Bidfood reveals its trends for '26

Bidfood has revealed the food and drink trends it expects to shape the out of home market in 2026. Alongside value, quality and elevated experiences – which continue to rank highly – this year’s choices are strongly influenced by emotional drivers such as comfort, adventure, tradition and sharing, coupled with a growing desire to make healthier and more sustainable choices. In fact, around half of consumers want to try the latest food trends when eating out, rising to 65% of 18- to 39-year-olds. The 2026 trends are:

Topped and Loaded
In today’s world, consumers eat with their eyes, so it comes as no surprise that dishes piled high with delicious toppings are proving popular. But the Topped and Loaded trend also reflects the current consumer desire for premium dishes that remain affordable, with 42% of consumers seeing this style of dish as good value for money.

Think low-cost bases such as jacket potatoes, hash browns and fries, stacked with premium toppings like barbecue pulled pork, chicken katsu or comforting chilli con carne. Topped and Loaded also lends itself well to customisation, keeping consumers engaged, and is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Fast-Forward Flavours
This trend is driven by the draw of high-quality, exciting ingredients that inspire chefs’ creativity and signal the premium experiences consumers seek when dining out. Stand-out flavours such as chilli jam, hot honey, gochujang and caramelised onion can help elevate dishes and add foodie appeal to menus – especially as 46% of consumers agree that ingredient quality is a key factor when deciding where to eat out.

Sweet Adventures
Sweet Adventures caters to consumers seeking exotic global desserts, viral sensations and indulgent treats to satisfy their craving for novelty and discovery. With 56% of consumers expressing a desire to explore new and unique cuisines when eating out, this trend encourages them to experience the unfamiliar alongside the familiar. Desserts such as Japanese cloud cake and mango bingsu are sure to capture attention, while exotic flavours like Dubai chocolate bring a fresh twist to classic favourites.

Tea Tonic
Tea remains hugely popular in the UK, with 71% of consumers already enjoying the beverage. However, the Tea Tonic trend highlights the rapid evolution of the market, where traditional hot brews are being reimagined. Bold, innovative and refreshing varieties, such as bubble tea and iced tea with unique flavour pairings, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger consumers and students.

Whole Lotta Goodness
Almost half of consumers (47%) are paying more attention to what they are putting into their bodies and are actively reducing their intake of ultra-processed foods when eating out. Inspired by continued interest in the relationship between nutrition, health and wellbeing, Whole Lotta Goodness is a positive movement towards incorporating more wholefoods into menus and diets. Think wholegrain carbohydrates, vibrant fruit and vegetables, and protein-led dishes centred around lean meat, oily fish or plant-based alternatives.

Flavours Less Travelled
The appetite for new and unique cuisines remains strong and is a major influence on this year’s report. Flavours Less Travelled celebrates this desire for discovery, encouraging consumers to embrace authentic ingredients, bold flavour profiles and distinctive formats, while also fostering a deeper appreciation of the cultures behind them.

Rhia Harry, research and insights manager for Bidfood, said: “This year’s trends highlight consumers’ appetite for experimentation, adventure, experience and comfort, creating opportunities for chefs to design exciting menus that showcase premium ingredients. This not only allows operators to increase margins, but also ensures that value and quality are maintained for consumers.

“As a foodie business, it’s exciting to see bold new flavours coming to the fore, alongside a reinforced focus on health and a more conscious approach to eating.

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