FreshDirect has unveiled its 2026 food trends and predictions for what will be trending in the year ahead.
The 2026 trends report reflects a growing demand for an expanded flavor palate, a shift in consumer drinking habits, a desire for products made in the U.S. and an expansion of chefs making meals for the home kitchen.
In 2025, FreshDirect strengthened its customer connections through experiential events and activations in NYC, the Hamptons and other key markets, as well as its first retail location. These experiences provided the team with further insight into what is shaping the future of grocery shopping from their customers’ perspective.
“At FreshDirect, our merchandising team loves to introduce customers to new products and the highest quality offerings from artisans and purveyors around the country,” said Charlotte Myer, SVP of merchandising at FreshDirect.
“Through direct customer feedback and data, we consistently curate our offerings to bring the best possible products to market, and we look forward to continuing to build upon our wide-ranging selection in the year ahead.”
FreshDirect’s merchant team of category specialists has curated this annual list of the top food trends shaping how we will eat in 2026:
- Sweet + Spicy = Swicy – Everything from snacks to frozen meals to condiments to canned drinks are embracing consumers’ love of blending spice with sweet, creating a new category called swicy. Sweet and spicy combinations have long been popular in Latin America, Southeast Asia and more, but we are now seeing more American palates turn to balancing sweet and spicy flavors for the perfect bite.
- Artisanal Water – Artisanally crafted products have long been popular amongst consumers, with the newest craze looking to artisanal waters, sourced from mineral springs around the world. With restaurants hiring water sommeliers to curate water selections for tasting menus, FreshDirect seen customers take the trend home, buying water for its specific flavor profiles of salinity, minerality and more.
- Matcha Movement – Matcha has taken over coffee shops, but in 2026, we expect matcha to make its way onto our plates, with a wide selection of matcha-flavored desserts, snacks, drinks and supplements filling our shelves. Matcha will become a mainstream ingredient in the coming year, with consumers driven by the savory flavor profile and health benefits from the green tea blend.
- Made in the USA – Consumers are paying close attention to where their food hails from, specifically seeking options from USA-based brands in order to source locally and support American made businesses. In addition to sourcing nearby produce, meats and seafood, consumers are regularly buying products such as Seremoni, Farmer Ground All Purpose White Flour, Peanut Butter & Co Old Fashioned Smooth Peanut Butter, Zip Dips and more.
- Cheers to Ready-to-Drink High ABV cocktails – A selection of ready-to-drink cocktails has made enjoying high-quality drinks at home easier than ever. FreshDirect has recently seen an uptick in consumers purchasing high-ABV ready-to-drink options as a convenient way to enjoy craft cocktails without leaving home and expects this trend to continue well into 2026.
- Chefs Hit the Kitchen Table – High-profile chefs continue to expand into consumer product lines, taking their culinary expertise beyond the restaurant and into home kitchens. Chefs like David Chang of Momofuku, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi of Carbone, Carlo Mirarchi of Roberta’s and Rita Sodi and Jody Williams of Via Carota have continued to build upon existing condiments, canned cocktails, sauces and more with several exciting new chef-led options coming to market in the year ahead.
With these top trends and predictions for the year ahead, FreshDirect is ready to meet the needs of today’s conscious consumers, offering a one-of-a-kind selection that brings together health, flavor and convenience. As 2026 unfolds, FreshDirect continues to support local artisans and deliver products that inspire and satisfy, making it easier for customers to enjoy better-for-you choices every day.
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