MenuData predicts four forces will shape 2026 menus, from texture‑obsessed consumers and nostalgia‑driven LTOs to the resurgence of animal fats and the growing influence of GLP‑1 users. For brands, these shifts signal major opportunities for innovation—and risks for those who fall behind.
Acosta Group expects 2026 to be a breakout year for agentic AI, with shoppers embracing AI “companions” while still wary of automated purchasing. Acosta Group also feels consumers will demand personalized wellness, along with innovation that feels relevant – not just new.
Flavor forecasters say 2026 belongs to the color black—think sesame, currant, garlic, soybeans, and grass jelly. From nutty lattes to bold mixology, these dark-hued trends promise premium appeal and global inspiration for forward-looking food innovators.
Americans may be leaning healthier, but indulgent snacking still drives growth – especially chocolate, candy, and protein-packed salty options. Gen Z’s “little treat culture” and afternoon tea trends are fueling innovation.
Solo diners, weekday reservations, and breakfast/early-bird slots are altering 2025 dining patterns. Restaurants embracing these shifts can tap new demographics, maximize off-peak traffic, and leverage inflation-driven demand for affordable, intentional dining experiences.
AI-fueled dynamic pricing is sparking legislative battles and consumer backlash, especially around essentials like groceries. Experts warn that retailers risk eroding trust and loyalty if algorithms dictate who pays more for the same goods.
Informed Shoppers are reshaping retail, demanding transparency, wellness, and sustainability. Retailers clinging to legacy formulas risk irrelevance, while those embracing ingredient clarity and tech-driven discovery stand to capture tomorrow’s discerning consumer.
SAN ANTONIO – Foodservice distributors, manufacturers, operators, and insights teams gathered at the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Nov. 18-20, for Distribution Market Advantage’s 2025 Fall Conference. At the event, presentations and panel discussions focused on …
Regional Indian cuisines are quickly becoming America’s next big flavor wave, with soaring Yelp searches, viral tiffin videos, and high-profile restaurant openings shining a spotlight on Kerala, Goa, Nagaland, the Himalayas, and beyond.
Gen X is entering its peak spending years, favoring branded, practical food products that deliver real value. F&B leaders should act fast, because this discerning, high-ROI cohort won’t wait for promises to pan out.
Two AI experts just made their boldest move yet: launching Gambit, a kitchen assistant that automates cooking with precision. It’s a game-changer for food technology innovation. Sponsored by Gambit Robotics.
Consumers are craving connection and comfort as Thanksgiving approaches, but inflation is reshaping how they celebrate. Value-driven choices are influencing holiday traditions, resulting in predictions for pared-down menus.
Political perceptions are shaping how Americans define value – and it’s not just about price. Today’s consumers demand empathy, convenience, and strategic engagement across life stages.
Mintel’s 2026 forecast urges brands to embrace empowered aging, algorithm-free authenticity, and affection-driven design. Food leaders can tap into these shifts to craft experiences that nourish identity, connection, and purpose.
Gen Xers may represent the “forgotten generation,” but their loyalty, functionality-first mindset, and $39 trillion inheritance make them a retail force. Ignore their evolving wellness habits and omnichannel expectations at your brand’s peril.
Nearly half of U.S. adults now order kids’ meals, driven by inflation, smaller appetites, and a craving for comfort. Restaurants are responding with nostalgic offerings, downsized portions, and delivery deals to match.
Despite soaring cocoa prices and shifting consumer budgets, Halloween candy sales are anything but scary. Non-chocolate confections and TikTok-fueled innovations are keeping the sweet season alive, even as chocolate feels the squeeze.
Wayne-Sanderson Farms CFO T.J. Wolfe discusses inflation, disease, and the tech transforming the poultry industry.
AI is fast becoming shoppers’ trusted assistant, especially in grocery. As a result, brands must now master AI algorithms, build trust, and optimize for voice-driven, chatbot-powered discovery.
Gen Z’s brand loyalty hinges on authentic user-generated content, not legacy clout. Food giants like Oreo and McDonald’s are losing steam – while Disney thrives by treating fans like community, not consumers.
IHOP tops the list of slowest chains, exposing breakfast service bottlenecks that frustrate time-sensitive morning diners. Experts say understaffed models and flawed labor assumptions are costing chains millions in lost loyalty.
At Groceryshop 2025, leaders tackled topics such as value-driven shoppers, evolving retail media, and AI’s seismic impact on grocery. From TikTok disruption to digital twins, the future of food retail is already knocking.
This fall, the Gen Z food trends are smoky, global, and TikTok-approved, according to Chartwells’ 2025 campus dining forecast. From ube brunch items to Monster Matcha, flavor innovations are meeting students where they scroll.
Millennials and Gen Z are often ditching traditional pill bottles, instead opting for functional foods that blend wellness with daily routines. Brands that deliver science-backed, snackable nutrition are winning over younger consumers.
Chipotle and Moe’s are spicing up global growth with bold Tex-Mex debuts across Asia. Partnerships and localized menus will be key.
Starbucks is diving into the booming “proffee” trend with protein-packed lattes and cold foam, now a permanent menu fixture. As rivals race to meet protein-hungry consumers, functional coffee is brewing billion-dollar growth.
Gen Zers crave brands that speak their cultural language, not just sell products. From Oreo’s meme creativity to Doritos’ gamer-friendly tech, authenticity and co-creation are the new path to loyalty.
The “dirty soda” trend continues to be a phenomenon in the beverage industry, driven by social media and the desire for customization and unique experiences, particularly among Gen Z consumers. This trend has seen a 270% increase in social conversations over the past year.
Despite its ghoulish aesthetics, Liquid Death’s community is surprisingly wide: “people drink things and they like to laugh,” adroitly summarized Liquid Death creative VP Andy Pearson in an interview with The Food Institute. This has …
Creatine’s comeback isn’t just for athletes – the supplement is now a $1.1 billion wellness juggernaut. With aging consumers and GLP-1 users fueling demand, food brands are giving the supplement a long look.
Dubai chocolate’s viral rise is influencing menus worldwide with its craveable crunch and flair. However, climate-driven cocoa and pistachio shortages hint at deeper disruptions for the confectionery industry.
Flavors like matcha, hot honey, and pickles are surging in 2025, driven by viral trends and nostalgic cravings. Social media-savvy consumers are rewriting the flavor playbook – and retailers are hustling to keep pace.
Post-pandemic consumers crave mental clarity, but trendy snacks often miss the mark. Experts urge F&B brands to spotlight whole foods, omega-3s, and gut-friendly nutrients to support brain health.
Millennials and Gen Z are snacking with style – treating pantry items as identity statements and status symbols. Brands that blend bold packaging with shared values are seizing this flavorful form of modern self-expression.
