What We’ll Eat and Drink in 2026

As 2026 approaches, the food world seems poised for a subtle but meaningful shift. In the new year, we are likely to continue to embrace the balance of nutrition and wellness, rather than seeking extremes. While protein and fiber won't vanish, their role may morph so that instead of obsessive diet fads, protein- and fiber-rich foods may become part of a broader "everyday healthy living" approach. For many, gut health and overall wellness will guide choices more than rigid macro goals.

Who exactly decides what the "food trends" are? Trends emerge from a confluence of players - and increasingly from data. Market research firms analyze a wealth of data: consumer behavior, product launches, global food and beverage innovations, social media chatter, demographic shifts, health and wellness behavior, and restaurant industry purchasing patterns. Large retailers and their internal trend-forecasting groups (for example the "Trends Council" at Whole Foods) often publish annual reports about what they expect to be popular, drawing on insights from buyers, culinary experts, suppliers, and in-house food specialists. Chefs, restauranteurs, and food technologists also wield influence often by experimenting with flavors, techniques, and new formats. Their creations, when embraced by consumers, can migrate from a single kitchen to mainstream acceptance. In recent years, consumer behavior and digital signals in the form of social-media trends, recipe searches, ingredient interest, and product reviews have arguably become the most powerful drivers of trend. As people share food experiences online, preferences spread rapidly.

Indulgence and sensory pleasure are slated to return to the spotlight. After years of functionality-first eating (think low-carb diets or plant-based substitutions), 2026's consumers seem ready for foods that evoke joy, nostalgia, and rich sensory experiences. Expect to see nostalgic comfort foods reimagined and bold flavors that draw on heritage recipes. Consumers are showing stronger interest in foods and beverages that tell a story - whether through traditional ingredients, artisanal production methods, or culturally rooted recipes. Research from Whole Foods notes that items like root-based fiber foods, fermented condiments and vinegars, artisanal frozen meals, and packaging that highlights provenance are likely to emerge more broadly.

The most interesting shift might not be in the food but rather in how we think about food. There is growing emphasis on "food as experience," where occasion, mood, and context matter. People may choose foods not only for their nutritional benefit or flavor, but also for their ability to evoke comfort, community, context, and identity. According to industry observers, the coming year will see a sharpening focus on drinks that combine purpose, flavor, and flexibility. Expect rises in international spirits, heritage-style beers, and cocktails (or mocktails) that borrow from traditional flavor palettes. Turning to restaurant and menu trends, 2026 is shaping up as a year of reinvention and balance. Diners seem to crave a fusion of comforting familiarity and global influences. Restaurant operators are focusing on "approachable indulgence" by investing more in carefully curated drink menus. They recognize that a well-designed beverage can elevate the entire dining experience and drive higher check values.

Food trends are co-created by a dynamic ecosystem: consumers voting with their forks and voices online, data analysts spotting patterns, retailers and brands responding to demand, and creative food professionals experimenting at the edges. As the broader world feels uncertain, look for a turn toward familiar flavors, heritage foods, and meaningful consumption that suggests a collective desire to discover how everyday food fits into our evolving lifestyles and values. Looking ahead, 2026 may mark a year where nostalgia, authenticity, sensory experiences, and cultural connection converge, giving us food that is simultaneously grounded, innovative, health-aware, and deeply personal.