The food trends emerging this year will affect your supplier relationships, your menu planning, and how you think about ingredients.
At Hitchcock Farms, we supply premium produce to leading kitchens and markets, so we've got a pretty good idea about what's actually taking off.
In this guide, we share all the top trends shaping 2026, from ingredient innovations to dining preferences.
Top Food Trends Shaping 2026
Flavors & Ingredients
1. Black Currant Becomes Flavor of the Year
McCormick's 2026 flavor forecast predicts that black currant will be the flavor of the year.
This tart and tangy berry can be infused in cocktails or mocktails, processed into jams and spreads, or baked into pies.
As consumers look toward natural sources of sweetness, berries like black currant will continue to shine.
2. Tallow Makes a Comeback
Known for its high smoke point and savory flavor, beef tallow is a nostalgic favorite set to make a comeback in 2026.
Fat has always been a controversial topic in the world of food and nutrition. As the public is becoming more skeptical of seed oils, foodservice businesses are turning back to beef tallow to offer a delicious and natural alternative for fried, roasted, and baked dishes.
With the growing interest in sustainability, consumers also like that beef tallow makes use of fat that's normally discarded, reducing waste.
3. Cabbage and More Cabbage
Cabbage is taking both home and commercial kitchens by storm this year.
The annual Pinterest Predicts report, which forecasts trends across food, style, beauty, and more, describes cabbage as "the new kitchen MVP."
This cruciferous vegetable is budget-friendly, nutritious, and versatile, so it's no surprise that it's trending when diners are concerned about their health and their wallets.
From napa cabbage salad to stuffed cabbage rolls, practically every diner can find a dish they enjoy.
Kimchi, a classic Korean cabbage dish, is also taking the spotlight as consumers look to fermented foods for gut health.
4. Mushrooms as Mains
Mushrooms are popping up everywhere on t-shirts, stickers, tote bags, and home decor in a seemingly inescapable fad.
They are more than just an aesthetic trend, though.
The market for mushroom-based ingredients is forecast to hit over $37 billion in 2026.
Mushroom-infused coffees, teas, protein shakes, bars, and other products are beloved for their benefits for gut health, energy, cognitive functioning, and more.
Whole mushrooms continue to be a popular ingredient, too, as their texture and umami flavor make them a perfect meat substitute.
Dining Experiences
5. Extravagance at Home
Diners crave a sense of indulgence at home, not just in restaurants.
2026 is all about embracing the combination of nostalgic, comforting ingredients and creative, luxurious add-ons.
For instance, a simple veggie sandwich can be elevated with homemade sourdough bread and aioli made with fresh herbs.
Fan-favorite fried apps can be paired with a bold, flavorful hot sauce.
Consumers want to enjoy a sense of extravagance from the comfort of their homes without breaking the bank.
6. Mini Meals & Grazing Boards
Kroger predicts that one-bite snacks and miniature meals will take hold this year.
Not only are diners more mindful of portion sizes, but they also crave personalization.
Restaurants that offer an array of one-bite snacks will satisfy their diners' desire for small and simple treats.
Offerings like grazing tables and charcuterie boards will appear to groups that want to taste a little bit of everything.
7. Aesthetics Matter
Aesthetics are important to the average person dining out in 2026.
A survey from OpenTable revealed that 40% of Americans consider restaurants or bars to be their "third place," meaning diners are looking for connection and community when they eat out.
Cozy and welcoming spaces make consumers feel like they belong.
Restaurants can develop a comforting ambience through their lighting, furniture, and music choices.
Social media certainly contributes to this trend as well.
Apps like Instagram and TikTok are the perfect places for diners to discover new restaurants, and users will judge foodservice businesses based on the aesthetics they can see on their screens.
Health & Wellness
8. Fiber as a "Hero Nutrient"
Whole Foods' Trends Council predicts that fiber will gain traction as the hero nutrient of the year.
Just like protein-fortified ingredients were the craze of 2025, diners this year will look for pastas, bars, cereals, and other products that boast added fiber.
With gut and digestive health receiving a lot of attention lately, the average diner has woken up to the importance of a fiber-rich diet.
Naturally high-fiber foods like oats, berries, beans, and leafy greens are in style in home kitchens and commercial restaurants alike.
9. Cultured Dairy Craze
As gut health takes center stage in 2026, we're also seeing a trend toward cultured dairy products.
Some health-conscious consumers may have steered clear of dairy in the past, but today, cultured products like yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir are surging in popularity.
Dairy also delivers for diners who are committed to their high-protein diets.
Products like whole milk, yogurt, and cheese offer both protein and fat, increasing satiety and helping dieters cut down on mindless snacking.
10. Whole Food Protein Sources
Plant-based meats, protein powders, and other processed sources of protein may be fading in popularity after years of dominating the food scene.
In 2026, expect a shift toward whole-food plant proteins like edamame, lentils, and quinoa.
Diners may be more likely to choose a protein-packed salad over a mock meat burger to meet their macros.
Consumers are also shifting back toward traditional animal products, like beef and poultry, to hit their protein goals.
Innovation & Tech
11. AI's Foodservice Takeover
The impact of artificial intelligence on the restaurant industry is undeniable.
From AI voice agents at drive-throughs to automated scheduling systems for staff, the technology is revolutionizing foodservice both for restaurant professionals and for diners.
This year, expect more and more restaurants to adopt AI technology for ordering, inventory management, food prep, and marketing.
12. Automation in the Kitchen
In addition to using AI to improve customer experience and data management, many restaurants are embracing robotics and automation in their kitchens and dining rooms.
For instance, robots can man the deep fryer during peak hours, freeing up human staff to work on more complicated food prep tasks.
We're even seeing robotic food runners deliver meals from the kitchen to guests' tables.
The future of the restaurant industry is here, and there's no telling what new advancements we'll see in 2026.
Sustainability & Community
13. Reducing Emissions in the Food Industry
Diners continue to value environmentalism and sustainability in the food industry.
At the supermarket and in restaurants, consumers look for the products with the smallest possible carbon footprint.
This means low-waste packaging, sustainably grown produce, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and water conservation efforts.
Transparency between businesses and consumers is more important than ever, too.
Diners want to know where their food comes from and how it was prepared so they can feel good about supporting an ethical business.
14. Consumers Thinking Locally
The National Restaurant Association names local sourcing as the top trend in their 2026 Culinary Forecast.
Using locally grown ingredients can dramatically cut down on emissions when preparing a meal.
Diners also love the opportunity to support local farms, butchers, and other vendors.
When restaurants and supermarkets partner with local growers like Hitchcock Farms, consumers get fresher, tastier, and more eco-friendly products.
We're Here to Help You Stay Ahead
We always enjoy predicting new and emerging food trends, rounding up the best, and sharing them with you.
These trends can help inspire you to try new recipes or expand your cooking repertoire.
As always, remember to have fun in the kitchen, whether you're making a long-time favorite or trying out a viral fad.
