Bidfood has revealed the food and drink trends it expects to shape the out-of-home market in 2026, with the market driven by emotional factors such as comfort, adventure, tradition and sharing, coupled with a growing desire to make healthier and more sustainable choices.
Research from the foodservice giant shows that around half of consumers want to try the latest food trends when eating out, rising to 65% of 18- to 39-year-olds[1].
To help the industry navigate these trends, Bidfood has launched its 2026 Interactive Guide, featuring shoppable functions, bespoke consumer research, and on-trend product recommendations. These innovations enable operators to make informed product choices that can be applied directly to their menus.
The guide features an overview of each trend and includes tools, such as key stats, ways to leverage each trend, fresh additions to the Trends Safari video series, inspiring new recipes and much more.
The 2026 trends are:
Topped and Loaded
Fast-Forward Flavours
Sweet Adventures
Tea Tonic
Whole Lotta Goodness
Flavours Less Travelled: Korean, Malaysian, South American
Rhia Harry, research and insights manager at Bidfood, said: “This year’s trends highlight consumers’ appetite for experimentation, adventure, experience and comfort – creating opportunities for chefs to design exciting menus that showcase premium ingredients. This not only allows operators to increase margins, but also ensures that value and quality are maintained for consumers.As a foodie business, it’s exciting to see bold new flavours coming to the fore, alongside a reinforced focus on health and a more conscious approach to eating.
[1] CGA by NielsenIQ and Bidfood 2026 Food and Drink Trends consumer survey, sample size 2,000 (UK adults); data collected May 2025.
