Bidfood has unveiled its anticipated food and drink trends set to shape the out-of-home market in 2026, underscoring a consumer palate driven by emotional motivations such as comfort, adventure, tradition, and sharing. At the same time, there is a growing consumer emphasis on healthier and more sustainable choices. This dual focus creates fresh opportunities for foodservice operators to innovate while responding to evolving customer values.

According to Bidfood’s comprehensive research involving a 2,000-strong UK adult sample, approximately half of consumers aspire to experiment with the latest food trends when dining out, with this figure escalating to 65% among younger consumers aged 18 to 39. Such enthusiasm signals an openness to adventurous and premium offerings, which foodservice operators can leverage to enhance menu appeal, elevate perceived value, and improve margins. Rhia Harry, Bidfood’s research and insights manager, emphasised that these trends reflect a consumer appetite for experimentation and premium ingredients, balanced with a conscious approach to health and sustainability.

The 2026 trends identified by Bidfood weave together established comforts and exciting new directions. These include “Topped and Loaded” dishes—innovative, richly garnished meals; “Fast-Forward Flavours,” which focus on high-quality, intensified taste profiles; and “Sweet Adventures,” a trend reflecting a growing desire to indulge in globally inspired desserts featuring unique flavour combinations. This last trend has been highlighted by popular items such as the viral “Dubai chocolate,” which exemplifies consumers’ increasing curiosity for novel sweet treats with multicultural roots.

Additional trend segments focus on beverage innovation like “Tea Tonic” and promote healthier eating through “Whole Lotta Goodness,” which aligns with the rising demand for nutrient-rich and responsibly sourced options. There is also a spotlight on “Flavours Less Travelled,” which champions less mainstream international cuisines such as Korean, Malaysian, and South American. Previous research from Bidfood underscores that consumers are increasingly willing to explore exotic culinary landscapes when eating out, with Southern US, Turkish, and Greek cuisines also emerging as noteworthy influences. About 55% of consumers have expressed interest in these lesser-known flavours, indicating strong market potential.

Value and quality remain central to consumer decision-making. The latest survey data reveals that 75% of respondents weigh both factors heavily, while 64% are influenced by branding when choosing where to eat. This intersection of adventurous food exploration with traditional value concerns suggests that menus offering quality, premium ingredients alongside innovative preparations may resonate most strongly in 2026.

Street food culture, a driving force behind many recent trends, continues to grow in popularity. Traditionally favoured at lunchtime, Bidfood notes a rising trend whereby 10% of consumers now choose to enjoy street food earlier in the day. The informal, fresh, and theatrically presented nature of street food is expected to further boost consumption frequency and spending, influencing menus across a range of foodservice sectors.

To support foodservice professionals in capitalising on these trends, Bidfood has launched an Interactive Guide for 2026. This resource includes shoppable functions, bespoke consumer insights, product recommendations, inspiring recipes, and updated content in their Trends Safari video series. The guide aims to provide actionable intelligence that operators can directly translate into menu innovation and strategic purchasing.

In summary, Bidfood’s 2026 food and drink trends point to a year where culinary boldness meets conscious consumption. Foodservice operators that can balance adventurous flavours, premium quality, and sustainability, while engaging consumer emotions around tradition and sharing, are positioned to thrive in a dynamic market landscape.