Resources / Blog

New Classics, New Energy: New Classics, New Energy: How to Reimagine 2026’s Must-Have Flavors on Your Menu

Stay informed on the latest food industry insights by subscribing to our newsletter.

Subscribe Now

In 2026, innovation isn’t only about chasing the next new thing in food and beverage — it’s about rethinking what customers already love. The 2026 food trends landscape reveals that success comes from elevating familiar favorites along with elevating new spins on emerging trends.

Datassential’s list of 10 New Classics for 2026, part of our 2026 Trends Report, features foods, flavors, and beverages that have become “new classics.” These items are likely not new to foodservice innovators but they’re now cemented as a must-have for many consumers and can be leveraged across segments and retailers. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should be considered as menu and retail strategies evolve in 2026.

These classics offer familiarity and flexibility — the perfect foundation for creative spins that feel both comforting and fresh. Here’s a look at some ways to use each “New Classic” in innovative ways that will excite guests in the year ahead.

(Of course, the point of these “New Classics” is to see what consumers want now, so if you don’t have some of these on your menu, a traditional introduction would work great, too!)

Basque Cheesecake

The Burnt Beauty Goes Beyond Dessert

Basque cheesecake’s caramelized top and creamy interior have made it a menu darling — but its real power lies in versatility. This 2026 food trend continues to dominate dessert menus while expanding into new territories.

Innovative plays

Basque cheesecake inspired desserts (think Basque cheesecake tiramisu or chai-spiced versions for fall LTOs)
Mini Basque cheesecake bites paired with coffee flights
Flavor mashups like ube coconut Basque cheesecake for visual impact

Why it works: It delivers indulgence with less labor than traditional cheesecake — and guests love its rustic, intentional imperfection.

Lemon Pepper

From Wing Staple to Flavor Amplifier

Lemon pepper has moved far beyond wings, emerging as a bright, craveable seasoning across categories. This versatile flavor profile, that 66% of consumers like or love, according to Datassential, represents one of the most adaptable 2026 food and beverage trends.

Innovative plays

Lemon pepper fries, popcorn shrimp, or roasted vegetables
Lemon pepper dust on potato chips or bar snacks
Beverage introductions, like lemon pepper-rimmed savory cocktails

Why it works: It hits salt, acid, and heat in one familiar-yet-punchy blend that resonates across demographics.

Butter Chicken

The Ultimate Global Flavor Chameleon

Butter chicken has officially entered its “flavor era,” showing up everywhere from burgers to pizza. As one of the standout 2026 food trends, this globally-inspired sauce continues to expand beyond traditional applications and is predicted to grow by 29% on menus over the next four years.

Innovative plays

Butter chicken flatbreads or naan pizzas
Butter chicken tacos with slaw for contrast
Fried chicken sandwiches finished with butter chicken sauce

Why it works: It’s globally inspired, comforting, and especially appealing to Gen Z and Millennials who drive 2026 food and beverage trends.

Smashed Items

Technique as a Trend

“Smashed” isn’t just a preparation — it’s a sensory upgrade. More surface area means more crisp, more flavor, more drama. It makes sense that 46% love of like “smashed,” according to Datassential. This technique-driven 2026 food trend delivers Instagram-worthy results with minimal investment.

Innovative plays

Smashed potatoes or carrots with bold sauces
Smashed cucumber salads that soak up vinaigrettes
Smashed dumpling tacos or patty-style proteins

Why it works: It’s visually engaging, texturally satisfying, and social-media friendly — key attributes for viral 2026 food and beverage trends.

Hot Honey

Sweet Heat That Crosses Every Daypart

Hot honey has become the signature of the “swicy” (sweet and spicy) movement, and its applications are nearly endless. This flavor phenomenon dominates both 2026 food trends and 2026 beverage trends alike. It’s no wonder that it’s been the star ingredient in hundreds of LTOs and new menu items over the last several years. Two of the highest rated last year included the MIllion Dollar Breakfast Sandwich from First Watch and the Mike’s Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich from Red Robin, according to Datassential’s Launches and Ratings tool, part of the Datassential One platform.

