Pinterest: 7 food and drink trends for 2026

As we approach 2026, culinary signals are sharpening and accelerating. On Pinterest, food and drink desires are expressed before landing on our plates, and then on restaurant menus. So, this inspiration barometer is already highlighting the recipes and rituals that are on the rise.

What Pinterest Predicts 2026 reveals about our plates

The report highlights concrete choices, nourished by research and recorded ideas. We see a return to straightforward cooking, fermentation and clean textures. What’s more, users are looking not only for taste, but also for quick and clever formats, perfect for a New Year’s Eve party or an impromptu dinner.

Culinary nostalgia is back, but with a modern, responsible twist. Childhood sweets are combined with today’s ingredients, such as miso or yuzu. What’s more, the community of over 500 million monthly users gives a rare breadth to these signals, comparable to those that guide the choice of trends in other fields.

Designers plan earlier, and brands follow. In this field, ideas often emerge 3 to 6 months before they hit the shelves. So, understanding research ahead of time enables us to anticipate menus, menus and campaigns, just as we would when selecting a watch or planning future getaways.

“When people record an idea, they often prepare to take action in real life.”

Method and reliability of Pinterest signals

The report aggregates trends from anonymized data. Pinterest reports a reliability of around 80% on previous editions. Also, signals are cross-referenced to rule out flash in the pan.

To read these trends, it’s best to distinguish between micro-fashions and fundamental movements. The former inspire seasonal recipes, the latter guide an annual strategy. In addition, Pinterest serves as a buying and planning guide for the public.

• Identify seasonal peaks and prepare content and inventory.
• Test a flagship recipe with a local variation.
• Offer a non-alcoholic option with the same care as the signature.
• Texture and color for a clear visual impact.
• Capitalize on batch cooking and practicality.

Food trends 2026: ingredients and recipes to follow

In-house fermentation is still very popular, with kefir, pickles and mild miso. The promise is twofold: flavor and preservation. On Pinterest, these requests are combined with “zero waste” ideas.

Breakfast gains in protein and fiber. And creamy sweetness is back in force, from plant milk flan to seed pudding. On the other hand, overloading has disappeared in favor of a short, easy-to-read list.

Fire is back in the kitchen, even at home. As a result, flame cooking, gentle smoking and spicy sauces take hold. As a result, the plate remains minimalist, but the flavor is profound.

Beverages and aperitifs, a breeding ground for innovation

Sophisticated alcohol-free drinks are moving upmarket, with homemade syrups and fresh herbs. And tea is becoming a cocktail base, hot in winter, iced in summer. On Pinterest, searches combine balance, fine bitterness and low sugar.

Coffee remains a star on the bar side, from the cold brew to the invigorating espresso. Coffee-cocoa and even coffee-lemon pairings intrigue and win loyalty. In short, vintage glassware reinforces the comfort aspect.

Practical advice for professionals and enthusiasts

Early planning saves time and money. Building an editorial calendar based on a signal spotted on Pinterest helps synchronize purchases, photos and outings. In the kitchen, testing one ingredient a week secures the move upmarket.

For a menu, plan for a stable base and short rotation. What’s more, offering a non-alcoholic option on a signature cocktail attracts a wide audience. As a result, the average ticket increases without forcing.

At home, organizing your shopping around 3 “pillar” preparations simplifies the week. For example, a broth, a pickle and a chilled hot pepper sauce can be used to boost several dishes. In short, creativity follows, and waste is reduced.

• Pinterest