Today’s foodservice consumers want it all: indulgence, health, wellness, fun. And while these may seem like contradictions, according to Datassential Sr. VP of Client Strategy Megan Lynberg, “These might not be contradictions at all. They each come from the same need, and each brand should discover how they can meet that need.” During Lynberg’s session at Innovations, she went on to say that the desire for indulgent as well as healthy menu items originates from the consumer’s need for control in a chaotic world.
At Trend Explorer, an exclusive tasting event for operators at Innovations, exhibitors took inspiration from six Datassential trends to represent the full spectrum of consumer cravings: from loaded and playful to functional. We can’t possibly get to all 80 dishes from our event, but in the first of our two-part recap, we’ll dig into some of the highlights, starting with our first three trends.
Loaded & Layered
Bringing together unexpected flavors and piling on ingredients may seem chaotic—and that’s the point! Consumers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, not if that means having a delicious, over-the-top eating experience. Exhibitors didn’t shy away from going big and bold.
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FGF Brands took loaded and layered to the max with a five-layer sandwich, stacked with smoked meats, aged cheeses, matcha-berry cream, and pecans between artisan sourdough bread. The elevated sandwich brought together sweet and savory flavors and multiple textures in a whole new way.
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AK Pizza Crust loaded their Golden Mallard Pizza with the flavors of duck and bacon wanton, cleverly blending the international appetizer with everyone’s favorite pie.
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Beverages are getting loaded and layered too with everything from boba to cold foam. Evolution gave a sunny, island twist on the classic soda float by adding Tillamook vanilla ice cream to their tropical mango soda.
Playful Plates
Ever come across a menu item so odd that you can’t imagine it would work—and yet you have to try it? You’ve entered the weird and wacky world of playful plates. These dishes use nostalgic flavors, surprising textures, and fun presentation to appeal to your inner child. But unlike your childhood self that put ketchup on cereal or ate butter straight from the tub (come on, we all did it), these exhibitors presented delicious, elevated samples.
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Nothing says playful like cotton candy. Idahoan Foods presented flavors from south of the border in a whole new way. Their Tater Tumblers were tossed with jalapenos and Oaxaca cheese and then theatrically encased in a lime-infused cotton candy.
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Kerry Foodservice brought the Houston heat to their spicy mango margarita, with a chili salt rim and habanero syrup. The twist: popping pearls with a spicy burst of chili pepper.
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McIlhenny gave a nostalgic take on chicken. Their PB&J chicken skewers were glazed in pepper jelly and served with a peanut butter dipping sauce.
Functionally Diverse
It wasn’t all indulgence all the time at Innovations. To balance out their loaded, layered, and playful eats, consumers are seeking out functional meals. But functional isn’t the same for everyone. Consumers want items that meet their specific health and wellness goals—without sacrificing flavor.
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Chef Maneet Chauhan gave a functional take on an indulgent classic. Her Golden Ginger Mac ‘n Cheese combined Wholesome Crave’s butternut ginger soup with whole wheat orecchiette, aged cheeses, and a herbed panko crust for layered flavor and balanced nutrition.
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Chobani gave a bold, protein-packed twist on an Indian classic, blending rich butter chicken sauce with their high-protein yogurt to create a creamy, tangy dip with warm spices.
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Bel Brands packed their grain bowls with flavor and nutrition, with a quinoa base, smoky grilled vegetables, creamy Boursin cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of hot honey.
Your Sourcing Solution
Whether loaded, playful, or functional, our Trend Explorer tastings went beyond the expected. Exhibitors shared unconventional combinations of flavors, textures, and regional influences to create not just samples but experiences.
Experience Trend Explorer as well as sessions, networking, entertainment, and more at next year’s Innovations. Our trade show returns to Houston on April 21-23. Save the date for Innovations 2027, and be sure to explore products from all our exhibitors on the Dot Foods Shop website.
Discover all the products featured at this year’s Trend Explorer.