Food is never just about what's on our plates—it's a reflection of the world around us. Whether it's rising costs, shifting consumer habits, or the cultural forces shaping what we eat, food headlines tell a bigger story. March is no exception. As we move further into 2025, the conversations around affordability, nostalgia-driven marketing, and the politics of food will only intensify.

From skyrocketing grocery prices and shrinking consumer confidence to the political fight over what's 'healthy,' these seven food news stories will dominate March—and what they tell us about where we're headed next.

The Egg Crisis & Rising Grocery Prices Aren’t Going Away

There's no end in sight to concerns around egg prices and shortages. Bird flu outbreaks continue to hit farms, grocery stores are enforcing purchasing limits, and recall rumors, even egg theft is making headlines—like the 10,000 stolen eggs in Pennsylvania. Consumers are adapting by seeking alternatives, buying in bulk, and shifting shopping habits.

  • Eggs, dairy, and staple foods remain expensive as supply chain issues persist.
  • Consumers are finding ways to regain control—skill-sharing, bulk buying, and even exploring plant-based swaps.
  • As inflation remains a factor, will grocery prices stabilize, or is this the new normal?

Fast Food Pricing Wars—Are These $5 & $10 Meal Deals Here to Stay?

Fast food chains are responding to consumer frustration over inflated menu prices by rolling out new meal deals that actually feel worth it. McDonald's, Wendy's, and Taco Bell are all in the race to offer meals under $10 that don't feel like a rip-off.

  • Over the past year, shrinkflation and price hikes have made "value meals" feel less like a deal. Are these new offerings a true reset or just a marketing shift?
  • With grocery prices still high, some consumers are turning to fast food as an affordable alternative.
  • Will fast food chains maintain these new deals, or are they just a short-term response to public backlash?

Spring Snack Drops & Easter Candy Are Arriving Early—Here’s Why

Easter is around the corner, and brands are already rolling out their seasonal snack offerings. Limited-edition flavors, bright pastels, and nostalgia-driven releases dominate grocery aisles and social media feeds.

  • Peeps, Cadbury Eggs, and Starbucks' seasonal drinks are arriving earlier each year.
  • Limited-edition flavors tap into nostalgia and drive impulse buying.
  • As consumers crave excitement, seasonal food marketing continues to become more aggressive.

The Next Wave of Nostalgic Snacks–What's Coming Back Next?

The nostalgia-fueled snack trend is still going strong, with discontinued favorites making their return thanks to demand from Millennials and Gen Z. Brands are leaning into nostalgia as a marketing strategy, and social media is fueling the conversation.

  • The 90s and early 2000s snacks are returning—expect more Dunkaroos-style revivals.
  • TikTok plays a major role in bringing back discontinued products by creating viral demand.
  • Are these comebacks a lasting trend, or will brands pivot once the nostalgia bubble bursts?

Why Tariffs on Mexican Imports Could Make Your Groceries More Expensive

As the U.S. moves forward with tariffs on Mexican imports, grocery prices for key ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, and limes are set to rise. Consumers and businesses alike are bracing for the impact.

  • Expect price hikes on fresh produce that heavily relies on imports.
  • Food influencers are already sharing preservation hacks, from freezing avocados to DIY guacamole packs.
  • Restaurants and grocery stores will have to adjust—will this bring back upcharges for guacamole and other staples?

The Rise of Beef Tallow & RFK Jr.'s Impact on Food Culture

There's been a growing conversation around "real food" and the return of traditional fats. Beef tallow, once a staple in cooking and skincare, is making a comeback, fueled in part by RFK Jr. and alternative health influencers.

  • Beef tallow is gaining popularity beyond cooking and is now used in skincare and supplements.
  • Restaurants you're opting into the popularity and interest, some leaning into the hype.
  • Is this just another fad, or are we seeing a long-term shift in how Americans think about food?

Can We Still Afford to Dine Out?

The cost of dining out keeps climbing. The James Beard Foundation reports that 91% of independent restaurants raised their prices in 2024, yet many are still struggling to keep up with operating costs. Meanwhile, diners are adjusting their habits—either opting for fast food or saving up for special-occasion fine dining.

  • Mid-tier independent restaurants are feeling the squeeze as customers shift their spending habits.
  • Creative pricing strategies—prix-fixe menus, service fees, and smaller portions—are becoming more common.
  • As costs continue to rise, will dining out becomes a luxury experience rather than an everyday option?

Some of March’s biggest food stories highlight major shifts in how we eat, shop, and spend. From rising costs to nostalgia-driven marketing, these trends will continue shaping the conversation in the months ahead.

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