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Culinary tastes are changing and food trends are influenced by chefs who are seeking new flavors from around the world as well as what’s going viral on social media. This includes wellness benefits and a return to nostalgic foods with unusual twists.
This is shaping up to be a year that pushes diners and home cooks to rediscover traditional cooking methods and to try ingredients that you have never used before, according to National Geographic. Here are seven trends that are sure to go viral.
Fiber to the Max
This year is shaping up to be full of fiber rich foods, explained Eating Well. The trend on social media will only keep booming. In fact, social media that mentions fiber spiked 9,500 percent from June to July 2025. Fiber is extremely good for your gut health and has a host of other benefits. It’s no wonder that it is at the top of the list.
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Icelandic Skyr
While eating yogurt and cottage cheese is good for you, there is something even healthier to eat. Skyr, an Icelandic cultured dairy product has a high protein content and is good for your gut because it contains live active cultures. These cultures are the key to a healthy gut microbiome and Skyr mixed with fruit makes an easy and nutritious breakfast.
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Embrace Pulses
Pulses – beans and legumes – are becoming increasingly popular. They are nutrient rich, shelf staple, and versatile. Pulses are a big part of the traditional foods of India, The Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and some areas of Europe. Think lentil stews, minestrone soup, and black bean chili as winter comfort foods.
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Japanese Hojicha Tea
With matcha so much in demand that it created a global shortage, reported National Geographic, hojicha a smokier and nuttier flavored Japanese tea is taking its place in 2026. Hojicha is roasted at a higher temperature which gives it its color and lowers the caffeine content. Cafes in major cities are adding hojicha tea and lattes to their menus so the tea's popularity will continue to grow.
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Sweet and Spicy
Sweet and spicy or “swicy” – on social media – has become a big flavor trend. It’s everywhere, from hot honey to chipotle and maple flavoring. While the combo has been a mainstay of Asian cooking, it can be found on pizza, tortilla chips and Kellogg’s will release a limited run of Crunchy Nut Hot Honey Crunchies in January 2026.
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Cooking With Tallow
Before the advent of vegetable or seed oils, people cooked with tallow or lard. Tallow is rendered from slow cooked beef fat that solidifies at room temperature and has a high smoke point. Since anyone who loves beef knows, the fat equals flavor and that’s why tallow is becoming a staple in professional kitchens. It gives a taste of nostalgia for traditional cooking methods.
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Korean Tteokbokki
Korean culture is in, including Korean food. The latest dish to trend internationally is Tteokbokki, the simmered rice cakes that are traditionally sold in Korean street stalls. Recipes for Tteokbokki have surged on social media, especially on TikTok.
