Meat Smoking and BBQ Trends 2025 to Look Forward to

November 15, 2024

As one year of barbecuing and meat smoking wraps up, it’s time to look forward to what’s ahead.

The 2025 BBQ trends are already shaping up to bring exciting innovations, bold flavors, and new techniques to outdoor grilling and smoking enthusiasts everywhere.

Barbecuing and smoking continue to evolve, with fresh ideas in equipment, cooking styles, and global influences keeping things dynamic and inspiring.

So, what’s on the horizon for 2025?

Plenty! We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting 2025 BBQ trends we can’t wait to see take over grills and smokers in the coming year.

11 Meat Smoking & BBQ Trends in 2025 Every Smokin' Ugly User Should Pay Attention to

Gearing up for a new year of BBQ and meat smoking, trends point to chefs of all skill levels getting more creative. Here are just a few of the things to keep an eye out for in the world of meat smoking and BBQ in 2025:

Adapting to rising food costs
Personalized meat smokers
Technology integrations
Fusion flavors
Exotic flavors
Plant-based BBQ
Smoker wood experimentation
Fruits & vegetable smoking
Side dish renaissance
Sustainable BBQ practices
Artisanal and craft BBQ products

1. Economical Gourmet: Adapting to Rising Food Costs

In response to the escalating food prices, BBQ enthusiasts are redefining gourmet experiences by venturing into less-explored recipes and more affordable cuts of meat.

This trend is not merely a cost-saving measure, but a culinary adventure into the art of making the most of every ingredient.

What meat cuts are meat smokers and BBQ chefs turning to?

Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt or Picnic Shoulder): This cut is perfect for pulled pork. It's well-marbled with fat, which keeps it moist during the long smoking process. Pork shoulder is generally inexpensive and yields a lot of meat, making it great for feeding a crowd.
Pork Belly: While bacon (cured pork belly) is well-known, uncured pork belly is a less expensive cut that smokes beautifully, offering rich, tender meat.
Chuck Roast (Beef): Also known as "poor man's brisket," chuck roast offers brisket-like flavor and texture at a lower price. It's excellent for smoking and then shredding for sandwiches or tacos.
Chuck Roll: This cut comes from the neck and shoulder area of the cow. Chuck roll is less known but is excellent for smoking due to its rich marbling and deep beefy flavor. It's versatile and can be used whole or sliced into steaks or roasts.

This approach champions the idea that great flavor doesn't have to break the bank; it's about skill, technique, and a touch of creativity. These choices foster a sustainable and economically conscious approach to BBQ, without compromising on taste or quality.

2. The Era of Personalized Smokers

The world of BBQ is increasingly embracing individualism with customizable smoking and BBQ setups. After all, there's nothing more disconcerting as a cook than working in a space that doesn't feel like it was made for you.

This trend goes beyond functionality; it's about expressing personal style and culinary preferences.

Products like those from Smokin' Ugly are at the forefront, allowing grillers to tailor their smokers to their specific needs. Personalization can range from interchangeable cooking surfaces to upgrading the functionality of your cooking implements (motion control hinges for drum smoker lids , anyone?), allowing each user to create a setup that feels uniquely theirs.

3. Technology Integration in Smoking

The infusion of technology in BBQ setups marks a significant trend heading into 2025.

Innovations such as wireless temperature probes, remote smoke control, and automated temperature adjustment are becoming standard.

These technological advancements make smoking more accessible and consistent, appealing to novices, seasoned smokers, and pitmasters alike. They allow for better control over the cooking process, ensuring perfectly smoked meats every time. This fusion of tradition and technology is not just a convenience; it's reshaping the art of smoking into a more precise and reliable culinary practice.

4. Fusion Flavors: The Intersection of Regional BBQ & Global Tastes

The BBQ landscape has always been a melting pot of sorts. BBQ and meat smoking hold a place in nearly every culture worldwide—traditions that, in some cases, date back thousands of years.

It's hard for those with different BBQ and meat-smoking traditions to not bump into one another now. This culinary cross-pollination enriches the smoking tradition, adding depth and diversity to the BBQ experience.

This upcoming year, we'll see the continued trend of regional flavors intersecting. Blasphemous to some, while welcomed by others, think Kansas City BBQ meets Carolina flavors. Regardless of which style you argue is best, the results are hard to argue – unique, stand-out, and delicious takes on meats of all sorts.

