© 20 25 Datassential. All Rights Reserved.MethodologyMost of the data in this report preview came from a survey fielded in May 2025 with2,000 consumers representative of the U.S. general population, unless otherwisenoted. Operator data, as noted on specific pages, came from a survey also fieldedMay 2025 with 372 U.S. operators, including restaurants and on-site. Other datainsights come from a range of reports and Datassential platforms, as noted.In This PreviewPrepare yourself for a big bite of insights in this preview edition of our highly-anticipated2025 Midyear Trends Report, which showcases the latest researchabout key topics in the foodservice industry–everything from food safety towhimsical themes in restaurant design and so much in between, while shining aspotlight on new trends that should be on your radar the second half of 2025.In this preview edition, we’ve packed in plenty of research about how consumersand operators feel about ultra-processed foods and beverages. Also, get a gutcheck on GLP-1s including consumer interest, use, and how they’re continuing toimpact the foodservice industry. Plus, dive into economic concerns like tariffsand what they could mean now and in the future. We also offer a sneak peek of 3key trends in our upcoming2026 Trends Report.2 0 2 5M I D Y E A R T R E N D S R E P O R TPreview Version About thefullMidyear Trends ReportDatassential subscribers get access to the fullMidyear Trends Report, which expands onthese key insights and dives deeper into thetrends–both on the menu and across theindustry–that you need to know.Subscribers can see more of the insightsthat matter most to foodservice professionalsof all types and come away with a clear viewof what consumers really want today andfor tomorrow.That includes the whole picture of the themes you will readin this preview, from GLP-1s to food safety to on-trendwhimsical restaurant concepts and so much more. Plus, getspecial access to what trends our Datassential colleagues aretracking, and how they could evolve in the future. © 20 25 Datassential. All Rights Reserved.2 0 2 5M I D Y E A R T R E N D S|P R E V I E WR E P O R T© 2025 Datassential. Al l Rights Reserved.In 2025, tariffs are no longer just headlines, they are tangiblepolicies shaping and disrupting the everyday economy. As theU.S. federal government enacts new trade policies and foreigngovernments respond in kind, consumers are feeling theimpact through rising prices, shifting product availability, andgrowing uncertainty. But understanding tariffs isn’t alwayseasy. The rules change quickly, the language is technical, andthe ripple effects aren’t always obvious. In this section, webreak down what the tariff situation looks like midway through2025, how consumers and foodservice operators are reacting,and what it could mean for the year ahead. Whether you’reprice-conscious or policy-curious, here’s what you need toknow to navigate the evolving tariff landscape.NAVIGATINGTARI FFS © 20 25 Datassential. All Rights Reserved.2 0 2 5M I D Y E A R T R E N D S|P R E V I E WR E P O R T© 2025 Datassential. Al l Rights Reserved.TA R I F F S H AV EB E E N F R O N TA N D C E N T E R I N T H EN AT I O N A L C O N V E R S AT I O N ,A N D C O N S U M E R SA R EC O N S TA N T LYO N G U A R D .In the first half of 2025, U.S. tariff policy has shifted rapidly,and often dramatically. Some tariffs were announced,delayed, implemented, and rescinded within weeks.Negotiations, particularly with China, have often beenvolatile, with rates swinging from 145% to 30%. Thesefrequent changes have driven up consumer prices andfueled inflation fears. And for everyday consumers, most ofwhom aren't experts in international trade, the constantbarrage of tariff updates and shifting rules can be confusingand overwhelming. Three-quarters (74%) of consumersreported in May that they were concerned about the impactof tariffs both on their personal finances and the economy atlarge. Although most consumers (83%) claim to have someunderstanding of how tariffs work or how they impacteveryday prices, the majority aren’t confident enough toclaim that they understand tariffs “very well.” How concerned are you about the potential impacts of the federal government’s tariffs on bothyour personal finances and the economy at large? (n=1,504). Fielded with consumers May 2025.A R EC O N S U M E R S C O N C E R N E DA B O U TT H E I M P A C T O F T A R I F F S ?74%CONCERNED15%NEUTRAL11%NOT CONCERNEDHow well do you understand what tariffs are and how they impact pricesor the economy at large? (n=1,504). Fielded with consumers May 2025.H O WW E L L D O C O N S U M E R SU N D E R S T A N DH O W T A R I F F S W O R K ?31%VERY WELL52%SOMEWHAT WELL17%NOT WELL © 20 25 Datassential. All Rights Reserved.2 0 2 5M I D Y E A R T R E N D S|P R E V I E WR E P O R T© 2025 Datassential. Al l Rights Reserved.66%OF OPERATORS SAY ALL OF THEUNCERTAINTY AROUNDTARIFFS IS NEGATIVELYAFFECTING THE U.S. ECONOMY52%OF OPERATORS FIND IT DIFFICULT