Five Surefire Ways to Get More People in Your Doors

Remember when culinary trends went to chain restaurants to sunset? Not anymore. To stay competitive, chain restaurants are investing in sophisticated supply chains and enhanced R&D, making them one of the places independent restaurants can look to identify trends that have already been proven at scale.

With 64% of consumers looking forward to new food and beverage trends in 2026, and interest peaking among Gen Z at 77%¹, tapping into these trends is a great way to drive traffic and demand in a tough market. Here are the top five trends we’re tracking with our partner, Flavor & The Menu.

1. Texture: Texture has become an experience, not just a flavor vehicle. From ultra-crispy and flaky to soft, bouncy Asian favorites like mochi, boba, cold foam, and marshmallow, consumers are seeking foods that are as fun to eat as they are tasty.
2. Experience & Presentation: Creative packaging, wrapped handhelds, over-the-top garnishes, and bold colors are turning menu items into shareable experiences.
3. Clockless Dayparts: Traditional mealtimes are fading. Fueled by work-from-home habits and Gen Z’s beverage preferences for specialty coffees and dirty sodas, consumers are enjoying dining experiences whenever it fits their day, blurring the lines between appetizers and entrées.
4. Modern Health Drivers: Consumers are choosing wellness overindulgence. With over 10% of Americans on GLP-1 medications and adult drinking rates at the lowest they’ve been in 90 years, consumers are driving demand for smaller portions and elevated low-ABV and zero proof drinks with complex flavor profiles. Chefs are creating these profiles using fermentation, salinity, and ingredients like miso and distilled smoke and Gen Z is driving this trend to profitability.
5. Flavor Complexity: One flavor is not enough. Consumers are craving layered flavor profiles that balance contrast and surprise. Swicy (sweet + spicy) still rules the roost, but emerging profiles like Swalty (sweet + salty) and Swavory (sweet + savory) are gaining momentum. Flavor combinations are moving from niche to ubiquity at record speed, with flavors like hot honey and chili crunch going from underground to mainstream in just four to five years.

Now that you know the top consumer trends, we’ll help you incorporate them into your operation to help drive demand. Ask your rep to schedule time with our culinary and business consultants to tailor an implementation plan that’s right for you.