Trends for Fall & Winter 2025/26
See what’s hot in commercial foodservice and what you need to stay on trend.
“We designed this season’s Trend Feast® to help operators stand out. Every recipe is rooted in real data and built to solve real challenges—whether that’s delivering more value, meeting health goals, or creating unforgettable experiences. These dishes are bold, flexible, and ready to perform.” — CHEF ZACHARY GREATTING, Corporate Executive Chef, National Accounts, Simplot
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Trend #1: Weeknight Feast
In 2025, value is being redefined, and it’s not just about the lowest price tag. Today’s diners are looking for great taste (69%), quality ingredients (56%), and satisfying portions (41%). Price? It’s still important, but it ranks fourth at just 37%.
Datassential 2025 Trends YE Dec’ 24
Ancient Grains and Kale Arancini
These crispy, craveable Arancini deliver nutrition and indulgence in one easy-to-prepare bite. Serve them with fresh greens and a housemade vinaigrette for a delicious entrée salad or appetizer.
Sweet Potato Risotto with Couscous and Taleggio
This dish is a perfect example of comfort food with a twist; it's rich, creamy and packed with plant-based veggie power. Did we mention this version is also quick to prepare?
Three Bone Prime Rib Roast with Baby Bakers™
This meal is as delicious as it is impressive, a premium showstopper. Your diners will be impressed with the family-style presentation and rich flavors—your kitchen will appreciate the simple preparation.
Flame-Roasted Fuji Apple Crisp Crombolini
Looking for a warm, nostalgic dessert with a slightly modern edge? This is it! Use prepared puff pastry as a base and layer on the rich flavors of fall. Delicious!
Trend #2: Functional Meets Flavor
Health is personal and your menu should be too. With 70% of consumers agreeing that what’s healthy for one person may not be for another, customization is no longer a luxury, it’s a must-have. In fact, 62% of operators already accommodate custom orders, and 30% design menus to encourage them. Functional foods (like probiotics for gut health or adaptogens for stress support) offer a targeted way to meet rising demand, helping 57% of consumers who want to eat healthier do so in a way that nourishes their unique needs.
Datassential Keynote: Healthy YE Feb ’24 | Datassential 2025 Operator Check-In: Personalization & Customization YE Mar ’25
Datassential Inspiration Report: Bowls YE Apr '24 | Datassential MenuTrends YE Mar '25
Mood-Boost Bowl with Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms and Ancient Grains
A colorful, feel-good bowl packed with ancient grains and vegetables that really fills you up without weighing you down. Healthy has never tasted so good!
Red Quinoa Infused Burger with Ginger-Garlic Dusted Conquest® Delivery+® Fries
Who says that "better for you" means compromising on flavor? Incorporating a few healthy ingredients into a classic favorite can really liven things up—this burger is a perfect example of that.
Black Garlic-Miso Avocado Butter, Steak and Frites
Your customers love classic dishes like perfectly cooked steak and crispy fries. Keep the familiar ingredients on the plate while adding a new seasoning or sauce to liven things up.
Reishi Dark Chocolate Agave Mousse with Raspberries and Blueberries
Decadent desserts don't have to be complicated, overly sweet, or made with fancy ingredients. This one is easy to prepare, boasts a rich complex flavor, and a beautiful presentation.
Trend #3: Umami Adventure
Umami is the flavor that keeps guests coming back for more and it’s exploding across menus. From gochujang (+38%) to black garlic (+23%), umami-rich ingredients are transforming everything from bowls to burgers.
Datassential MenuTrends YE Mar '25
Loco Moco
Why not take a classic Hawaiian comfort staple and reimagine it with bold global flavors? We stacked it with crispy Tri Taters® and a lively, bright mango salsa. So delicious!
Sichuan Black Pepper Beef Poutine
Need ideas for a new loaded fry? This spicy, savory mash-up takes inspiration from Chinese cuisine and hits all the right flavor notes. It's a delicious dish tailor-made for sharing.
Crispy Mushroom Fried Rice Balls
These irresistible little treats are perfectly crispy on the outside and jam-packed with mushrooms, vegetables and umami flavor on the inside. Serve them up with a creamy avocado sauce for dipping.
Haitian Griot Tacos
Griot is the unofficial national dish of Haiti, with tender marinated pork, spices and vegetables. This hand-held version has all that plus a tangy cabbage slaw and super-quick prep time.
Trend #4: Experiential Dining
Today’s diners, especially Gen Z and Millennials, aren’t just eating out. They’re looking for experiences. 55% say the overall experience matters more than the food itself. From multi-course tasting menus (75%) to culturally immersive themes (72%), guests want meals that feel like events.
Datassential 2025 Trends YE Dec '24 | Datassential HotShot: Experiential Dining YE Feb '24
Smoked Salmon Everything Bagel Gougère
Think of a gougère as a savory cream puff or, in this case, the perfect base for avocado, smoked salmon and caviar. You'll have a playful, upscale bite that's perfect for brunch.
Chaos Cake Petit Four Bar
Layer tender sponge cake with jam and curd, top with buttercream and serve with a variety of fruit purées and toppings—and you've got a colorful, customizable dessert experience.
Table Side Shake Fries (Irish Style)
Don't let the humble paper bag presentation of this fry dish "shake you up". It's interactive, indulgent, and meant to be shared—your customers will absolutely love it!
Molten Maple Butter Waffle Fry Stack
Sometimes, you need a dish that impresses a crowd. This sweet-meets-savory stacker works for breakfast, brunch, dessert—anytime, really. It's a true showstopper whenever you serve it.
From the blog
The New Rules of Restaurant Value
Discover what diners value most in 2025—quality, service, innovation, and nostalgia.
Done Right, ‘Customization’ Can Be a Game-Changer in Foodservice
Smart customization boosts efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profits in modern foodservice operations.
Flavor Revolution: Umami’s 28% Surge by 2029
We explore the growing popularity of umami and how it is reshaping menus. Discover the flavor revolution for yourself!
How Experiential Dining is Reshaping Restaurant Culture
See how unique dining experiences are redefining restaurant culture and boosting customer engagement.
Download the 2025/26 Fall & Winter Trend Feast®
See what’s hot in commercial foodservice and what you need to stay on trend.