes on classic comfort foods — meals that feel as satisfying to make as they are to eat.
Similarly, Lasagna Soup brought nostalgia and ease to the fore by deconstructing a beloved Italian classic into a hearty, one-pot soup. Its ascent in search interest suggests that home cooks in 2025 were craving the flavors of comfort classics presented in formats that fit busy lifestyles and weeknight cooking.
But 2025’s food trends weren’t just about finished dishes — ingredients themselves gained prominence. Bean Sprouts and Bell Peppers ranked high on Google’s list, showing that cooks were actively seeking inspirations for ingredient-driven meals and ways to bring texture, color, and nutrition into everyday plates, whether in stir-fries, salads, or quick sautéed sides.
On the baking side, Zucchini Bread became a home-baker favorite, bridging breakfast, snack, and dessert realms. Its search popularity reflects how simple, seasonal bakes — often customizable with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips — delivered comfort and creativity in equal measure.
Finally, Roasted Chicken rounded out the list as a perennial home-kitchen staple whose enduring appeal shows no signs of slowing. Its high search volume underscores 2025’s appetite for reliable, versatile, and universally satisfying meals that anchor weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike.
Taken together, these trends — from viral flavor sensations like hot honey and chimichurri to comfort-first dishes and ingredient curiosity — illustrate that 2025’s culinary search behavior was shaped by a desire for bold flavor, simple preparation, nutritional balance, and cultural storytelling, according to Google Trends’ Year in Search 2025.