Dole’s new FRUIT FWD report spotlights 2026’s biggest shifts, from a surge in tropical flavor demand to consumers replacing meals with snack‑centric “on‑the‑go” eating.
The report also predicts trends to watch in the new year, such as how consumers are shifting to smaller, snack-like meals. Those in the food industry would be wise to take note of these trends.
In the year ahead, be on the lookout for globally inspired flavors, such as guava and passion fruit. Of note, searches for tropical flavors jumped 40% in the past year.
These exotic fruits aren’t just being added on menus, either. These tropical flavors will be popular in fragrances, self-care products, and they’ve even inspired an entire makeup aesthetic, Guava Girl.
Here’s a look at the other major fruit-related movements to keep an eye on:
Mocktail Boom
From mocktails to dirty soda, beverages in 2026 are moving beyond alcohol. Many consumers are drinking less or not at all; searches for non-alcoholic drinks jumped 27% year-over-year. Yet, people still seek a fun experience and beverages that deliver a “wow factor.”
So, whether it’s a fun assortment of mocktails or embracing the popularity of Mormon Wives’ favorite drink, restaurants and bars need to make sure their menus are giving the people what they want.
On-The-Go Delights
As busy lifestyles take over, the way people eat is transforming. Rather than enjoying sit-down meals, an increasing amount of consumers are opting for snacking and “girl dinner.”
More than half of consumers (54%) said they snacked rather than eating a full meal when pressed for time. Meanwhile, 92% of millennials and Gen Z replace at least one meal per week with a snack, and 7% of these consumers report eating only snacks, according to the report. Items that are growing in popularity due to this trend include cheese, crackers, pickles, hummus and eggs.
Health and Wellness Re-examined
Many consumers are jumping on the tropical fruit bandwagon not only because of the taste, but because of the health and aesthetic benefits. Mango and pineapple, for example, are popular because of their natural digestive enzymes, skin brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Don’t believe us? Popular news articles this year include an article about a viral botox juice featuring pineapple and purple cabbage and also one on what happens to your gut when eating yellow dragonfruit.
Indulging in Treats
In times of economic hardship, small and affordable luxuries become more popular. Treatonomics, for example, occurs when people are rewarding themselves with something that feels special without excessive spending.
In fact, 75% of consumers consider snacks a critical part of their day for a “moment of joy” or emotional boost, refusing to cut them out even when budgeting. Examples of these treats include “wow-in-one-bite” snacks and freeze cracking toppings.
Food for Thought Leadership
It’s undeniable that restaurants were challenged heavily in 2025, but what does that mean for 2026? Foodservice industry veteran John Inwright discusses the prospects for a new year, what’s working for successful operators, and the headwinds and tailwinds that could define the year.
