Articles
May 19, 2026
New and cool at the Show: Drinks, spices, alternative beef win the day
THC-infused beverages, Dubai chocolate pastries, and plant-based protein take center stage.
More than 53,000 individuals attended this year’s trade show, which showcased the newest technology, products, and services descending on the restaurant and hospitality industry.
At this year’s National Restaurant Association Show, alternative and healthy beverages, savory spices, plant-based protein, and Dubai Chocolate-flavored baked goods, were just some of the more prominent foods and beverages to take center stage in the exhibit halls at McCormick Place, where the annual trade show took place, May 16-19, in Chicago.
Mirroring several findings from the Association’s 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, THC-infused beverages; low-sugar, flavored beverage syrups; alternative beef products; pistachio-chocolate-flavored flaky pastries; and savory spice blends, such as black truffle crumbles, were just some of the new and cool items featured.
More than 53,000 individuals attended this year’s trade show, which offered them snapshots of the newest technology, products, and services that are descending on the restaurant and hospitality industry. Following are five of those items:
THC beverages: Torch, a manufacturer of low-calorie, THC-infused, canned drinks, offers consumers seeking adult, nonalcohol beverages a high-quality, convenient, and affordable alternative. Flavors include peach tea lemonade, raspberry iced tea and watermelon limeade.
Sugar-free flavored syrups: Drips, manufactured by Pepsi, can be used to create healthier mocktail options that customers will crave. Flavors include Peachy Breeze, Rainbow Rush, Spiced Delight, and Mocha Mood. Debuts in August.
Black truffle crumbles: A 2026 FABI Award winner, this new line of global truffle crunch condiments combines taste and texture, along with a little heat, taking food items and recipes to the next level. The crumbles, manufactured by Italian company Sabatino, are made of real black truffles, crispy garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil.
Alternative beef: Chunks, a maker of clean-label vegetarian proteins, came out this year with products that look, cook, and taste like beef. They offer a great culinary experience, plus excellent nutritional value for individuals seeking a meatless alternative. Also, a 2026 FABI Award winner.
Dubai Chocolate Phyllo: This dessert item, manufactured by Gourmet Culinary Partners, is made with pistachio cream, tahini, and semi-sweet chocolate, folded into crisp, buttery phyllo pastry. Another 2026 FABI Award winner.
Download the 2026 What's Hot Culinary Forecast
Mirroring several findings from the Association’s 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, THC-infused beverages; low-sugar, flavored beverage syrups; alternative beef products; pistachio-chocolate-flavored flaky pastries; and savory spice blends, such as black truffle crumbles, were just some of the new and cool items featured.
More than 53,000 individuals attended this year’s trade show, which offered them snapshots of the newest technology, products, and services that are descending on the restaurant and hospitality industry. Following are five of those items:
THC beverages: Torch, a manufacturer of low-calorie, THC-infused, canned drinks, offers consumers seeking adult, nonalcohol beverages a high-quality, convenient, and affordable alternative. Flavors include peach tea lemonade, raspberry iced tea and watermelon limeade.
Sugar-free flavored syrups: Drips, manufactured by Pepsi, can be used to create healthier mocktail options that customers will crave. Flavors include Peachy Breeze, Rainbow Rush, Spiced Delight, and Mocha Mood. Debuts in August.
Black truffle crumbles: A 2026 FABI Award winner, this new line of global truffle crunch condiments combines taste and texture, along with a little heat, taking food items and recipes to the next level. The crumbles, manufactured by Italian company Sabatino, are made of real black truffles, crispy garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil.
Alternative beef: Chunks, a maker of clean-label vegetarian proteins, came out this year with products that look, cook, and taste like beef. They offer a great culinary experience, plus excellent nutritional value for individuals seeking a meatless alternative. Also, a 2026 FABI Award winner.
Dubai Chocolate Phyllo: This dessert item, manufactured by Gourmet Culinary Partners, is made with pistachio cream, tahini, and semi-sweet chocolate, folded into crisp, buttery phyllo pastry. Another 2026 FABI Award winner.
Download the 2026 What's Hot Culinary Forecast
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