Summer’s Hottest Food Trends: Greek Feasts, BBQ Revival & What’s Next

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE,

Over the last few weeks, the big question I keep being asked? “What are the food and drink trends shaping this summer?” If you’re planning your product pipeline for next year—or simply reflecting on the flavours and formats that have defined 2025—this is your go-to summer snapshot. 

After visiting several UK and Irish stores, one thing is clear: brands & retailers are leaning into global inspiration, flavour layering, and clever twists on comfort classics. 

Here’s what’s standing out on shelves right now (IMO - In my opinion ;))

GREEK FLAVOURS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Greek cuisine is everywhere this summer, with its fresh, vibrant, and sun-soaked flavours dominating shelves. Retailers are leaning into classics like Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb with lemon and oregano), Moussaka (layers of aubergine, potato, and rich béchamel), spicy feta dips, Spanakopita (flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta), and Souvlaki skewers. I've tasted and loved Greek-inspired salads like salata Horta (bitter greens tossed with lemon, olive oil, and salt) alongside honey-drizzled desserts like Baklava (one of my all time favourites). Tesco has introduced a limited-edition Greek range, highlights include: Slow Cooked Lamb Kleftiko, Pork Souvlaki skewers, Baked Halloumi with Apricot & Blossom Honey (a savoury-meets-sweet innovation), and Spicy Feta Dip—ideal for a grazing table, while Lidl is championing an authentic Greek range sourced and produced in Greece to ensure genuine flavour. Meanwhile, The Real Greek brand continues to expand in the UK, bringing restaurant-quality dishes like mezze platters, giant beans and dips to supermarket shelves. M&S has joined the wave with Greek-inspired mezze platters, halloumi grills, baked feta and prawn saganaki,  all great examples of celebrating the Mediterranean dining style, combining convenience with rich, authentic flavours.  

Product Spotlight: M&S Greek Style Prawn SaganakI - Inspired by a Greek taverna classic. It has plump, juicy king prawns in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, finished with crumbled feta.

THE RISE OF AMERICAN BBQ

American BBQ has firmly taken hold this summer, with smoky flavours, sticky glazes, and Southern-inspired comfort foods dominating seasonal ranges. Retailers are embracing authentic regional styles—think Memphis smoky ribs, Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and Kansas City burnt ends—and making them easy to enjoy at home. Tesco’s American BBQ range includes standout products like Smoky Texas-Style Beef Brisket, Memphis BBQ Pork Belly Ribs, and Maple-Glazed BBQ Chicken Wings, all designed for effortless grilling or oven cooking. Meanwhile, M&S is leaning into indulgence with its Slow Cooked Smoky Maple Beef Brisket, BBQ Bourbon Glazed Ribs, and American Deli-Style Coleslaw, giving shoppers a complete smokehouse-inspired dining experience. Even Aldi has joined the BBQ boom with budget-friendly but flavour-packed options like BBQ Pork Burnt Ends and Loaded Mac & Cheese with BBQ Pulled Pork.

Product Spotlight: M&S Smoky Memphis BBQ Ribs – Slow-cooked for melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and coated in a rich, tangy Memphis-style sauce that brings authentic smokehouse flavours to your summer table.

HOT HONEY & CHILLI MASHUPS

For those I work with, you’ll know I predicted the rise of hot honey two years ago—and this summer, it’s officially everywhere. The sweet-heat combination has evolved from a foodie trend to a mainstream staple, now appearing across condiments, snacks, BBQ dishes, and even breakfast menus. It’s not just for drizzling over pizza or fried chicken anymore—brands are integrating hot honey and chilli into everyday products, proving its staying power. M&S has rolled out a Hot Honey Halloumi Burger and Hot Honey BBQ Wings, both blending sticky sweetness with fiery undertones. Tesco’s BBQ range now features Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Wings and Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Sausages, designed to elevate summer grilling. Aldi has introduced Hot Honey BBQ Rib Packs and Hot Honey Roasted Nuts, perfect for snacking or alfresco entertaining. Rivesci’s Dec’s Hot Honey – Made with infused chillies from their award-winning Chilli Oil, this Irish gem balances floral honey sweetness with a subtle but satisfying kick. Mike’s Hot Honey – The US pioneer has expanded into single-serve sachets and limited-edition collaborations. Even McDonald’s has jumped on the trend, recently adding a hot sauce option to its Breakfast McMuffin range, proving spicy-sweet profiles now appeal to the mass market.

