2026 Trends

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.

Artisanal water may be trending, with curated selections popping up on restaurant tasting menus. But it's also a chic way to hydrate, get essential minerals, or just treat yourself to next-level refreshment. These bottles show there's nothing plain about H2O.

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.

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.

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.

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.