In 2025, Britain’s cultural taste is a rich blend of global influence, nostalgic comfort and personal wellbeing. Across cities and countryside, people are discovering small joys in unique desserts, calming home environments and lifestyle choices that feel both modern and meaningful. If you’re wondering what the UK is loving right now, it’s time to look at three growing trends: Japanese sweets like mochi and matcha, botanical wellness and the cozy design aesthetic known as cottagecore.
These aren’t passing fads. They reflect how Britons are redefining comfort, creativity and connection in everyday life—whether at the dinner table, in their wardrobe, or throughout their living space.
Mochi, Matcha and the Rise of Japanese Sweets
Once niche, Japanese treats are now regular fixtures in UK supermarkets and cafés. From chewy mochi ice cream to strawberry milk sandwiches (also called “strawberry sandos”), these delicacies are capturing the imagination—and the tastebuds—of a growing fanbase.
Retailers like M&S, Tesco and Waitrose have expanded their dessert sections to include matcha tiramisu, black sesame mochi and yuzu cheesecakes. Meanwhile, social media platforms like TikTok are filled with videos of users trying their first mochi bite—an experience that’s as much about texture as it is about flavour.
What’s driving the trend?
- Texture: Mochi’s soft, elastic outer layer is unlike anything in traditional British desserts.
- Visual appeal: Matcha’s green hue and the pastel colours of Japanese sweets look great on Instagram and TikTok.
- Portion control: Many of these desserts are small, making them perfect for mindful indulgence.
In big cities like London, Leeds, and Manchester, Japanese-style cafés have opened their doors with minimalist interiors and curated menus of matcha lattes, dorayaki pancakes, and sakura teas. Food festivals across the UK now dedicate entire sections to Asian street food and sweets.
So if you haven’t yet tried mochi or poured yourself a frothy matcha latte—now’s the time. They’re more than treats; they’re a cultural moment.
Botanical Wellness and Functional Drinks
Britain’s beverage preferences are shifting too. With sugar consumption in decline and mental health awareness on the rise, more people are turning to botanical and functional drinks—tonics, teas, and infusions designed to support wellbeing.
Some of the most loved options include:
- Chamomile and lavender teas for relaxation and better sleep
- Mushroom coffee blends with lion’s mane and cordyceps for energy and focus
- Turmeric lattes and golden milk for anti-inflammatory benefits
- Kombucha with ginger or hibiscus for gut health and a fizzy, satisfying flavour
Supermarkets are expanding their wellness drink aisles, and independent brands are popping up with bold packaging and clean ingredients. It’s not unusual to see oat milk matcha with ashwagandha on the same café menu as a turmeric fizz spritz.
This trend speaks to a broader cultural shift: people want their everyday rituals—like morning coffee or an afternoon break—to be purposeful. Taste still matters, but function and mood support are now part of the decision-making process.
The Cottagecore Comeback
While technology and fast-paced city life still hold their appeal, many Britons are gravitating toward a slower, softer aesthetic: cottagecore. It’s a style that mixes rustic comfort with vintage charm—think floral curtains, worn wooden tables, handmade pottery, and warm lighting.
This isn’t just an interior trend; it’s a lifestyle. Cottagecore represents a return to simplicity, nature, and comfort. It shows up in:
- Home décor: Soft textures, secondhand finds, bookshelves, candles, and hand-stitched linens
- Gardening: Herb windowsills, balcony planters, and full cottage gardens are booming across the UK
- Clothing: Flowing dresses, linen aprons, cardigans, and well-worn boots are back in style
- Baking and crafting: Sourdough starters, embroidery kits, and handwritten letters are trending again
According to a recent report, searches for countryside cottages have surged in areas like North Lanarkshire, Derbyshire, and Suffolk. Whether people are buying, renting, or just dreaming—there’s a shared desire to bring that slower, more intentional energy into daily life.
Social media has played a big role. TikTok and Instagram are full of UK creators sharing their cottagecore routines—lighting a candle, making herbal tea, or pressing flowers into handmade journals. It’s romantic, yes, but also practical and grounded. In uncertain times, creating a cozy home is a kind of self-care.
Why These Trends Matter
What do mochi, botanical drinks, and cottagecore décor have in common? They’re all about slowing down and enjoying the moment. Whether it’s the first bite of a matcha cookie, the aroma of a rose-infused tea, or the feel of a wool blanket at home—Britain is falling back in love with comfort, ritual, and small details.
These trends don’t just reflect consumer behaviour; they reflect mindset. People want more intention and less noise. They want their spaces, their food, and their time to feel meaningful. That’s what makes these trends so popular—and why they’re here to stay.
So the next time you’re browsing your local café menu or rearranging your living room, think about what makes you feel good. If it happens to include mochi, a lavender spritz, or a thrifted bookshelf filled with old novels—well, you’re right in step with what Britain loves.
