Airport Experience® News - Pre-Conference Issue 2026

that let them adjust quantity, structure and timing without extra charges—it signals hospitality, not restriction,” Allan says. “Restaurants that make personalization effortless—like malatang concepts, which are six times more associated with personalization than the average savory dish—are seeing stronger engagement because they deliver comfort, warmth and choice in one experience.” Healthy And Functional The National Restaurant Association’s Moutray notes that in addition to the growing adoption of GLP-1 medications greatly influencing food trends next year, he expects to see increased demand for foods and beverages that are “better for you.” “This shift will influence menu innovation as chefs seek allergy-friendly ingredients, reduce dyes and preservatives, and minimize processing, while also rethinking portion sizes,” he says. Like other industry experts, Kent Vanden Oever, associate principal and concessions planning expert at Paslay Group , notes the continued demand for high-protein items and he ties this to

another rising health trend. “Protein-rich cuisine is typically lower in sugar, and low-sugar options are among the fastest growing segments in food service,” he says. “While we see continued growth and variety in healthier menu choices, as well as options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free foods, we believe some of the most significant growth will occur in low-sugar foods,” he says. “Restaurateurs are already offering more zero-sugar sodas as well as side dishes that focus more on vegetables and less on high-carb, high sugar options such as potatoes.” Vanden Oever also expects to see continued growth in prebiotic sodas. “Look for them to become more common on restaurant menus and on convenience store shelves,” he advises. Functional beverages like this are a major trend area Entegra has identified. “We expect continued growth in probiotic drinks, protein-infused beverages and plant-based energy alternatives as the traveling public seeks health benefits beyond hydration,” Hay says. “Magnesium-infused drinks, for example, offer deep hydration, energy and focus and are predicted to be the next ‘it’ drink. Adaptogens, botanicals and

Above: In 2024, 61 percent of Americans increased their protein intake, 85 percent say they want more, and only 24 percent feel they’re getting enough, according to research conducted by Tastewise.

Above: Wesley Allan of Tastewise says that food and beverages that have added health functions will continue to trend up in 2026, with beverages, in particular, leading the trend.

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AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026