The fast-food industry is changing faster than ever. Between digitalization, new customer expectations and environmental pressure, restaurateurs must remain agile to win over customers and build loyalty.
Here are the 20 trends to follow in 2026 to stay competitive.
It's impossible to ignore the trend: plants are no longer an option, but a matter of course.
In 2026, it's no longer just a question of offering a vegetarian burger, but of making vegan food accessible, gourmet and attractive to all customer profiles.
Insects, algae, precision fermentation, mycoproteins... long seen as futuristic, these alternative proteins are arriving on our plates.
By integrating these innovations, we stay ahead of the game and respond to tomorrow's catering trends.
What will be the top priorities for fast food customers in 2026?
Customers expect fresh, organic products prepared on the spot, with traceable ingredients. Fast good" combines speed and quality, without compromising on taste or customer experience.
👉 Find out how fast good has transformed the restaurant business
Online ordering, interactive kiosks, real-time inventory tracking... The digitalization of fast food is a key lever for optimizing operations and improving the customer experience.
How do you stay competitive by adjusting prices, portions and customer experience?
Click & collect, delivery or ephemeral kiosks: customers want to order when and where they want.
Which sales formats will dominate in 2026?
Those that combine speed, personalization and flexibility, with strong digital integration to track orders and optimize costs.
Dark kitchens and collaborative kitchens are becoming increasingly popular to meet the demand for fast delivery.
These models reduce infrastructure costs and enable us to experiment with new concepts.
For several years now, local and organic products have been all the rage. In 2026, this trend is accentuated: short circuits, seasonal products and total transparency.
Trust comes from clear, authentic communication.
Reducing food waste is becoming a key issue for our planet. Simple measures such as intelligent inventory management, adjustable portions and time-of-day pricing can help restaurateurs reduce their environmental impact and cut costs.
Are you still wondering how to optimize operations and reduce waste?
From order-taking to kitchen preparation, automation via digitalization remains an unavoidable trend for 2026.
👉 To find out more: Success factors in fast food.
Faced with tight budgets and ever-higher expectations, customers are looking for the right balance between fair price and experience. In 2026, budget menus are making a comeback, without sacrificing quality.
What immersive experiences will appeal to fast-food customers?
In 2026, the experience counts as much as the plate. Lighting effects, sound design and immersive decors are all seductive, provided they reflect your restaurant's identity and reinforce your brand.
Mocktails, kombucha, artisanal sodas: more festive and natural, they appeal to a younger clientele in search of healthy products, while offering restaurateurs a creative new menu.
By revisiting international cuisine with local products, restaurateurs create new taste experiences. It's a winning combo: surprising taste buds while promoting local products and supporting regional producers.
Burgers, pizzas and croque-monsieur are redesigned with quality ingredients. This comfort cuisine combines modernity, pleasure, health and originality.
In 2026, fast food outlets will have to comply with sustainable regulations: limit plastics, recycle waste, clearly display nutrition information. These constraints are also becoming a lever of customer confidence.
Focus on a flagship product for greater productivity and efficiency. Specialization allows you to control quality, innovate and build customer loyalty.
Designed to test a concept before investing, they enable us to explore different geographical areas andidentify the best opportunities for a future opening.
18. The return of new-generation food courts
Multiple kitchens under one roof, in a modern, friendly setting: food courts offer a unique shared experience. With Innovorder's multi-basket, ordering what you want has never been easier.
These are 100% digital brands, invisible to the public, but very much present on delivery platforms. They make it possible to rapidly test new concepts while keeping management costs under control.
Vegetable juices, protein snacks or probiotics. Take-away portions or breakfast formulas to boost energy and well-being. They combine convenience, health and pleasure, meeting the need for quick, balanced meals.
In 2026, fast food will be even more digital, sustainable and focused on the customer experience. To stay competitive, restaurateurs need to anticipate these trends and adapt their offer.
-
Do you run a fast-food restaurant and are looking for a partner to help you digitalize your business? Innovorder is the only player in France to offer a complete ecosystem: order-taking, checkout, preparation, delivery and management!
