Last year, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski predicted that proteins, AI and sauces would dominate food trends — and he was on board. Now he is sharing his predictions for 2026.
In a video shared on Instagram this week, Kempczinski outlined three trends he expects to gain momentum: fiber-focused offerings, sweet and spicy flavor combinations and beverage innovation. “No. 1, fiber is going to be big,” he said. “No. 2, sweet and spicy, together, is going to be a big food trend. And No. 3, you’re going to see a lot of beverage innovation.”
The McDonald’s chief boasted about his 2025 predictions, claiming he “went for three-for-three” and “I’ve got to try a little bit to win.” This year’s predictions provide insight into where the fast-food giant may focus on menu development and innovation in the coming year.
Last year, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski predicted that proteins, AI and sauces would dominate food trends — and he was on board. Now he is sharing his predictions for 2026.
In a video shared on Instagram this week, Kempczinski outlined three trends he expects to gain momentum: fiber-focused offerings, sweet and spicy flavor combinations and beverage innovation. “No. 1, fiber is going to be big,” he said. “No. 2, sweet and spicy, together, is going to be a big food trend. And No. 3, you’re going to see a lot of beverage innovation.”
The McDonald’s chief boasted about his 2025 predictions, claiming he “went for three-for-three” and “I’ve got to try a little bit to win.” This year’s predictions provide insight into where the fast-food giant may focus on menu development and innovation in the coming year.
