Sources:
* Lumina Intelligence The Modern UK Consumer, April 2026
** Bidfood & Yonder Omnibus June 2026
*** Tastewise, June 2026
FastForward Flavours
FastForward Flavours is all about the must-try flavours and ingredients that people want to discover next.
Consumers are becoming ever more curious and adventurous when eating out, looking for new tastes and twists that feel exciting but still worth the money. We asked our own Bidfood chefs which standout sweet and savoury ingredients are set to trend in the next 1 to 2 years, and why.
83% say high-quality ingredients increase the value of a dish.*
26% say flavours or ingredients they haven’t tried before would encourage them to try a new dish.**
FAQs
What food flavours and ingredients will trend in 2027?
In 2027, we expect ingredients and flavours that reflect consumers’ desire for adventure and discovery, as well as those that reflect some of the trending global cuisines, interest in health and sweet savoury or sweet spicy combinations, as well as those that add that premium touch and carry quality cues. Swicy or swavory flavours like hot honey, salted honey, hot maple, fermented ingredients and pickles, and premium flavour boosters such as black garlic, tamarind, sesame, matcha and botanicals will increasingly be seen on menus.
What were the flavours and ingredients trends in 2026?
In 2026, flavour and ingredient trends were also shaped by consumers’ desire for quality, value and discovery when eating out. Key trends included premium twists with flavours like wild mushroom or miso caramel, adventurous but accessible ingredients, sweet-and-spicy combinations like hot honey, global flavour cues and desserts like Basque cheesecake or mochi that help operators refresh menus, create limited-time specials and make best-sellers feel more exciting.
What is hot honey? How can you use hot honey in cooking?
Hot honey is honey infused with chilli or spices to create a sweet and spicy flavour. It can be made by gently warming honey with chilli flakes, fresh chilli or hot sauce, then straining if needed. You can drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken, burgers, cheese, roasted vegetables, sides or even desserts for instant swicy appeal.
What is black garlic? What does black garlic taste like? How can you use black garlic in cooking?
Black garlic is garlic that has been aged in controlled heat and humidity until it turns dark, soft and sweet. Compared to standard garlic, it tastes more mellow and savoury, even a little tangy, with balsamic, molasses and umami notes. Chefs can use it in butter, mayo, aioli, sauces, marinades, pasta, risotto, burgers, dips and dressings to add depth of flavour.
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chilli paste made with red chilli, glutinous rice, fermented soya beans and salt. It has a deep savoury flavour with heat, sweetness and umami. It works well in marinades, glazes, dipping sauces, stir-fries, dressings, noodle dishes, fried chicken, burgers and stews.
What is black lime? How do you use it in cooking?
Black lime, also known as dried lime, is a lime that has been blanched then dried until dark and brittle. It has a sharp, citrusy, earthy and slightly smoky flavour. It is mainly associated with Middle Eastern cuisine, especially Levantine cooking. Use it whole in stocks and soups, grind it into spice rubs, or add it to marinades, rice dishes, stews, dressings and sauces.
What does swicy mean? Why is sweet and spicy food so popular? How do you make food swicy?
Swicy means sweet and spicy. The combination is popular because sweetness softens chilli heat while spice adds excitement, balance and a more memorable flavour. To make food swicy, combine ingredients such as honey, maple, fruit, caramel or brown sugar with chilli, gochujang, hot sauce, pepper or spices in glazes, sauces, marinades, toppings and dips. The classic swicy flavours are hot honey, chilli jam, mango habanero, sweet chilli sauce and chilli maple.
What is miso maple? How can you use miso maple in cooking?
Miso maple is a savoury-sweet combination of miso paste and maple syrup. The miso adds salty umami depth, while maple brings sweetness and caramel notes. Use it as a glaze for vegetables, pork, chicken, salmon or tofu, stir it into butter, dressings and marinades, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables, fries, grain bowls and small plates.