Food Trends Analysis Reveals Shift Toward Global Flavors and High-Margin Beverage Programs

Key points

• Global and swicy flavor profiles like hot honey and gochujang are moving into mainstream dining formats.
• Non-alcoholic beverage programs and functional drinks present key profit margin opportunities for operators.
• Handheld and portable formats remain essential for capturing busy consumers and optimizing kitchen labor.
• Cross-utilization of versatile ingredients helps kitchens manage persistent inflation and supply chain limits.

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Sources and methodology

Reported from the public datasets below.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Consumer Price Index, food away from home
• Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) - Food services and drinking places series
• U.S. Census Bureau - Monthly Retail Trade, food services

All sources Foodie Pundit reports from

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