What’s Hot in 2026? Comfort, health, and value

Comfort and nostalgia—served with a side of flavor escapism and a nod towards value, health, and wellness are the country’s top trends for 2026, according to the National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot Culinary Forecast.

Download the 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast!

The report draws on the expertise of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals who were asked to rank food and beverage, along with industry macro trends, in the following categories: 

• Dishes
• Ingredients, flavors, and condiments
• Beverages
• Desserts

Nearly 300 professional chefs and industry operators weighed in on what’s going to be hot in 2026. Here’s some of what they said:

Comfort and nostalgia are tops. In 2026, restaurant menus will focus on taking guests out of their everyday experiences and transport them to somewhere or sometime else that pleases them. Comfort foods that evoke happiness and satisfaction, combined with global flavors and cultures, will be center of the plate. Trending food items include smashed burgers, Caribbean curry bowls, and elevated instant noodle dishes.

Health, wellness and value are in. Consumer interest in health and wellness—from smoothie bowls to protein add-ons to low- and no-alcohol beverages—are also exciting prospective diners. At the same time, affordability will quietly, but powerfully, drive the year’s most talked-about trends.

“As operators look to increase traffic at their restaurants, they know it’s important to ensure they’re on top of the food and beverage trends that appeal to their guests and get them to dine out more,” says Dr. Chad Moutray, the Association’s Senior Vice President of Research & Knowledge and Chief Economist.  “It’s not surprising that comforting and nostalgic trends have emerged near the top of this year’s list,” he says. “With increased access to different foods, cultures, and comforts, customers can visit their neighborhood restaurants to try something new and different that provides adventure and excitement, or even an item that reminds them of a cherished experience from the past. There’s something for everyone.”

The 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast also features the Top 10 overall trends in the restaurant and foodservice industry, which will help shape menus, operations, and marketing over the next year and beyond:

1. Local sourcing: Restaurants are deepening community ties by featuring ingredients from nearby farms and producers, emphasizing freshness, and sustainability 
2. Comfort foods: Caters to feel-good emotions, stress relief, and feelings of nostalgia
3. Value: Affordability appeals to cost-conscious consumers, as does quality and convenience
4. Smashed burgers: Blending retro appeal with customizable, high-flavor twists; this diner staple has reemerged as a social-media favorite 
5. Clear menu labeling: Simple visual indicators help diners make quick, informed choices about ingredients, calories and sustainability 
6. Allergen-friendly menus: Increased awareness of allergies and dietary restrictions results in trust and loyalty among guests
7. Global comfort foods: Chefs are reinterpreting homestyle dishes from around the world, blending authenticity with local influence 
8. Cleaner recipes (additive/dye-free) and less processed menu items: Consumers are prioritizing ingredient transparency, inspiring operators to include simpler, less-processed options 
9. Proteins as add-ons: From smoothie bowls to pancakes, protein is becoming a customizable boost for both taste and nutrition 
10. Compostable and reusable packaging: Consumers are more aware of environmental issues and want to rely on sustainable alternatives that reduce landfill waste