Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends in 2026

Food and beverage trends are shaping how brands, restaurants, and manufacturers compete in a global industry projected to reach $8.9 trillion by 2026. From plant-based innovations and sustainable packaging to loyalty-driven marketing and health-conscious indulgence, the top food and beverage trends for 2026 reveal where consumer demand is headed—and how businesses can adapt their ingredients, products, and marketing strategies to stay ahead.

Here’s what we’ll cover on this page:

10 Food and Beverage Trends for 2026

1. Plant-based innovations
2. Sustainable packaging
3. Upcycled ingredients
4. Local and hyper-local sourcing
5. Cultural fusion
6. Fermented foods
7. Innovative sweetener options
8. Health-conscious indulgence
9. Mushroom mania
10. Loyalty-driven marketing

Consumer mindset trends

We’ll start by looking at some 2026 food and beverage trends that represent a consumer-driven shift toward sustainability.

1. Plant-based innovations

The first restaurant industry trend on this list is the move to plant-based innovations.

The demand for plant-based products has changed from niche markets to mainstream. Plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and protein-rich snacks are hitting the shelves in greater numbers than ever, catering to vegans and flexitarians.

Companies are leveraging ingredients like pea protein, jackfruit, and even algae to mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal products. Brands are also expanding their offerings to appeal to global cuisines and ensuring that plant-based options are as diverse as consumers demand.

2. Sustainable packaging

Food and beverage industry trends are growing with environmental awareness. Sustainable packaging solutions are becoming the new normal, with single-use plastics being replaced with biodegradable, compostable, and reusable alternatives.

A few emerging innovations include mycelium (a mushroom-based packaging material), edible films, and plant-derived plastics.

3. Upcycled ingredients

Upcycling is the practice of transforming food byproducts and waste into high-value products. Although the practice of upcycling ingredients is an ancient tradition, it has only recently hit the primary market. The latest restaurant industry trends aim to repurpose ingredients like spent grains and fruit peels into dynamic, flavorful food and drinks.

Examples of upcycling included creating granola bars from leftover purple juice and chips crafted from imperfect vegetables. These upcycling changes address global food waste crises while creating innovative nutritious products.

4. Local and hyper-local sourcing

Local and hyper-local sourcing has emerged as a food and beverage industry trend among consumers who want to prioritize provenance, freshness, and minimal supply chain distances. Founding Farmers, for example, is a restaurant that focuses solely on local ingredients:

The push for local sourcing has had a big impact on farmer markets and community-supported agriculture. With their ultra-fresh ingredients, urban farms and vertical gardens are also joining in, selling to restaurants and retailers.

How to market to the sustainable consumer

2026 food and beverage trends show a seismic shift driven by evolving consumer values and priorities. To market toward a sustainable consumer base, you need a combination of authentic storytelling and transparent practices backed up by community engagement.

If your business or location embraces sustainability, obtain your eco-certification to display your commitment. The Upcycled Organization certifies the food and beverage industry to show consumers its commitment to sustainability.

Restaurant owners and food product businesses can use their upcycled certification to tell consumers about ingredient origins and help establish trust and authenticity.

Some other ways to market your brand based on these trends include:

• Sharing your business or restaurant’s steps to tell your sustainability story
• Highlighting your journey into adopting eco-friendly packaging or reducing food waste
• Using your digital and physical materials (menu and location) to tell your story
• Collaborating locally with farms, artisans, or other eco-conscious brands to host events and tastings
• Sharing your achievements, such as the amount of waste reduced or miles saved by sourcing locally

Expanding worldview trends

There is a huge overall movement toward expanding palates and elevating flavors for everyone in the food and industry market. 2026 is poised to embrace this exciting mix of creativity, tradition, and innovation.

Consumers want to experience adventure and unique flavor profiles while keeping health benefits and mindful indulgence in mind. Below are the trends emerging because of that shift.

5. Cultural fusion

Cultural fusion is a melting pot of restaurant industry trends that explore globalization and culinary curiosity. Dishes are being developed that blend traditional ingredients and techniques from multiple cultures, adding novelty and diversity.

