At Food Connects, we’re not here to tell you what to like—we just want to help you discover something new! As we head into 2025, it’s the perfect time to shake things up and try some exciting new foods or rediscover flavors you already love. Whether you're looking to pack in more protein, explore the bold flavors of fermented foods, grab an eco-friendly snack, or indulge in award-winning cheese, there’s something for everyone. These trends are all about fresh, fun, and flavorful foods - so dive in, and maybe you'll find your next favorite food trend this year!
Protein Packed Picks
High-protein foods are leading the way with options that support muscle repair, hormone balance, and a healthy immune system. We’ve got a variety of both plant-based and animal protein options to explore. Vegan choices like Tootie's Tempeh, and Vermont Bean Crafters offer tasty, protein-rich options. For dairy based proteins, try Brown Cow, Green Mountain Creamery, Miller Farm, Sidehill Farm, and Gammelgarden. Ethical, high-quality meats from Boyden Farm, Singing Pastures, Vermont Salumi, and Short Creek Farm provide both nutritional value and environmental sustainability.
Fermented Favs
Fermented foods are having a MOMENT, with more and more people discovering the health benefits and bold flavors of these time-tested creations. The major health benefits of these products are largely due to naturally occurring probiotics, which help balance the microbiome of your gut. We’ve curated a selection of artisanal ferments that go beyond traditional sauerkraut and kimchi. From FinAllie Ferments unique vegetable blends to the tangy, refreshing beverages from Katalyst Kombucha, Bear's Fruit, and Shrubbly, we love to highlight the growing interest in low inflammatory foods. Chi Kitchen, Atlantic Sea Farms, and Pigeon Cove Ferments add their own twists, introducing creative ferments that are perfect for today’s health-conscious foodies. With such diversity of options, we hope choosing fermented foods for you and your family can be more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
Sustainable Snacks
Sustainability is a top priority in today’s snacking trends, and we’ve got you covered with a selection of eco-friendly and wholesome snacks. From the nutrient-packed Garuka Bars and crunchy Karen’s Artisan Popcorn to flavorful crackers from Brewer’s Foods (perfectly paired with Harvest Maine spreads), we’ve got a snack for every craving. On-the-go snacks like freeze-dried fruits from Wellness Croft and sweet and savory blends from True North Granola are perfect for busy lifestyles. These snacks are made with conscious sourcing, minimal packaging, and ingredients that support sustainable farming practices, all aligning with the growing demand for more responsible snack choices.
Say Cheese
Cheese has always been on trend here in Vermont, but it seems as though the secret is out and everyone wants a slice, cube, or block of locally crafted cheese! This collection of artisanal cheeses from iconic Vermont producers like Parish Hill Creamery, Jasper Hill Farm, Grafton Village Cheese, and Champlain Valley Creamery highlights the growing consumer desire for high-quality, locally made dairy. Many of these cheesemakers were recognized at the 2024 American Cheese Society's annual conference, further cementing their reputation for excellence. We are proud to embrace craft cheese for its depth of flavor and quality, with Cobb Hill Cheese, Blue Ledge Farm, 5 Generations Farmstead Creamery, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. leading the way, offering varieties that are deeply rooted in Vermont’s rich cheesemaking tradition.
You can shop all these incredible products by searching for them on the Food Hub!