• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

The return of meat and an increased interest in authenticity, wellness and personalization are among some of the key food and drink trends for 2026.

"The Culture Shift 2026: Food & Beverage Trend Forecast" by food & beverage intelligence platform Tastewise analyzed “billions” of data points across social media, recipes and restaurant menus to “uncover the motivations driving how consumers eat, drink and entertain through food and drink.”

One of the top trends revealed in the forecast is the return of interest in actual meat, not vegetarian meat-like options. With 2026 kicking off with multiple chains releasing protein-forward menus, the interest in protein itself is growing 3x faster in the meat category than in plant-based options. The forecast also reported discussions of "authentic" foods are up +31% year over year, and searches for premium meat cuts have grown 157%. The demand for beef tallow has risen 144%, with bone broth up 28%, continuing the health trend that started in 2025.

“Today's consumer rejects one-size-fits-all eating in favor of hyper-personalized choices that serve their bodies and lifestyles. Whether it's returning to authentic meats, exploring metabolic wellness, or reimagining indulgence through functional cocktails… and coffee, they're demanding both meaning and innovation on their plates… The brands that embrace these shifts with agility and vision won't just keep pace. They'll define what comes next,” says Alon Chen, CEO & co-founder of Tastewise, in a release,

The cocktail is now considered the new “quiet luxury” for 2026, as “indulgences are smaller and more intentional” despite the average cost of a cocktail increasing 12% over the past two years. Cocktail mentions on menus increased 55%, with the mixed drinks making up one third of restaurant alcohol consumption.

The next trend in alcohol is predicted to be agave wine, which increased by 42% in consumer interest and 73% on menus.

The interest in health and authenticity leads to consumers' desire to control menu portion sizes, with an 11% increase in dinner portion awareness, 69% in late-night portion management, and 20% increase in demand for portion flexibility in restaurant chains.

Along the lines of portion control, customers are interested in ‘having it their way, more than ever before, causing personalization to now become an expectation when dining out.  Consumer interest in customizable dishes is up +144% year over year, which the forecast found was fueled by a 35% increase in “build-your-own” dining formats.

Coffee is taking on a new wellness role for 2026; the forecast found the cup of Joe is now considered a part of “daily self-care and intentional indulgence.”  Consumer interest in “functional cold foam” was up +57%, with a +161% increase on menus that highlight protein-packed and adaptogen-infused foams.