Key examples of cultural fusion hitting the market are Korean and Mexican taco fusions and Middle Eastern mashups like shawarma boas and tahini miso dressings.

6. Fermented foods

Fermentation is taking center stage as a way to add complexity, depth, and health benefits to dishes. It is a boost for the gut and flavor. Pickling vegetables and creating kimchi-inspired toppings are health benefits, as fermented foods provide gut-friendly probiotics.

But it is also tasty for consumers, as fermented foods like gochujang, black garlic, and miso butter condiments all have umami-rich flavors and an artisanal appeal.

7. Innovative sweetener options

There are several natural, organic restaurant industry trends that are embracing innovative sweeteners for healthier, natural, and sustainable options for consumers. Emerging options include:

• Natural plant-based sweeteners: High-intensity sweetness without calories can be created from stevia and monk fruit.
• Rare sugars: Allulose is naturally found in figs and maple syrup. It provides sweetness, is low in calories, and doesn’t impact blood glucose levels.
• Upcycled sweeteners: Upcycling is another trend for 2026 within the food industry, so combining that with a healthy sweetener trend can really make headlines. Cacao fruit pulp ticks both of those boxes.

8. Health-conscious indulgence

2026 food and beverage trends are expanding into health-conscious indulgence options for consumers looking to balance wellness and enjoyment. Smaller portions give patrons the option to savor treats without overindulgence.

Another angle to go for is functional foods. Instead of using ingredients with a high fat content, there is a growing incorporation of other ingredients that still have the same nutrition and flavor but are healthier options.

9. Mushroom mania

Mushrooms are a hot ingredient on the food and beverage industry trends board! Lions’ mane and oyster mushrooms are being incorporated into gourmet recipes to enhance flavors and textures. There is also interactivity with ‘wall-to-plate’ practices. Wall-to-plate is where restaurants grow mushrooms on-site and cultivate them as needed.

But mushrooms are not only making a splash for food, but also getting involved in the beverage industry. Mushroom-based cocktails are emerging with innovations such as mushroom and walnut combinations. The cocktail involves combining a fermented liquid mushroom base with infused whiskey and roasted walnuts.

10. Loyalty-driven marketing

One additional trend worth looking at is loyalty-based marketing. In 2026, food and beverage brands can’t rely as heavily on third-party platforms and anonymous traffic as they once did. Rising ad costs and declining organic reach have led these brands to increasingly invest in their existing customer base, using approaches like:

• Loyalty programs (e.g., points, perks, early access, etc.)
• Email and SMS text marketing
• Accounts, subscriptions, and app-based ordering
• Personalized offers (based on previous purchases)

This customer retention approach to marketing has enabled food and beverage companies to reach known customers with more consistency (and lower cost) than they would otherwise be able to do.

How to market to consumers looking to expand their food and beverage experience

These food and beverage trends should be part of an effective marketing strategy that emphasizes education, storytelling, and customer experience. You’ll also want to align your strategy with consumer values like health, sustainability, and adventure.

Here are some tips you can implement for your business:

• Emphasize storytelling and education: Share cultural heritage and the innovation process behind dishes. Use storytelling to connect consumers emotionally to the products, such as emphasizing small-batch production or local sourcing.
• Leverage health and wellness messaging: Highlight the health benefits of fermented foods, low-calorie sweeteners or your mushrooms. Terms such as “clean-label” and “natural” appeal to health-conscious consumers. Back these up with certifications and transparency with your products/dishes.
• Stay on trend with limited editions: Use seasonal and regional specialties by creating a buzz with limited-time products. Get inspired by seasons, holidays, and regional cuisines. Consider partnering with other trending brands and restaurants to co-create fusion and food products.

Market for 2026 food and beverage trends with the experts!

Looking to start a marketing campaign to target these food and beverage trends? WebFX is here to help you drive revenue while promoting your business online. 

We have over 187+ experts with years of experience in marketing the food and beverage industry. By following these trends and using our industry experience, you can get a marketing approach that helps you stand out in your market and grow your bottom line.

Contact us online or call 888-601-5359 today to get a free, no-obligation proposal!

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