CFBN kicked off Chicago’s finest season with the perfect mix: the latest trends (who knew Coca-Cola’s ‘Happy Tears’?) a stunning downtown rooftop with skyline views, refreshing drinks, and appetizers. All of this made Thursday’s sold-out event a fantastic start of summer.

Graciously hosted by Edelman, 100 attendees enjoyed presentations on the latest food and beverage trends from two leading experts: Alison Borgmeyer, Chair of Edelman’s Food & Beverage department, and Renee Lee Wege, Trendologist and Senior Publications Manager at Datassential. 

Escapism in Food Trends 

Both Borgmeyer and Lee Wege emphasized how today’s troubling global climate is influencing consumers feelings and behavior. Edelman’s 2025 Global Trust Barometer highlighted a global “Crisis of Grievance”. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, eroding trust in leaders and a lack of optimism for the future, fuels a collective desire for escapism and maximalism. Consumers want reflected in their food choices. Borgmeyer illustrated this with the “High Low” trend: consumers want to splurge, but often can’t afford it, leading to affordable luxury experiences through food, like truffle chips or pizza topped with caviar.  

Similarly, Lee Wege introduced Datassential’s concept of ‘Whimsy” – a live-in-the-now, make-us-happy approach reflected in playful food trends like the “Big AF Crookies” served at NYC’s Magic Hours Rooftops. 

Surprising Food Trends 

The speakers kept the audience engaged with their unexpected and sometimes bizarre food trends:  

• Coca-Cola’s ‘Happy Tears’ drink, available only on TikTok shop, which sold out instantly. 
  
• The Basque Cheesecake, known for its caramelized top. 
  
•  The viral “rat cake” trend – origin unknown, that took over TikTok. 
  

Nutritional Trends to Watch 

When focusing at nutritional topics, the speakers pointed to several developments to keep an eye on:   

• The rise of GLP-1 medications. According to Datassential, 35% of consumers are using GLP-1 drugs or are interested in using them (11% currently use GLP-1). 
  
•  Awareness of ultra-processed foods is soaring– Google searches keep skyrocketing and 74% of consumers have become more aware or concerned about UPF’s over the past year, showed by Datassential 
  
• Upcoming regulatory changes, including new Dietary Guidelines expected in August, along with the MAHA-movement, may reshape how we think about nutrition. 
  

Networking into Summer 

The trend presentations sparked lively conversations and left attendees with plenty of “food for thought” as they mingled on the rooftop. We are pleased to share the presentations from Alison Borgmeyer and Renee Lee Wege: 

• Edelman's 2025 Food Trends 
• Datassential's Sneak Peak Mid-Year Trends 

Want to stay in the know? Look for Datassential’s insights, Edelman’s Trust Barometer and CFBN’s events. Here’s to a summer full of inspiration!