LTO Calendar 2026

Every food moment that matters, on one calendar.

The cultural moments, national food days, and seasonal windows driving consumer demand — each one mapped to a live Tastewise report so you can plan, concept, and ship the right LTO in time.

120+ events Updated April 2026 Retail & foodservice
LIVE PREVIEW
January 2026
9
LTO moments
1
Surge windows
Addressable spend
8 events

January 2026

0
JAN

Dry January

Massive spike in zero-proof cocktails, functional beverages, adaptogenic drinks, and premium mocktail menus.

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0
JAN

Veganuary

The biggest plant-based push of the year. Fast-food chains launch new vegan burgers, and CPG brands push dairy-free alternatives.

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1
JAN

New Year’s Day

"Hangover cures", heavy comfort breakfasts, hydration multipliers, and traditional lucky foods (black-eyed peas, lentils, cabbage).

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4
JAN

National Spaghetti Day

Italian restaurant promos, CPG pasta sauce bundles, and a push for low-carb/alternative pasta (chickpea, lentil pasta).

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5
JAN

National Keto Day

Perfect timing for CPG brands to promote low-carb, high-fat snacks, sugar-free syrups, and keto-friendly baked goods.

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31
JAN

National Hot Chocolate Day

Winter beverage menus, functional hot cocoas (with adaptogens or mushroom powders), and premium topping bars.

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7 events

February 2026

8
FEB

Super Bowl

Ultimate snacking day. Huge volumes for chicken wings, pizza, dips (buffalo chicken, spinach artichoke), and beer promos.

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9
FEB

National Pizza Day

Pizzeria BOGO deals, innovative crusts (cauliflower, sourdough), and spicy honey or global flavor toppings.

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14
FEB

Valentine’s Day

Premium chocolate LTOs, romantic multi-course menus, strawberry and rose flavors, and aphrodisiac ingredients (oysters, chili).

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22
FEB

National Margarita Day

Massive for casual dining. Spicy margaritas (jalapeño, habanero), tropical fruit twists (mango, passionfruit), and premium tequila promos.

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6 events

March 2026

0
MAR

National Nutrition Month

Massive CPG push for functional benefits, clean labels, high protein, and fortified ingredients.

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9
MAR

National Meatball Day

Plant-based meatball subs, global variations (Swedish, Italian, Asian-glazed), and comfort food deals.

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17
MAR

St. Patrick’s Day

Green-colored LTOs (matcha, pistachio, mint), Irish cream coffees, stout-infused dishes, and corned beef specials.

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25
MAR

International Waffle Day

Chicken and waffles combos, sweet/savory breakfast LTOs, and global twists (like Liege or Hong Kong bubble waffles).

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5 events

April 2026

0
APR

Earth Month

Massive push for sustainable sourcing, upcycled ingredients, regenerative agriculture, and eco-friendly packaging.

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2
APR

National Burrito Day

(First Thursday in April) Major QSR volume day. BOGO deals, premium proteins (birria, plant-based steak), and spicy salsa LTOs.

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5
APR

Easter Sunday

Spring brunches (lamb, glazed ham), pastel-colored desserts (ube, matcha, strawberry), carrot cake flavors, and premium chocolate LTOs.

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7
APR

National Beer Day

Craft beer pairings, beer-battered appetizers (onion rings, fish), and local brewery collaborations for foodservice.

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26
APR

National Pretzel Day

Soft pretzel LTOs at bakeries/bars, beer cheese dips, spicy mustard pairings, and sweet cinnamon sugar twists.

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3 events

May 2026

5
MAY

Cinco de Mayo

Massive volume for tacos, spicy margaritas, Tajin rims, and Latin American flavors (Guava, Tamarind, Hibiscus).

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10
MAY

Mother’s Day

Premium brunch items, floral flavor profiles (rose, lavender, elderflower), afternoon tea bundles, and indulgent desserts.

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21
MAY

Memorial Day

The official start of summer BBQ season. Huge retail push for grilling meats, hot dogs, hard seltzers, and patriotic packaging.

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4 events

June 2026

1
JUN

World Milk Day

CPG promotions on both traditional dairy and plant-based milks (oat, macadamia, potato), plus cereal collaborations.

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4
JUN

National Cheese Day

Artisanal cheese boards, premium burger toppings (smoked gouda, raclette), and cheese-stuffed crusts.

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5
JUN

National Donut Day

Massive bakery LTOs, free donut promos, global flavors (like ube mochi donuts), and savory donut sandwiches.

