McDonald's CEO Reveals 3 Food Trends for 2026

McDonald's top executive has cast his vote for the future of fast food, outlining three specific trends he believes will define the industry in 2026. The forecast comes after a year where his previous predictions proved remarkably accurate.

Chris Kempczinski, the fast-food chain's CEO, took to social media to share his insights with followers. Before revealing his new list, he took a moment to review his track record, confirming that his 2025 outlook on protein, AI, and sauces was spot on.

Now, the focus shifts to the coming year. Kempczinski's latest analysis points toward a significant evolution in what diners crave, moving beyond traditional menu items to specific nutritional and flavor profiles.

The first trend on the CEO's list is fiber, a nutrient he claims is 'going to be big.' This prediction is already gaining traction within the health community, where the practice of 'fibermaxxing' has become a popular dietary focus over the last year.

Medical professionals have long advocated for increased fiber intake, noting its ability to aid gut health, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. The fast-food industry appears ready to meet this demand with more menu options.

'Fiber will be the next protein.' — Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo CEO

Interestingly, Kempczinski was not the first industry leader to identify this shift. Ramon Laguarta, the CEO of PepsiCo, previously forecasted during an October earnings call that fiber would follow protein as the next major macronutrient trend.

The second prediction centers on a specific flavor profile that is rapidly taking over menus: sweet and spicy combinations. Kempczinski believes this duality will be a defining characteristic of food trends in 2026.

This forecast serves as a continuation of his 2025 prediction regarding the rising importance of sauces. At the time, he noted that 'spicy is always in,' but predicted that honey and other sweet elements would soon join the mix.

• Chipotle introduced hot honey sauces
• KFC rolled out similar spicy-sweet options
• Taco Bell expanded its dipping sauce lineup

Major competitors have already validated this trend. Throughout 2025, chains like Chipotle, KFC, and Taco Bell all released hot honey dipping sauces. McDonald's itself has a sweet-spicy offering in its Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip.

The third and final trend identified by Kempczinski is beverage innovation. He predicts that consumers will see a massive surge in new drink options and creative beverage concepts across the fast-food landscape.

Recent industry movements support this forecast. Several major chains have already begun pivoting toward drink-centric business models. Taco Bell launched its Live Más Café concept, while Chick-fil-A opened the Daybright chain, both focusing heavily on coffees and fruity refreshers rather than traditional meals.

A key driver behind this shift appears to be changing demographics. Gen Z consumers are reportedly less interested in alcohol and are actively seeking out unusual and exciting non-alcoholic drink combinations, prompting chains to innovate rapidly.

The credibility of these predictions is bolstered by Kempczinski's personal commitment to his product. The McDonald's CEO revealed that he eats at the fast-food giant three to four times a week.

This frequent consumption suggests a deep familiarity with the menu and current consumer preferences. By maintaining a regular customer routine, Kempczinski positions himself as an insider to the daily habits of the fast-food clientele.

His social media announcement was designed to offer a 'victory lap' for his accurate 2025 predictions before setting expectations for the year ahead. The transparency regarding his own eating habits adds a layer of personal insight to the corporate strategy.

The forecast from Chris Kempczinski suggests a 2026 menu that is healthier, bolder in flavor, and more beverage-focused than ever before. These trends reflect a broader industry movement toward functional ingredients and experiential dining.

As fast-food chains compete for market share, the integration of fiber-rich ingredients, complex sweet-spicy sauces, and innovative drinks will likely become standard. Consumers can expect to see these elements featured prominently in new product launches throughout the coming year.

The convergence of these three trends marks a distinct shift in the fast-food landscape, signaling that the future of quick-service dining lies in balancing nutritional value with adventurous flavor profiles.