5. Global Inspirations: Exotic Flavors on the Rise

Following the previous trend – exploring international flavors is gaining momentum in the BBQ community.

Influences from various immigrant cultures are being woven into the fabric of American BBQ, introducing exotic spices and ingredients. For instance, we're seeing more BBQ and meat smoking traditions such as:

Korean BBQ: A style of BBQ that adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with smoky meats.
Jamaican Jerk: A seasoning blend from Jamaica consisting of allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. This blend creates a uniquely Jamaican flavor that adds a spicy kick to any smoked meat dish.
Argentinian Asado: This grilling style originated in Argentina and is known for its wood-fired cooking methods. Asado dishes typically feature cuts of beef cooked over open flames.

6. Plant-Based Revolution in BBQ

The rise of plant-based options is taking the BBQ scene in a different direction, but one that still feels familiar.

Moving beyond simple substitutes, the market now offers plant-based products like seitan briskets and burgers that closely mimic the texture and flavor of meat. This trend caters to vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike, offering a sustainable and health-conscious alternative without sacrificing the authentic BBQ experience. It's a significant shift from the token veggie burgers of the past, marking a new era in BBQ where plant-based options are as central as their meat counterparts.

7. Wood Smoking: Experimenting Beyond Tradition << LINK

Experimentation with different types of smoking woods is becoming a focal point for BBQ enthusiasts. Each smoker wood variety, from apple and cherry to more exotic choices like pecan and alder, offers a distinct flavor profile.

This trend underscores the importance of wood choice in the smoking process, as it significantly influences the final flavor profile.

8. Fruits and Vegetables Taking Center Stage

Fruits and vegetables are emerging as main attractions in the BBQ world. Ingredients like smoked cauliflower or grilled peaches are redefining what constitutes a BBQ dish. This trend is indicative of a few changes:

Being more cost-conscious about what is being smoked or grilled (fruits and veggies are cheaper than meat)
A shift towards more balanced and diverse menus, where fruits and vegetables are given as much attention as meats.
A move towards healthier, more inclusive BBQ options, offering something for everyone at the table.

9. The Renaissance of Side Dishes

For some, a BBQ meal is only as good as the sides.

Though supporting acts, side dishes can take a meal from good to great.

To that end, we're seeing that side dishes are experiencing a renaissance in the BBQ scene. With meat prices rising, sides are being reinvented and elevated to play a more significant role in the meal. Creatively prepared sides like smoked mac and cheese, grilled vegetable medleys, or innovative salads are not just accompaniments but key components of the BBQ feast. This trend reflects a holistic approach to meal preparation, where every menu element receives equal attention and care.

Check out some of our side dish recipes:

10. Sustainable BBQ Practices

The rise of eco-friendly cooking is making waves in the BBQ world. With a greater focus on sustainability, BBQ enthusiasts are finding ways to frill and smoke responsibly while still delivering incredible flavor. This trend is about more than just environmental consciousness – it’s about creating a smarter, more intentional BBQ experience.

What does sustainable BBQ look like?

Sustainably Sourced Charcoal: Opt for natural lump charcoal free of additives for a cleaner, more efficient burn.
Nose-to-Tail Cooking: With tools like the Ugly Drum Smoker, pitmasters can embrace this practice by smoking larger cuts, reducing waste while making the most of every ingredient.
Reusable Accessories: Investing in durable tools and grill accessories reduces disposables and keeps your setup going strong for years.

11. Artisanal and Craft BBQ Products

In 2025, it’s all about going beyond the basics and diving into handcrafted BBQ flavors. Whether it’s small-batch sauces, rubs with unique ingredients, or craft marinades, the focus is on high-quality, bold flavors that stand out.

Here’s what to watch for in the world of artisanal BBQ:

Smoked Salt Blends: Infused with regional woods like pecan or mesquite, these add depth to everything from meats to veggies.
Small-Batch Sauces: Flavors like chipotle maple, peach habanero, and bourbon molasses are gaining popularity.
Custom Rubs: Crafted with exotic spices, these rubs elevate meats with global flavor profiles.

2025: Another Great Year for Meat Smoking & BBQ

While no two years are the exact same, one thing is for sure: 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for BBQ and meat smoking.

From exploring new flavors and ingredients to embracing technology and personalization, BBQ and smoked meat enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the coming year.

Is Your Ugly Drum Smoker Ready for 2025?

Browse our accessories and kits that help you get the most from your ugly drum smoker:

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