The 2026 Food & Beverage
Trend Forecast

About this report

The 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast is your guide to the cultural and consumer shifts shaping the year ahead, and how to act on them. Built from Tastewise’s AI-powered analysis of billions of data points across social, search, and foodservice, this report distills the noise into the trends that will drive real business impact.

Use this report to guide product development, menu innovation, marketing strategy, and long-term planning, and to stay ahead of what consumers will eat, drink, and expect next.

Gen Z is reviving what brands left behind.

Small. Simple. Real.

Savory yogurt growing

30% in 2 months

Tinned fish snacks growing

24% YoY

Did you just discontinue your next hit?

Health Wasn’t Enough.
Now It Has to Work.

Your wellness promises aren’t working. Your products need to do something consumers feel, or they’ll do nothing at all but which needs must they fulfill in 2026?

“Sustainable” Is Now a Lie Until Proven Otherwise

No one believes your green label anymore. People want to feel the impact, not just read it. If your sustainability story lacks soul, you’ve already lost shelf space and trust.

You Can’t Optimize Your Way to Growth Anymore

A rejection of clinical, inauthentic food presentation in favor of messy, moody, and unmistakably human. The next era of food can’t feel calculated. You need to connect with people’s emotions but which emotions?

What’s next for the global food industry?

Welcome to the latest edition of our annual Food & Beverage Trend Forecast, your inside look at the market trends shaping what we’ll eat, drink, and experience in 2026. This year’s report is built on Tastewise’s AI-driven analysis of billions of data points across social media, search behavior, and restaurant menus, uncovering the consumer insights and market shifts redefining the food industry.

From whole foods to ice cream, high-quality ingredients to performance-boosting protein, we’re seeing a growing demand for products that connect consumers to culture, health, and emotion. The 2026 food trends reveal that people are no longer just eating, they’re using food and drink to express identity, support gut health, and explore innovation in every bite.

Key macro trends redefining the industry

As we look ahead to 2026, a few powerful forces are shaping how we think about food and drink. These key macro trends highlight where the food industry is heading, and what consumers will be craving next.

Food as Identity Reconnection

In a world of constant optimization, food is becoming a tool for grounding. People are turning to familiar ingredients and cultural dishes to rediscover who they are. Expect restaurants, stores, and media channels to show more stories about authenticity and nostalgia.

The New Body OS

The focus on health and wellness is evolving beyond macros. Functional foods are designed for mind-body performance, emphasizing gut health, mood, and energy. From whole foods to protein-rich snacks, this trend highlights the next phase of holistic nourishment.

Lifestyle Power Plays

Consumers are choosing food and drink that communicate personal values and social identity. The global market will see a rise in innovation that merges sustainability, taste, and status. That’s proof that food is now a lifestyle statement.

Sensory Maximalism

Flavor, texture, and experience are colliding in bold new ways. Expect the food industry to lean into immersive dining, high-quality ingredients, and vibrant restaurant menus that satisfy all the senses. Even ice cream will evolve, becoming a playground for innovation and creativity.

What it means for the way we eat, drink, and live

The 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast isn’t just a list of random foods , it’s a roadmap for opportunity. Whether you’re in retail, running a store, developing ingredients, or crafting new restaurant menus, these insights help you act on what’s next.

Use this guide to fuel your innovation, align with market trends, and stay ahead of the events and foods shaping tomorrow’s consumers. With the right data, you can turn consumer insights into action and lead in the fast-changing food industry.