Foodservice

RSS

Datassential’s 2026 Trends report outlines key themes expected to shape menus and retail foodservice, from fiber emerging as the next major wellness driver to retail becoming a primary trend incubator.

The National Restaurant Association’s 2026 What's Hot report reveals a menu landscape driven by comfort, flavor escapism and cost-conscious choices. From smash burgers to global homestyle dishes, operators are blending nostalgia and innovation to meet evolving diner expectations.

After a roller-coaster decade, restaurants are tapping into grit, ingenuity and new revenue ideas to keep guests engaged in 2026. This feature highlights nine trends—from whipped cheeses to modular design—reshaping how Americans dine.

Foodservice is entering a tactical new era shaped by digital disruption, tighter budgets and a health-minded consumer base. This feature breaks down the five trends suppliers need to navigate to cut through the noise and win in 2026.

Datassential’s Global Launches platform now tracks new items across Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, revealing how trends and flavors localize around the world. The tool offers cross-market comparisons, multilingual insights and historical data to help brands spot opportunities and plan smarter launches.

Joe Jurgielewicz & Son earned Prepared Foods’ Spirit of Innovation award for its fully cooked Duck Carnitas, designed to bring authentic flavor and kitchen efficiency to foodservice. The shredded, seasoned duck offers chefs a versatile, premium protein for creative menu applications.

What happens when four T’s—trends, technology, taste, and texture—come together in dessert form? Eli’s S’Mores Cheesecake transforms campfire nostalgia into an award-winning indulgence that’s as smart as it is sweet.

By blending consumer insight with culinary creativity, Ajinomoto transforms an emerging menu trend into an award-winning product. The result: a craveable, on-the-go snack that delivers comfort, texture, and cross-cultural flavor appeal.

Smithfield’s Smoke’NFast brand is adding three trend-forward offerings — Shredded Beef Birria, Chopped Beef Brisket and Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends — to help operators menu global flavors and smokehouse classics with ease. The fully cooked meats allow foodservice teams to deliver authentic taste without added equipment or labor.

Chartwells Higher Education’s 2025 Fall Flavor Forecast highlights the top trends driving campus menus. Social media recipes, global inspirations, and bold smoky flavors are redefining how students eat this semester.