From the comforting plates of Parisian bistros to reimagined cocktails in L.A., this week’s social trends span nostalgia, innovation, and a touch of controversy. We’re spotlighting the dishes and ingredients making waves across global menus, feeds, and consumer conversations.
Want to know what’s trending in global food & beverage beyond this week?
1. Saucisse Purée: Comfort Food Goes Chic 🇫🇷🇬🇧
+68% YoY Social Share in France | +9.1% in the UK
Once a humble staple, saucisse purée (France’s version of bangers and mash) is having a moment. Elevated with artisanal sausages but rooted in comfort, it’s being embraced by modern bistros and social feeds alike. The dish’s accessibility and cozy aesthetic are driving engagement across French delivery platforms and foodie influencers in the UK.
2. The Smashed Everything Trend 🍽️🇺🇸🇲🇽
+45% YoY in U.S. Social Share | +11% Mexican share in U.S. mentions
From smashed cucumber salads to chorizo smash tacos, “smashed” is more than a prep method—it’s a content format. The visual drama of crushed textures, layered flavors, and ease of prep are making these dishes stars on TikTok and Instagram. The movement hits the sweet spot of bold flavor, fun execution, and viral potential.
3. Highball Cocktails Get a Fresh Pour 🍹🇺🇸
+15% YoY in the U.S. | +12% Social Share for “Artisan”
Classic highball cocktails are enjoying a renaissance among Gen Z and millennial drinkers. Inspired by Japanese mixology, U.S. bars are putting their spin on this light, low-ABV favorite, with ingredients like yuzu, matcha, and basil syrup. Refreshing, photogenic, and social-scene ready, highballs are becoming a go-to order and a storytelling tool for brands.
4. Basque Cheesecake Heats Up in Germany 🍰🇩🇪
+82% YoY in Germany | +46% YoY in Rich Dessert Mentions
Charred, creamy, and effortlessly elegant, Basque cheesecake is winning over German diners. Its visual allure and simplicity make it a hit for both home bakers and upscale eateries. Endless “glow-up” variations from creators are fueling its dessert dominance across digital and physical menus.
5. Aspartame’s Second Act 🇺🇸🇦🇺
+11% YoY in the U.S. | +16% YoY in Australia
Once a source of controversy, aspartame is finding new favor with health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie sweet solutions. Regulatory backing and re-adoption by PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are reframing it as a credible, science-supported ingredient for today’s wellness-forward beverages.
This week’s trends continue to show how visual appeal, cultural nostalgia, and functional benefits drive food conversations forward. Whether it’s a reinvented classic or a reimagined ingredient, one thing is clear: execution matters. From smashed prep to ingredient comebacks, social platforms are the testing grounds for the next F&B move.
