FreshDirect Unveils the Hottest Food Trends for 2026
As the go-to online grocer in the New York tri-state area, FreshDirect has direct insight into what consumers will buy and eat in the coming year. Our 2026 food trend predictions reflect a growing demand for diverse flavors, shifting tastes in beverages, increased interest in goods made in the USA, and pro chefs venturing into experiences for the home kitchen.
“At FreshDirect, our team loves to introduce customers to new products and the highest quality offerings from artisans and purveyors around the country,” says Charlotte Myer, the Senior Vice President of Merchandising. “Through direct customer feedback and data, we consistently curate our offerings to bring the best possible products to market. We’ll continue to build upon our wide-ranging selection in the year ahead.”
This list has been put together by FreshDirect’s team of grocery category specialists, who are experts on shopper behavior and happenings in the food industry. Let’s dive into their predictions for the 2026 food trends that will impact how we eat.
1. Sweet + Spicy = Swicy
Everything from snacks to frozen meals to condiments to canned drinks are tapping into consumers’ love of blending spice with sweet, creating a new category called “swicy”. Sweet and spicy combinations have long been popular in Latin America, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, but we are now seeing more American palates turn to balancing sweet and spicy flavors for the perfect bite.
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2. Artisanal Water
Artisanally crafted products have long been popular amongst consumers, with the newest craze looking to artisanal waters, sourced from mineral springs around the world. With restaurants hiring water sommeliers to curate water selections for tasting menus, we’ve seen customers take the trend home, buying water for its specific flavor profiles of salinity, minerality and more.
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3. Matcha Movement
Matcha has officially taken over coffee shops, but in 2026, we expect matcha to make its way onto our plates, with a wide selection of matcha-flavored desserts, snacks, drinks and supplements filling our shelves. Matcha will become a mainstream ingredient in the coming year, with consumers driven by the savory flavor profile and health benefits from the green tea.
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4. Made in the USA
Consumers are paying close attention to where their food hails from, specifically seeking options from USA-based brands in order to source locally and support American made businesses. In addition to sourcing nearby produce, meats and seafood for freshness, consumers are now regularly buying American-made pantry goods.
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5. Extra-Buzzy Cocktails
A robust selection of ready-to-drink cocktails has made enjoying high-quality drinks at home easier than ever. FreshDirect Wine & Spirits has recently seen an uptick in consumers purchasing high-ABV ready-to-drink options as a convenient way to enjoy craft cocktails without leaving home. We expect this trend to continue into 2026.
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6. Chefs Hit the Kitchen Table
High-profile chefs continue to expand into consumer product lines, taking their culinary expertise beyond the restaurant and into home kitchens. Chefs like David Chang of Momofuku, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi of Carbone, Carlo Mirarchi of Roberta’s and Rita Sodi and Jody Williams of Via Carota have continued to build upon existing condiments, canned cocktails, sauces and more, with several exciting new chef-led options coming to market in the year ahead.
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*Wine and spirits are sold by FreshDirect Wine & Spirits, License # 1277181 3 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Tel. (718) 927-1515 Mon–Sat: 10 AM–8 PM Sunday: 12 PM–8 PM.