It’s hard to believe there are fewer than two weeks left in 2025. And it’s even more difficult to recap all of the year’s important food moments. We kicked off the year with Trader Joe’s iconic mini pastel tote bags and ended with a similar craze courtesy of Starbucks’ Bearista cup. 2025 was also the year Beli consumed our screen time. That’s not to mention the return of the McDonald’s snap wrap, the mystery of moonbeam ice cream, and way too many TikTok trends to count. Of course, we can’t forget Dubai chocolate, which took over grocery stores and isn’t going away anytime soon.
But 2026 is on the horizon, so it’s time to start thinking about new food trends. Some familiar foods and drinks, like savory snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, will probably continue to rise in popularity. Still, expect new products and cooking techniques to enter your feed. Here are 10 food trends we predict will help ring in the new year.
OG Martha Stewart 1980s Food Styling
Step aside, minimalism. The 80s are back on our plates. A classic Martha Stewart cookbook is anything but simple — it’s the definition of nostalgia, filled with colorful, vibrant images. The internet has recently fixated on comfort and efficiency (think recession indicators), and nothing says convenience like the 80s, which were all about finger food party appetizers and instant meals. And you’re in luck if you’re not a fan of rustic plating or small portions. Have you ever seen a Martha Stewart dish that wasn’t symmetrical and packed to the brim?
Algae Oil
There’s been increased demand for alternative oils in recent years, and algae oil has taken the lead. Case in point: the Algae Cooking Club, a brand that sells algae-based cooking products. The club has worked with many influencers, including the queen of cooking from scratch, Nara Smith. You might be thinking, algae oil? But it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Algae oil has a high smoke point and is flavorless, so it can be used in pretty much anything. Most importantly, it’s sustainable.
Tallow
On the other end of the alternative oil spectrum, we have tallow, or rendered beef fat. Tallow has made a comeback as part of a wider interest in whole foods and goes hand-in-hand with the internet’s appetite for nostalgia. In fact, the Whole Foods forecast predicts a “Tallow Takeover” as one of its top trends for 2026.
Cabbage
According to Pinterest Predicts, searches for cabbage recipes have gone up by as much as 110%. Again, you might be thinking, cabbage? A wide interest in fermented foods and probiotics likely accounts for this popularity. After all, fibermaxxing has been in the spotlight for quite a while. Luckily, I’d say cabbage is much quicker to cook than cauliflower.
Savory Snacks
For several years, it was all about desserts: massive cookies, gigantic milkshakes, donut fried chicken sandwiches, and the like. But savory has been on a quiet rise throughout 2025 that will likely continue next year. Savory snack plates had a moment on social media this year, taking girl dinner to another level. The Savory Girl has over one million followers on TikTok. You can also have the best of both worlds. Snack brands like Oreo, with its newly released Chocolate Covered Pretzel flavor, definitely seem open to the sweet and savory combination.
Food Content Creators With Dark Filming Style
My introduction to food on social media came from well-lit videos that looked almost like commercials. Now, more influencers are doing the opposite. Food content creators like @kay_raymond and @sol_snack on TikTok film against dark backgrounds using harsh lighting, adding an earthy, almost mysterious vibe to their feeds.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
This trend has been going strong for several years, and the non-alcoholic beverage market may reach new heights in 2026. Many new mocktail and seltzer brands have hit grocery stores this year, offering more flavors and combinations than we could have ever imagined. If you’re sober-curious, Dry January is the perfect time to give these drinks a try.
Fruity & Sweet Wines
Most people opt for dry wines over sweet wines, but the latter may become more popular among those new to the wine scene. For people freshly 21, fruity and sweet wines are more approachable and easier to drink. And just as non-alcoholic beverage brands have broken out in 2025, sweet wine brands like Jam Jar will likely experience the same surge in popularity with influencers’ help.
Cannabis Drinks
Although cannabis drinks have been on the rise, a mainstream moment is just around the corner. Soon, you might be able to buy a THC-infused beverage at your local convenience store just as you would a can of beer. But there’s a hitch: Congress recently passed a provision to ban THC-infused drinks and snacks that could take effect in November 2026. Either way, expect to see sales increase before then.
Whimsical Products
Judging from the crowds that clamored for Trader Joe’s mini pastel tote bags and Starbucks’ Bearista cups, there’s an appetite for the adorable. And pretty much every Owala you see is covered in bright colors. Even outside the food world, Labubus were the epitome of whimsy in 2025. I’m all for it if brands decide to lean into cuteness — even something as simple as a bear-shaped cup can put a smile on my face.