From the "Tea Renaissance" to "Unconventional Flavour" profiles, these trends reflect a broader movement toward adventurous, wellness-oriented, and alcohol-free consumption. As noted by Chef Branton Worrell, these insights serve as a practical guide for creating the next generation of menu items that consumers will find irresistible.
Lyons Magnus has released its 2026 Trend Forecast, outlining the five major categories expected to dominate food and beverage menus in the year ahead. The report emphasises a growing consumer demand for "pure sensory joy" combined with functional benefits, such as high-protein content and gut-friendly ingredients.
"We're particularly interested in the perfect storm of functional indulgence and pure sensory joy," says Lyons Chef Branton Worrell. "These trends aren't just predictions; they are the roadmap we're already using to help our customers create menu items consumers can't stop craving."
Gut-friendly Wellness
In 2026, the protein-powered shift will continue playing a major role in shaping menus. As weight loss medications alter eating habits, consumers have already begun opting for high-protein, gut-friendly snacks and drinks that satisfy in smaller portions. In response, brands are improving their products with higher protein content, collagen-infused formats, and nutrient-dense recipes that provide steady energy. Fermented proteins and fibre-forward blends add a wellness edge, while restaurants have begun creating gut-friendly menus centred around compact, protein-rich dishes.
Textural Maximalism
Multi-layered textures and sensory-driven creations are poised to take centre stage in 2026. From crunchy inclusions to velvety cold foams, texture is becoming a signature component of menu innovation. The demand for maximalist texture and multi-sensory eating reflects a growing desire for food and beverage experiences that go beyond flavour. Consumers are looking for playful self-expression, depth, and layers of flavour through combinations that pair creamy with crispy, chewy with crackly, and smooth with aerated or foamed textures. This shift is inspiring brands to rethink builds - adding drizzles, toppings, flavoured foams, and finishing elements that heighten both visual and multi-sensory appeal.
Unconventional Flavour
A growing number of young consumers are gravitating toward unexpected combinations, global palettes, and ingredients that challenge traditional flavour norms as we head into 2026. The search for bold, unconventional flavours reflects the growing demand for adventurous, boundary-pushing taste experiences. As a result, brands are experimenting with savoury-sweet pairings, edible blooms, and unconventional umami notes that create multi-layered, conversation-starting dishes. This blend of cultural inspiration and playful discovery invites creativity and is poised to become a defining force in 2026 menu innovation.
The Tea Renaissance
In 2026, tea and matcha will continue to redefine beverage culture, inspiring both flavour innovation and ritualised consumption. Matcha- and tea-inspired creations are moving beyond traditional lattes and into desserts and savoury dishes, tea flights, blends infused with adaptogens and more. This trend offers earthy, umami flavours and reflects consumers' desire for treats that mix wellness with indulgence. From ceremonial grade matcha to layered tea-infused pastries, this wellness shift in teas combines functional benefits with creativity, appealing to consumers looking for mindful, elevated experiences.
The Sober Shift
In 2026, alcohol-free offerings are poised to be a core pillar of beverage innovation, merging wellness, indulgence, and creativity. This trend is redefining drinking culture as consumers increasingly seek alcohol-free options that deliver flavour, wellness, and purpose. Innovation is driving functional beverages that balance natural ingredients, reduced sugar, and vibrant tropical or fruity profiles. From craft non-alcoholic cocktails to functional elixirs, brands are creating mindful, elevated experiences that satisfy taste and lifestyle simultaneously. creativity.
Lyons Magnus
Lyons Magnus is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of premium foodservice products, ingredients, and beverage solutions. Lyons Magnus serves foodservice customers across restaurants, coffeehouses, healthcare, and hospitality with a portfolio designed to inspire creativity and fuel growth.
