Mintel: 3 patterns affecting 2026 

CHICAGO– Customers can anticipate food and drink business to lean into 3 crucial patterns in 2026, according to brand-new information from Mintel, a marketing research business.

The business’s 2026 Food and Consume Forecasts report highlighted such forecasts for the market, consisting of “retro renewal,” which, according to the report, recommends brand names will “integrate, protect or improve standard knowledge” for item developments to curate a psychological and cultural connection to their food.

” For customers in 2026, fond memories for ‘the past’ does not suggest rewinding to a particular year or period,” stated Jenny Zegler, director of food and beverage at Mintel. “Rather, they are looking for haven from an unstable and synthetically smart world in an idealized view that life in the past was easier. Looking for convenience from fond memories is required amidst the current ‘polycrisis,’ which is a term for a series of successive, interlinked shocks or catastrophes.”

“‘ Maxxing out,’ variety in was the 2nd forecast from the report, specified as an uptick in customers utilizing expert system (AI) to diversify their dietary consumption as compared to concentrating on particular elements, such as protein or fiber.

” Similar to striking shuffle on their digital music libraries, health-focused customers will utilize AI to ‘shuffle’ their weekly diet plans to guarantee they vary, consist of a variety of active ingredients and motivate enjoyment with brand-new mixes,” Zegler stated. “AI likewise will motivate trial of brand-new foods with ‘if you like this, then you’ll like that’ suggestions of fruits, veggies, grains, seeds, spices or proteins that are brand-new, however familiar.”

The last forecast from Mintel was a concentrate on being “deliberately sensory,” with item designers bringing brand-new textures, scents and looks to their items.

” Whether it’s ‘filthy sodas’ or Dubai chocolate, multi-sensory developments have actually ended up being associated recently with playfulness, novelty and viral experiences,” Zegler stated. “In the future, brand names will be more deliberate with their usage of color, texture or scent to produce food and beverage that promotes the senses and revitalizes experiential consuming and brand name positioning.”