Product Spotlight: Waitrose Hot Honey Flatbreads —hand-stretched with honey, rosemary, and chilli flakes—which are ideal for dipping or wrapping.

JAPANESE-INSPIRED TREATS

Japanese flavours and textures are one of the standout summer trends, celebrated for their balance of indulgence and lightness. From mochi ice cream and soufflé pancakes to katsu curry bowls and teriyaki skewers, the influence of Japanese cuisine continues to grow, combining convenience with a premium, Instagram-worthy feel. Social media has helped drive the rise of these treats, with TikTok and Instagram amplifying products like mochi bites and Japanese-style “sandos” into must-try experiences. Retailer Highlights include M&S with its viral Strawberry Sando and Mochi Ice Cream Bites. Tesco has added Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, Panko Breaded Prawns, and Edamame Bowls to its summer range. Waitrose is showcasing Yuzu and Black Sesame Cheesecake Pots, Katsu Curry Bowls, and Tempura King Prawns for quick, premium Japanese-inspired meals. And Branded Players include: Little Moons, who remains the category leader in mochi ice cream, with flavours like Passionfruit & Mango, Creamy Coconut, and Belgian Chocolate Mochi dominating freezer aisles and trending online. Itsu continues to innovate in the grab-and-go market with Teriyaki Gyoza, Katsu Curry Pots, and Sushi Platters, making restaurant-quality Japanese flavours accessible for lunch or snacking. Kikkoman has launched Ready-to-Use Teriyaki Sauces and Marinades, helping home cooks add authentic Japanese flavour to BBQs and weekday dinners without fuss.

Product Spotlight: Little Moons Summer Raspberry Mochi – this limited-edition mochi ice cream pairs a velvety raspberry ice cream centre with Little Moons’ signature soft and chewy mochi rice dough.

RETRO & NOSTALGIC DRINKS

Retro drinks are making a big comeback this summer, blending nostalgia with modern twists to create beverages that feel both comforting and fresh. Consumers are rediscovering favourites like soda floats, cream sodas, cloudy lemonades, and classic cocktail flavours—but now in convenient, premium formats. This trend taps into the emotional pull of “simpler times,” paired with today’s clean-label, low-sugar, and elevated ingredient expectations. Waitrose is celebrating summer with Cloudy Lemonade Spritz and Strawberry & Mint Lemonade, reimagining picnic staples with a sparkling, grown-up touch. Tesco Finest has introduced Elderflower Pressé and Pink Lemonade Spritzers, designed for pairing with alfresco dining. M&S Summer Coolers have gained attention with a Cream Soda & Vanilla Float and Raspberry Lemonade, reminiscent of soda parlour classics. Aldi has also brought back limited-edition retro-inspired drinks like Cherry Cream Soda. Fentimans continues to lead in nostalgic premium sodas with Botanically Brewed Curiosity Cola. Sanpellegrino and Jarritos are both seeing growth as global “retro-cool” brands with iconic flavours like Limonata, Aranciata Rossa, and Mandarin Soda. For adults, MOTH (Mix of Total Happiness) has redefined the ready-to-drink cocktail category with premium classics like Espresso Martini and Margarita in stylish, single-serve cans.

Product Spotlight: MOTH Espresso Martini Cans – This ready-to-drink cocktail captures the essence of a bar-quality espresso martini with premium vodka, coffee liqueur, and smooth cold-brew coffee. Perfect for summer evenings, it brings a sense of indulgent nostalgia in an easy, portable format.