Market intelligence platform Tastewise revealed its 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast. The report includes four major trends for the food and beverage industry, all focused around the central theme of “cultural shift.”
“The industry is shifting fast: brands are rethinking how they create, market and sell with customers at the center and new technologies in hand,” said chief executive officer and co-founder Alon Chen. “That momentum is clear in the global conversation. The takeaway for 2026 is clear: the brands that embrace these shifts with agility and vision won’t just keep pace. They’ll define what comes next.”
The trends were determined by Tastewise’s proprietary AI technology and consumer insights. In order to determine a trend, it must meet three criteria: surpass a critical consumer interest threshold to demonstrate longevity, show consistent, data-backed growth over the past one to two years and demonstrate growth and engagement across multiple data sources.
Report Highlights
Food as Identity Reconnection: Amid endless noise, food and drink are regaining their role as anchors of identity. Eating becomes more than fuel or flavor; it’s a daily act of self-expression, a pause to remember who we are - or declare who we want to be.
The New Body OS: Health reprogrammed through everyday eating.
Lifestyle Power Plays: Food is no longer just fuel or function; it’s a way people design their daily rhythms, deciding what fits into their version of health, convenience and pleasure. The act of choosing becomes as important as the food itself.
Sensory Maximalism: Food and drink in 2026 will be richer, louder and more layered - not in excess, but in detail. Consumers are looking for experiences where textures, aromas and flavors work together to heighten enjoyment.