Innovative plays

Hot honey pizza drizzles or chicken glazes
Hot honey cocktails, mocktails, or lemonades
Hot honey desserts, from biscuits to ice cream

Why it works: It’s familiar, versatile, and bridges savory and sweet with ease, making it essential for operators watching 2026 food and beverage trends.

Tomato in Unexpected Applications

The Reinvention of a Staple

Tomatoes may be everywhere, but not like this. Creative tomato applications represent an exciting intersection of 2026 food trends and 2026 beverage trends.

Innovative plays

Tomato dust as a cocktail or mocktail garnish
Tomato sorbets, granitas, or smoothies
Dehydrated or candied tomatoes in salads and desserts

Why it works: Guests recognize the ingredient, but not the execution — creating surprise without alienation.

If you want to consider something way outside of the box, consider a headline-making introduction like Smoothie King’s Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, which didn’t rank highly with consumers, but surely grabbed their attention.

Birria

The Mashup Master

Birria’s evolution from traditional stew to social media star has unlocked endless menu creativity. This mashup-friendly dish exemplifies the fusion approach defining 2026 food trends.

Innovative plays

Birria pizzas, burgers, or quesadilla hybrids
Birria ramen or birria grilled cheese
Protein swaps like chicken or mushroom birria

Why it works: It’s rich, indulgent, and built for dipping, dunking, and sharing — perfect for the experiential dining that characterizes 2026 food and beverage trends. And this dish certainly has “legs” on menus, with predicted growth of 118% on menus over the next four years after growing by an incredible 350% in the last four, according to Datassential’s Menu Trends tool, part of Datassential One.

Texture in Food & Beverages

Chew on This

Texture has become an experience in itself, especially in beverages. This sensory-focused approach defines multiple 2026 beverage trends and crosses into food applications.

Innovative plays

Drinks with foams, boba, jelly cubes, or crunchy toppings (cold foam has surged by nearly 1700% on menus since 2022, and is far from done, with a projected growth of 431% through 2030, Datassential.)
Desserts with layered textures (crispy, creamy, chewy)
Chocolate or pastries with unexpected crunch elements

Why it works: Texture turns eating and drinking into a multisensory moment guests remember — and post. This shareability factor makes texture crucial among 2026 food and beverage trends.

Ube

Color That Captures Attention

The vibrant purple hue of ube, which Datassential named one of its 10 flavors and ingredients to know in 2023, has made it a social media standout, while its mild flavor keeps it approachable. This Filipino ingredient represents the visual-first approach driving many 2026 food and beverage trends.

Innovative plays

Ube lattes, cloud coffees, and milk teas
Ube waffles, croissants, or tiramisu
Ube swirls in soft serve or cheesecake

Why it works: It delivers instant visual differentiation with minimal risk — critical for standing out in competitive 2026 food and beverage trends. It’s no wonder the brilliant purple ube has risen on menus by 222% since 2022 and is forecast by Datassential to grow another 86% on menus by 2030.

MSG

Umami, Reclaimed

MSG’s comeback reflects a broader shift toward flavor transparency and culinary confidence. This umami powerhouse influences both 2026 food trends and 2026 beverage trends as consumers embrace bold, savory flavors.

Innovative plays

MSG-enhanced savory cocktails or martinis
Umami-forward sauces, broths, and marinades
Sweet applications like cookies or brownies with subtle savory depth

Why it works: Younger consumers are embracing MSG as a flavor booster, not a villain, making it a strategic play for operators targeting trend-forward demographics.

The Big Takeaway: Familiar Doesn’t Mean Boring

The New Classics of 2026 aren’t about reinvention from scratch — they’re about recontextualization. By applying new formats, textures, mashups, and cross-category thinking, operators can transform familiar favorites into buzzworthy menu moments.