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18
JUN

International Sushi Day

Premium rolls, sustainable seafood messaging, spicy mayo/ponzu promotions, and the rise of plant-based seafood alternatives.

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6 events

July 2026

0
JUL

National Ice Cream Month

Massive retail and foodservice push for frozen novelties, plant-based ice creams, and innovative seasonal flavors (sweet corn, olive oil, botanical).

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4
JUL

Independence Day (4th of July)

The biggest summer holiday. Red, white, and blue LTOs, massive volume for hot dogs, burgers, hard seltzers, and patriotic packaging.

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13
JUL

National French Fry Day

Fast-food app downloads spike. Loaded fries (truffle, carne asada, kimchi) and premium dipping sauce LTOs.

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14
JUL

Bastille Day

French-inspired menus, bakery promotions (croissants, macarons), wine pairings, and gourmet cheese boards.

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24
JUL

National Tequila Day

Huge driver for casual dining. Premium margaritas, tequila-infused food menus (agave glazes), and RTD canned cocktails.

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3 events

August 2026

0
AUG

Back-to-School Season

Massive retail CPG push for lunchbox snacks, allergen-free (nut-free) options, easy weeknight meal kits, and functional juices.

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16
AUG

National Rum Day

Tiki bar takeovers, tropical LTOs (Mai Tais, Piña Coladas), and rum-glazed proteins (pineapple rum wings).

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24
AUG

National Waffle Day

Major breakfast/brunch volume. Chicken and waffles, savory waffle sandwiches, and global variations (Liege, bubble waffles).

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6 events

September 2026

0
SEP

Hispanic Heritage Month

Massive push for authentic regional Latin American cuisines, Birria, Tajin rims, and Caribbean flavor crossovers.

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0
SEP

Biscuit Month

QSR breakfast promotions featuring spicy chicken biscuits, hot honey drizzles, and premium savory gravy pairings.

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7
SEP

Labor Day

The unofficial end of summer. The last major retail push for grilling meats, BBQ sauces, and summer hard seltzers.

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19
SEP

Oktoberfest

Brewery and pub menus feature giant soft pretzels, beer-cheese dips, bratwursts, spicy mustard flights, and Märzen lagers.

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22
SEP

First Day of Fall

The complete menu shift to warming, hearty flavors: brown butter, sage, maple, apple cider, and roasted root vegetables.

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29
SEP

Coffee Day

Massive foot traffic driver for cafes. Free coffee via loyalty apps, plant-based creamer promotions, and fall-flavored lattes.

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3 events

October 2026

0
OCT

Vegetarian Awareness Month

Massive push for plant-based innovation, meat alternatives in QSRs, and vegetable-forward CPG snacks.

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9
OCT

World Egg Day

Premium breakfast sandwiches, spicy chili crisp on eggs, and plant-based liquid egg substitute campaigns.

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31
OCT

Halloween

Peak candy sales, dry-ice cocktails, "bloody" berry syrups, and family-bundle meal deals for trick-or-treat night.

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5 events

November 2026

2
NOV

World Vegan Day

High-impact day for vegan restaurant deals, plant-based CPG launches, and influencer campaigns highlighting meatless eating.

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23
NOV

National Espresso Day

Transition to winter coffee menus. Bakeries and cafes launch peppermint mochas, gingerbread lattes, and premium retail bean bundles.

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26
NOV

Thanksgiving

The biggest home-cooking day. Massive CPG sales for gravy, stuffing, pies, host-gift wines, and pre-cooked restaurant catering packages.

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27
NOV

Black Friday

E-commerce F&B push. Subscription box discounts (coffee, wine, meat), direct-to-consumer (DTC) snack bundles, and limited-edition merch drops.

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30
NOV

Cyber Monday

Final push for online food gifting, holiday CPG bundles, and heavy discounts on digital gift cards for restaurant chains.

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4 events

December 2026

4
DEC

Hanukkah

Kosher promotions, traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes), brisket, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and chocolate gelt.

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5
DEC

Repeal Day

Bars and casual dining push classic cocktails (Old Fashioneds, Martinis), dark spirits, and speakeasy-themed LTOs.

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21
DEC

Winter Solstice

Focus shifts heavily to hot beverages (premium hot chocolate bars, mulled wine), hearty soups, and root vegetable dishes.

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25
DEC

Christmas Day

Massive retail and catering push leading up to the day. Pre-ordered roasts, glazed hams, holiday pies, and festive coffee blends.

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