Johannesburg – Food is a living story, constantly evolving, and Unilever Food Solutions’ much-anticipated Future Menus 2026 report captures the latest chapter.
From bold, reimagined street food and heritage-inspired dishes to globally influenced flavours and personalised dining experiences, it explores the trends shaping the future of food.
But trends only tell half the story; the other half is you.
Your signature style is shaped by where you cook, who you cook for, and what draws you to a dish in the first place.
And whether you run a busy restaurant, operate a catering kitchen, own a food truck, or simply love experimenting at home, that style is your own.
So, which exciting Future Menus 2026 trend best reflects yours?
The Unilever Food Solutions culinary team put together these six quick questions, based on the four Future Menus 2026 trends, to help you find your match.
Select the most suitable answer for each question:
1. When creating a new dish, your inspiration comes from?
a) A family recipe, local ingredients or traditional cooking methods.
b) Flavours, techniques and ideas from around the world.
c) The changing tastes and preferences of your customers.
d) Everyday comfort foods reimagined.
2. Pick the sentence that sounds most like you:
a) Skilled at bringing classic techniques to life.
b) Creative – always trying something new.
c) Able to adapt dishes to suit different tastes.
d) Fast-paced and full of energy, serving crowd-pleasing dishes with flair.
3. When time is tight, what’s most important?
a) Staying true to traditional methods, no matter the rush.
b) Keeping creativity alive under pressure.
c) Ensuring guests still feel they’ve had a personalised experience.
d) Keeping the energy and flavour up, even when the kitchen’s slammed.
4. Which customer compliment would make your day?
a) “That reminded me of home.”
b) “I’ve never tasted anything like that before.”
c) “I loved that I could have it exactly how I wanted.”
d) “I’d queue for that again tomorrow.”
5. If you were adding a new item to your menu, what would it be?
a) A modern take on a heritage favourite.
b) A bold dish inspired by another culture.
c) A build-your-own or customisable option.
d) A street food classic reimagined with premium ingredients.
6. Your signature ingredient is…
a) Something proudly local and seasonal.
b) One with international flair.
c) Versatile enough to suit different tastes.
d) A humble one transformed into something unexpected.
Your Future Menus Match
Add up your a’s, b’s, c’s and d’s; the letter you picked most often reveals your Future Menus 2026 match!
Mostly A’s – Culinary Roots
You believe the best dishes are grounded in authenticity, tradition and a sense of place.
You’re inspired by heritage recipes, local ingredients and time-honoured techniques, while finding fresh ways to keep them relevant.
Your menu tells a story, one that diners will remember long after the last bite.
Mostly B’s – Borderless Cuisine
You’re naturally curious and always looking beyond our borders for inspiration.
Global flavours, diverse ingredients and cross-cultural techniques excite you, allowing you to create dishes that surprise guests while celebrating the richness of world cuisines.
Mostly C’s – Diner Designed
Your guests are at the heart of every menu decision. You understand that today’s diners value choice, flexibility, and experiences tailored to their tastes and lifestyles.
Creating memorable, personalised dining experiences is what sets your kitchen apart.
Mostly D’s – Street Food Couture
You see endless potential in everyday favourites. Inspired by the vibrancy of street food culture, you elevate familiar flavours with premium ingredients, refined techniques and creative presentation to deliver dishes that are exciting, memorable and made to be shared.
And if you’re looking for fresh ideas, recipes and practical inspiration or want to know more about future food trends, download your copy of the Unilever Food Solutions Future Menus 2026 report here:
https://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.za/download-the-2026-future-menus-reports.html
