Yum! Brands has released its first-ever trends report, outlining the food trends expected to sweep the global QSR market in 2026.
Yum! Brands, Inc., in collaboration with its internal strategy agency Collider Lab, has released its first-ever trends report. The 2026 Food Trends Report: What’s Next in Dining uncovers the cultural and consumer shifts shaping how and what people will eat in 2026, offering insights on the evolving expectations of modern diners. With more than 62,000 restaurants worldwide, Yum! has an unmatched view into what’s happening across global food culture, making this an unprecedented inside look at the industry.
Drawing on research, behavioural insights, and learnings from Yum!’s four iconic global brands, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill, The 2026 Food Trends Report shows how consumers are increasingly using food to reclaim a sense of agency in a fast-changing world. People are turning to food not just for convenience, but for experiences that give a sense of control by reflecting individual tastes and moods through personalisation and hands-on engagement.
“Our global footprint gives us unique visibility into the ever-changing ways people order and experience food,” said Ken Muench, Chief Marketing Officer, Yum! Brands, Inc. and Co-Founder of Collider Lab.
“The 2026 Food Trends Report helps us see where culture is headed and gives our brands a clearer path to creating more moments of joyful, flavorful ownership for our customers.”
Consumers are reshaping dining around personal expression and autonomy. Foods once meant for social gatherings are being redesigned for one, reflecting a shift toward food that matches individual identity and mood:
It’s About Me, Even When It’s “We”: There is a need for personalisation and autonomy, even when dining with others. Personal-sized pizzas are outperforming with Gen Z and Millennials, and 31 percent of custom orders are made within customer groups of two.
Solo Dining as Self-Care: Solo orders have grown by 52 percent since 2021 (making up 47 percent of QSR dining occasions, compared to 31 percent in 2021), with people opting out of group meals to instead treat themselves. Sixty-eight percent of solo diners choose not to take advantage of a deal, and over half spend USD 10 to USD 30+ during a visit, suggesting diners are willing to pay more when dining alone.
Satisfying a Craving: Validating that meals can reflect individual tastes rather than the group’s, research shows that 24 percent of solo diners are out to satisfy a craving.
Subscribe to the Restaurant & Café newsletter for weekly industry updates and event coverage.
