Food and drink trends for 2026: What’s next in food?

In this episode of Talking Food with Bidfood, Rhia Harry, Research and Insights Manager, is joined by Catherine Hinchcliff, Head of Corporate Marketing and Nutritionist Manager, Heather Dolan, to unpack the latest food and drink trends shaping the food industry right now.

From shifting consumer behaviours to emerging flavour influences and evolving menu expectations, this episode explores what’s driving change, and what it means for operators, chefs, buyers and food development teams.

In this episode, we explore topics such as:

• The key macro and micro trends influencing foodservice
• How consumer expectations are evolving
• The flavours, formats and concepts gaining traction
• Practical menu inspiration aligned to current trends
• How operators can turn insight into competitive advantage

Whether you’re refreshing a seasonal menu, planning ahead for the year, or looking for commercially viable innovation, this episode provides both the data behind the trends and the creativity to action them.

Discover more 2026 trend resources, including a downloadable PDF guide here: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/food-and-drink-trends-2026/

Participants:

Rhia Harry – Research and Insights Manager
Catherine Hinchcliff – Head of Corporate Marketing
Heather Dolan – Nutrition Manager

To see Culniary Director, Martin Eshelby bring our trends to life, watch the episode on YouTube, here:

Discover more 2026 trend resources, including a downloadable PDF guide here: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/food-and-drink-trends-2026/

Timestamps:

00:00- Intro

00:49- What you’ll learn in this episode

01:38- What are consumers looking for when eating out?

02: 53- The key emotions and occasions that influence choice when eating out

05:07- What are the food and drink trends for 2026?

05:34- What is the Topped and Loaded trend?

07:06- What is the Tea Tonic trend?

09:02- What is the Whole Lotta Goodness trend, with Heather Dolan

11:25- What is the Sweet Adventures trend?

13:03- What is the Fast Forward Flavours trend?

13:50- What are the trending flavours for 2026 for chefs and consumers?

15:00- Consumer interest in Korean cuisine

16:49- Malaysian cuisine, what’s driving the appeal?

17:46- South American Cuisine, the next big hit on menus

18:14- What South American cuisines are growing in appeal and what makes them different?

20:50- What are the South American recipes?

21:03- Outro