September means the new year is just around the corner! This is a good time to start planning for 2026, and taking a look at the upcoming trends can give us some insights into what we can expect.
According to Brainz Magazine (2026 Food Trends), there are 3 main factors that will drive food trends in 2026.
Wellness = Functional Food
- Gen Z and Millennials are looking for delicious foods that also serve to provide nutritional benefits. They want “good” healthy foods! Seaweed chips, mushroom coffee, probiotic chocolate bars provide a positive eating experience as well as wellness benefits.
Environmental Consciousness = Mainstream
- Sustainability is now the norm, not a buzzword. Younger consumers expect companies to take their environmental impact seriously. Expect to see carbon emission next to calories, as well as QR codes that connect consumers to farmers or restaurants focused on the environment. Check out this article to learn more about how sustainability claims are driving sales.
Instagrammable Eats = Global Flavors
- GenZ is craving (and buying) global fusion foods. Think frozen pizza and Tikka Masala….offering flavor experiences that cross food boundaries! Have you heard of “Swicy”, this is the Tik Tok fad of sweet and spicy!
The future of food looks bright, and delicious! It will be fascinating to watch as 2025 ends and 2026 begins to see how our Colorado Proud companies capitalize on these factors. And if you’re interested in learning more about how to market your own environmental claims, connect with our Climate Smart Marketing program.
Also, get these 2026 events on your calendar now, to keep on top of the market:
- KeHe Summer Show: February 4-5, 2026, Denver
- Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show: April 7, 2026, Denver
Enjoy this busy time of year, and we wish you all the success with your business!
Thank you for being a Colorado Proud member,
Barb Howe