2025 has been all about health, and this time it is not just New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February. As consumers become increasingly more concerned with their health and wellness, departments all around the fresh perimeter have opportunities to cross-merchandise products that make it easier and tastier for consumers to get all the nutrients they need.

Build a bowl 

Bowls are taking over the foodservice industry. No matter which cuisine you crave, there is a bowl for that. Consumers love bowls for their convenience. It is easy to eat a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fat when everything is mixed in one container that they can take on-the-go. Bowls also make it easier for picky eaters to eat vegetables they don’t like as much when they are combined with flavors and textures that they do like.

The Kroger Co. has tapped into this foodservice trend and shared some recipes for consumers to build their own bowls at home on its digital blog, The Fresh Lane. The blog showcases more than 50 different types of bowls. This creates a cross-merchandising opportunity for bowl ingredients across departments to come together in one build-a-bowl display in physical stores as well.

“Bowls are a perfect template for a fresh and hearty meal that are easy to prep ahead of time for a lunch away from home or no hassle dinner,” said Carlo Baldan, group vice president of Fresh Merchandising at Kroger. “Make mealtime fun with a build-your-own bowl night where everyone can help with dinner. Start with a grain base like rice or quinoa and customize with your family’s favorite fresh ingredients, proteins and toppings.”

Kroger’s blog showcases more than 50 different types of bowls, including the company’s top three favorites.

1. The Buddha Bowl: A classic Buddha bowl is a one-dish vegetarian meal with lots of veggies, protein-packed tofu and savory turmeric tahini sauce.  

• Base: Rice is a typical Buddha bowl base, but grains like quinoa or couscous are great substitutes.
• Protein: Chickpeas, beans, lentils, tofu, or meat options like beef, fish, or chicken.
• Vegetables: Fresh, roasted, or sautéed vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers, and mushrooms.
• Sauce: Usually a creamy tahini sauce, or swap in a favorite sauce or dressing.
• Toppings: Try toppers like fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes and coconut.

2. The Poke Bowl: Only four key ingredients are needed for this bowl that packs a ton of flavor.

• Base: Typically, sticky rice or switch it up with sweet potatoes or eggplant.
• Protein: Cubed Ahi tuna works best but consider tofu as a great vegetarian option.
• Sauce: Soy sauce, miso or spicy mayo bring the flavors of this bowl together.
• Toppings: For texture, add sesame seeds, cucumber, or any other crunchy toppers.

3. The Rice Bowl: The most customizable bowl allowing for maximum variety creativity:

• Base: White rice, brown rice, yellow rice, Basmati or Jasmine are all great options.
• Protein: Customize this bowl with proteins like beef, chicken, fish or edamame.
• Vegetables: Bok choy, flavorful sprouts and tasty green onion will give this bowl a fresh crunch.
• Sauce: Sweet Korean BBQ, spicy sriracha or even a favorite salad dressing.
• Toppings: Get creative with fruits, nuts and other garnishes to add a variety of flavor.

Mix a mocktail

According to Bronx, N.Y.-based FreshDirect’s 2025 food trends, the huge push for health and wellness in 2025 has led many consumers to switch to non-alcoholic beverages.

“A growing demand for mindful drinking has set the stage for a revolution in zero-proof beverages,” FreshDirect said. “The non-alcoholic category is evolving beyond simple substitutes, with sophisticated flavor profiles that appeal to all tastes. Expect to see an explosion of alcohol-free beverages infused with botanicals, aromatic bitters, and premium mixers designed for an elevated sipping experience.

“These carefully crafted zero-proof beverages provide a healthier alternative while delivering full-flavor satisfaction for any occasion.”

If your department likes to merchandise wine pairings with prepared foods, meat, seafood, and bakery items, consider working in some non-alcoholic pairings as well.

This could mean displaying zero-proof beer near the hot foods bar, adding ready-to-drink mocktails to cheese and charcuterie refrigerated shelves, and grouping individual mocktail ingredients in produce, encouraging shoppers to grab some citrus fruits or mint leaves to add to their sparkling water at home.

Since this trend is about creating a feeling of luxury in a healthy way, departments could take it one step further and display some vitamin C skin care products or aromatherapy essential oils that are made with some of the same fruits and botanicals as the beverages.

In January, actor Tom Holland launched a line of premium non-alcoholic beers called BERO at Target retail stores.

“Non-alcoholic beverage has been a growth category at Target for five years now and I can’t wait for shoppers to try the newest addition to our assortment: Tom Holland’s BERO,” said John Conlin, senior vice president of merchandising, food and beverage at Target. “This is an exciting brand, with amazing flavors, and great prices. Consumer preferences are changing and I’m incredibly proud of the way our team and the BERO team have worked together to give drinkers everywhere another option for enjoying time with friends or unwinding at the end of the day.”

BERO now offers single-flavor six-packs at retailers across the country and an exclusive variety 12-pack at target.

“BERO’s official release at Target is a defining moment for us,” says Tom Holland. “From the beginning, one of our biggest goals has been to align with an iconic retailer like Target, who time and time again acts as an incredible launchpad for emerging brands. Our beer sitting on the shelves of a partner that understands our brand, leans into creativity, and shares our commitment to quality, feels like a massive step forward. I’m thrilled to see BERO continuing to grow and reach even more people with the great-tasting beer they deserve.”

Showcase a sauce

Consumers who are trying to eat healthier may be open to trying new sauces, FreshDirect said. As Kroger identified, sauce is an important part of the bowl trend and provides a lot of flavor to otherwise boring vegetables and proteins.

Sauces can also add even more health benefits to a meal if they are made with medicinal spices and herbs from around the world, boosting immunity and reducing stress.

“Prepared foods are increasingly reflecting global influences, making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy authentic, international flavors,” FreshDirect said “Ready-made soups, simmer sauces, and fully prepared meals are appearing on shelves, inspired by cuisines from around the world. These global-prepared options offer convenience and accessibility, ideal for busy individuals seeking gourmet flavors without the hassle of cooking from scratch.”

Many retailers are already adding bottles of sauces inspired by Asian cuisines to their prepared foods sushi displays. Stores can also tap into global fusion flavor trends and cross-merchandise prepared foods with sauces from different cuisines and cultures that would pair well together.

“At FreshDirect, we’re thrilled to embrace these exciting food trends, which align with our commitment to providing customers with high-quality, nutritious, and convenient options,” said Charlotte Myer, SVP Merchandising at FreshDirect. “As consumers increasingly prioritize health and sustainability, we are dedicated to curating a selection that not only delivers on taste but also supports mindful choices.”