And particularly in an era when consumers’ wallets may be thin, it’s a good time to ensure that classic flavors are represented, because classic often spells comfort.

Understanding these 2026 food and beverage trends provides a roadmap for innovation that balances creativity with consumer comfort.

Your Complete Guide to 2026 Menu Innovation

Whether you’re looking to incorporate what customers already love, chase a flavor that could put you on the leading edge of innovation, or give a second look to ingredients primed for a comeback, Datassential has you covered with comprehensive 2026 food and beverage trends research.

Explore our ongoing 2026 trends series:

10 Flavors to Know for the Future: What’s Next in Food and Beverage Trends Beyond 2026
Get ahead of the curve with emerging flavors that will define the next wave of innovation

The 2026 Food and Beverage Trends That Deserve a Second Look
Discover which rising ingredients and declining flavors present strategic opportunities for differentiation

Ready to build your 2026 menu strategy with data-driven insights?

Explore all of Datassential’s food and beverage trends to find the perfect balance of innovation, familiarity, and guest appeal for your concept.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Food & Beverage Trends

What are the top food trends for 2026?

The top 2026 food trends include Basque cheesecake, butter chicken as a flavor profile, smashed preparations, hot honey applications, birria mashups, ube for visual appeal, unexpected tomato applications, MSG as an umami enhancer, and lemon pepper as a versatile seasoning. These trends, which Datassential calls “New Classics,” emphasize recontextualizing familiar ingredients rather than introducing completely new concepts.
What are the top beverage trends in 2026?

Key 2026 beverage trends feature texture-forward drinks with boba, foams, and jelly cubes; hot honey cocktails and mocktails; ube lattes and cloud coffees; tomato-based beverages like granitas and smoothies; and MSG-enhanced savory cocktails. The common thread is multisensory experiences that engage consumers beyond just taste, according to Datassential.
How can restaurants capitalize on 2026 food and beverage trends?

Restaurants can leverage 2026 food and beverage trends by applying innovative twists to familiar ingredients rather than solely chasing novelty. Focus on cross-category applications (like butter chicken beyond Indian cuisine), technique-driven presentations (smashed items), flavor bridges between sweet and savory (hot honey), and Instagram-worthy visual elements (ube’s purple color). The key is balancing creativity with comfort, says Datassential.
Why is hot honey such a big trend in 2026?

Hot honey exemplifies the “swicy” (sweet and spicy) movement that defines many 2026 food trends. It works across every daypart, from breakfast to dessert, and bridges culinary categories effortlessly. Its versatility, familiar flavor profile, and ability to enhance both food and beverages make it an essential ingredient for operators looking to stay current.
What are the "New Classics" for 2026?

The “New Classics” identified by Datassential for 2026 items that have transitioned from trending to essential. These 2026 food and beverage trends represent ingredients, flavors, and preparations that consumers now expect to see on menus. They’re no longer experimental; They’re table stakes that offer familiar starting points for creative innovation.
How important is texture in 2026 food and beverage trends?

Texture is critically important in 2026 beverage trends and food applications, according to Datassential trendologists. Consumers increasingly seek multisensory experiences, particularly in drinks featuring boba, foams, jelly cubes, or crunchy toppings. Texture creates memorable moments that drive social media sharing and repeat visits, making it a strategic priority for operators.
Is MSG really making a comeback in 2026?

Yes, MSG is experiencing a significant renaissance among 2026 food trends. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, embrace MSG as a legitimate umami enhancer rather than a troublesome or even dangerous ingredient, Datassential says.

Fall Trends 2025

2025 By the Numbers

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines: What Changed and What It Signals for the Future of Food

By The Numbers: Datassential’s 2025 Year in Review

Real-Time Menu Intelligence: How Datassential Is Redefining Speed to Insight

Datassential Appoints Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. to Board of Directors

Datassential, the leading food and beverage intelligence platform connecting the dots between consumers and the industry, today announced the …