8 hot food trends you can't avoid in 2026
Briefly

8 hot food trends you can't avoid in 2026
"Spectacle is out. Connection is in. Diners are no longer chasing every TikTok novelty (we're looking at you, Dubai chocolate) or racing to pickle the next unsuspecting ingredient. Instead, there's a clear shift toward food that feels cozy, meaningful and comforting, alongside a deeper embrace of global cuisines. We're craving consistency and care, not gimmicks - and we want to eat together, which means more sharing, more group dining and more dishes designed for the middle of the table."
"The GLP-1 effect is also reshaping how Americans eat, influencing how grocers and restaurants think about high-protein, high-fiber and less-processed foods. Meat is back in vogue after many consumers recoiled from heavily manufactured plant-based alternatives. At the same time, rising beef prices are pushing cooks toward alternative cuts and nutrient-dense, cost-efficient organ meats that are quietly finding their way onto menus."
Diners are shifting away from spectacle toward connection, preferring cozy, meaningful meals and shared, middle-of-table dining experiences. Interest in global cuisines is increasing alongside demand for consistency and care rather than gimmicks. The GLP-1 effect is influencing food choices, pushing grocers and restaurants to prioritize high-protein, high-fiber and less-processed options. Conventional meat regained popularity as many consumers rejected heavily manufactured plant-based substitutes. Rising beef prices are driving cooks to explore alternative cuts and nutrient-dense, cost-efficient organ meats. Specific flavors such as black currant and tiramisu are gaining attention while sweet-spicy trends evolve into sweet-savory blends.
Read at The Mercury News
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