Adding seasonal ingredients to familiar menu items doesn’t mean you have to abandon following consumer trends as a whole. Here are a few 2026 industry trends that can easily be tied into a fall or winter holiday dish:

• Resurgence of animal meats – proteins are featured in many holiday dishes.
• Sweet & (salty, savory, spicy, etc.) - incorporate popular sweet flavors like maple or sweet potato with spicy, savory, etc., complementary ingredients.
• Nostalgia and whimsy – capitalize on the nostalgia that the holiday season makes customers crave.
• Florals and herbals – consumers are specifically interested in herbs and spices during the fall and winter.
• Maximalist flavors – fall and winter flavors are remembered fondly for a reason. Keep their boldness alive with maximalist flavor combinations, like cranberry, sweet potato, and turkey.

It’s easy to get lost in thought when creating new menu items. Tying your ideas down to a larger trend can make ideation simpler and more impactful than starting from scratch.

Content courtesy of Lamb Weston