As a new year dawns, we’re told that 2026 promises a food and drink scene that’s as thoughtful as it is indulgent. Experts tell us that food and beverage trends are shifting more towards balance, experiential indulgence and nostalgia, underpinned by a collective desire for healthy, joyful eating and emotional comfort in a world of increasing uncertainty.
Even at this early stage it is clear that the key emerging trends include functional nutrition, global flavours with a comforting twist, and bevvies prioritising wellness and creativity. As a result, home cooking is likely to focus on nourishment and quick nutrition fixes, while restaurant-goers can look forward to an uptick in menus grounded in provenance and wellbeing, with plenty of flair and a dash or two of creativity.
Whether you’re after better gut-health, hungry for bold flavours, or just chasing a great pint, there are plenty of innovations in texture and taste to toast in the new year. Here’s a quick overview of some of the food and drink trends we can all expect to see more of as the year progresses.
Protein With Purpose
From plant-powered snacks to protein-packed meals and drinks, protein is king as 2026 pushes the vital macronutrient beloved by gym bunnies into everyday eating. Interest in plant based milk fortified with calcium for bone health or electrolytes for hydration is expected to surge even further this year, as these drinks become increasingly appealing to those who regard dairy alternatives as healthy snacks.
Plant-based proteins also look set to continue their evolution, moving beyond meat mimics to emphasize the benefits of the many natural proteins to be found in lentils, oats and peas. For texture and versatility that’s both indulgent and nourishing, think hearty stews, bold vegan snacks and meat-alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour.
Functional Drinks, Teas and Tonics
Ranging from gut-friendly tonics to mood-boosting beverages and adaptogen blends, recent years have seen drinks becoming increasingly holistic. 2026 sees the traditional thirst quencher go beyond hydrating the body, to soothing the mind and boosting overall wellbeing.
As the sober-curious movement continues its upward trajectory, tea-based tonics such as Matcha, Bubble-Tea, and Sparkling Tonics are finding favour amongst those eschewing old school alcohol in bars.
Mocktails made with herbal or tea bases are likely to be bang on trend this summer, with the popular Elderflower and Mint Spritz perfect for those looking for a spot of ritual with zero-alc refreshment when the weather obliges. Anyone for tennis?
From Swicy To Swavory
Sweet, spicy, savoury, tangy — the swicy flavour mashups we first spotted on the food trend orbit a couple of years back are definitely here to stay.
With examples such as sumac in lemonade, dark chocolate cake with a chili-salt caramel drizzle, and basil-lime ice cream, its fans reckon this food trend is ‘bold, a little bonkers, and a lot of delicious’.
We’re still wondering if it might just be the adult version of playing with your food.
Bitter is The New Sweet
In the world of flavours bitterness is the new umami, in a tangy renaissance that extends to pickled fruits and smoked citrus.
The year ahead sees a taste of indulgence balanced with perceived health benefits in the guise of Radicchio Salads, more liberal use of herbs such as Fenugreek, and drinks including Campari Spritzes and Negronis.
Sustainable, Women-Led Sourcing
2026 has been designated the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer, aiming to raise awareness of the role of women in agri-food systems and the challenges they face around the world.
We’re looking forward to seeing the spotlight on products from female-led initiatives emphasising the links between sustainability, eco-impact and community ties. Hopefully we’ll also gain a better understanding of the work of female entrepreneurs engaged in areas as diverse as fair-trade moringa, Arctic Salmon, Regenerative Agriculture in wines, and local farm-to-table sourcing.
Provenance, Provenance, Provenance
With provenance, traceability, and sustainability finally staking their claim as non-negotiables, expect to see an increase in food focused on the areas of heritage, earth and ethical eating in the coming year.
From artisanal chocolate with clean ingredient lists to dishes that celebrate regional producers, 2026 will hopefully be a good year for small batch artisan producers everywhere.
Newstalgia X Global Flavour Fusion
Diners can expect menus to continue to mash up comforting old-school classics with global inspiration, evoking simpler times while adding a bit of adventure for modern tastes. Examples of such ‘new’ takes on nostalgia include Smashed Burgers and the presence of Sourdough in everything from pizzas to croissants – reinventing tradition with a touch of global flair.
Sensory dining also looks set to take off as fans of ‘food as experience’ seek out meals that hit all the senses through considered approaches to texture, aroma and presentation.
Also in the mix is the growing trend for big plates with bigger flavours featuring meals such as Loaded Fries, stacked burgers, and indulgent comfort eats. Think easy, shareable dishes such as fries piled high with cheese, kimchi or mushrooms, drizzled with spicy mayo and herbs. Perfect for group nights in, or out.
Instant, But Elevated
Life may be busy, but forget about boring takeaways. We’re seeing gourmet-ready meals, elevated instant drinks and fancy-dan soups increasingly trending for urban dwellers juggling lunch breaks and late shifts. Check your local supermarket for chef-inspired frozen arancini, lobster tails, and fish pies – all the evidence you need to realise that this is already a well-established facet of dining at home in the city.
Gut Health Gets A Glow-Up
Expect a growing emphasis on gut-friendly foods and drinks including fibre-rich snacks and fermented goodies to headline supermarket shelves and menus. More broadly, with many now prioritising gut-health in their diet, it’s not just about kale anymore, so expect to see the proliferation of even more fibre-enriched snacks, cereals in your future.
Food as Self-Care
‘Balanced indulgence’ or the art of imbibing foods that feel good rather than guilty is generally regarded as especially important in times of stress. With Trump still in the ascendent in the States, and the soi-disant ‘Golden Age’ set to tick on for another three years there, we can confidently predict plenty more cortisol-inducing moments to come.
In dealing with stress and sating the desire for nourishment and comfort, the 2026 cognoscenti advise keeping copious quantities of harissa-honey and floral infusions made with lavender and elderflower to hand.
And maybe some smelling salts too.
Words: Martina Murray
