Staying ahead of culinary trends is essential for any foodservice business aiming to attract and retain customers.

The trends shaping the industry this year offer opportunities to enhance menus, elevate dining experiences, and meet the evolving preferences of diners. By blending creativity with practicality, these trends can be transformed into offerings that inspire and delight. 

Darren O’Brien, Bakery Innovation Manager for Tip Top Foodservice explores 10 key trends defining the culinary landscape this year and ideas for how to incorporate them into your menu to stay ahead of the curve. 

1. Hands-On Dining 

Interactive and shareable dishes continue to trend, inviting diners to engage with their meals. Think dips, grazing platters, and loaded handheld options. 

How to Incorporate: 
Serve fresh sourdough slices with a trio of dips like whipped feta, smoky eggplant, and zesty chimichurri. For a sweet option, try crumpets with honey butter and fruit compotes. 

2. Hearty & Comfort 

Hearty foods satisfy more than hunger—they bring joy and nostalgia. This year, carbs are celebrated, and dishes like fried chicken sandwiches, double-carb creations, and layered pastries are at the forefront. 

How to Incorporate: 
Add a playful take on childhood favourites with elevated twists. For example, a fish finger sandwich with panko-crusted fish and kewpie mayo on super thick bread. Or go indulgent with a layered brioche bun filled with bacon, hash browns, and fried egg for a breakfast feast. 

3. Smart Spends 

With budgets tightening, diners want meals that feel worth the splurge. This doesn’t mean cheaper food—it’s about value, quality, and thoughtful presentation. 

How to Incorporate: 
Premium yet practical offerings like loaded toasties or gourmet sliders on soft brioche buns allow you to deliver indulgence without excessive costs. 

4. Twisted Familiar 

Comfort foods are reimagined with bold new twists. Dishes stay recognisable but gain exciting updates through unexpected ingredients or formats. 

How to Incorporate: 
Turn Super Thick Raisin Toast into an upscale French toast topped with caramelised bananas and spiced mascarpone. Or reimagine garlic bread with a Korean twist, using sweet garlic cream and herbs. 

5. Sensorial 

This year’s trends focus on food that excites all the senses. Mouthfeel, presentation, and dynamic visual appeal are just as important as taste. 

How to Incorporate: 
Add textures like crunchy parmesan crisps atop savory pastries or create lighter, aerated fillings like whipped feta paired with pulled lamb in Turkish bread. For a pop of colour, experiment with visually striking ingredients like bright blue spirulina dust on croissants. 

6. Sustainability & Zero Waste 

The push for zero waste and sustainability continues to influence menus, with a focus on upcycling ingredients and using eco-conscious practices. 

How to Incorporate: 
Reduce waste by repurposing bread into croutons, puddings, or stuffing. Incorporate frozen bread to extend shelf life and minimise spoilage. 

7. Grazing All Day 

Snacking and grazing are on the rise as diners move away from traditional meal structures. Shareable plates and all-day breakfast options are especially appealing. 

How to Incorporate: 
Create mini tartines on sourdough with toppings tailored for any time of day. Think avocado with smoked salmon for brunch or roasted beet with whipped goat cheese for a light dinner snack. 

8. Global Fusion with Local Flair 

Diners are exploring authentic global cuisines but love when these flavours meet local favourites. This trend celebrates adventurous combinations. 

How to Incorporate: 
Feature globally inspired sandwiches, like a gochujang-glazed chicken burger or a chimichurri-topped steak sandwich, using Turkish lunch rolls or sourdough bases. 

9. Dynamic Presentation for Social Media 

Plating matters more than ever as diners seek dishes that look great on camera. Layered, colourful, and bold presentations dominate. 

How to Incorporate: 
Offer visually stunning dishes, like open-faced sandwiches with rainbow-colored spreads or towering pancakes topped with vibrant fruits and sauces. 

10. Health-Driven Indulgence 

The balance between health and indulgence is key. Diners want to feel good about their choices without sacrificing flavour or enjoyment.

How to Incorporate: 
Serve nutrient-rich dishes with indulgent twists, like avocado toast with chili honey drizzle or granola-stuffed baked apples served on slices of toasted raisin bread. 

Incorporating these trends into your menu can help your business stand out and meet the expectations of today’s diners. Tip Top Foodservice is here to support you with versatile bakery solutions designed to make these innovations both practical and delicious. 

Let these trends inspire your menu updates and drive success in the year ahead – as always, we’re here to help so reach out any time.