McDonald’s CEO Says These 3 Meals Traits Will Outline 2026

McDonald’s CEO predicts three meals developments will reign supreme in 2026.

Chris Kempczinski, the fast-food chain’s high boss, took to Instagram on Monday to inform his followers what diners will crave this yr.

However earlier than spilling the secrets and techniques, he stated he needed to “do some little bit of a victory lap” as a result of all his 2025 predictions got here true. His large bets for 2025 had been protein, AI in quick meals, and sauces, all of which had their moments final yr.

Here is what’s on his 2026 checklist.

Fiber

The primary merchandise on Kempczinski’s 2026 checklist was fiber, which he stated is “going to be large.”

This isn’t a shock, because the dietary pattern “fibermaxxing” has had its justifiable share of airtime over the previous yr. Dieticians say that consuming extra fiber helps assist intestine well being, decrease ldl cholesterol, and cut back the danger of colon most cancers.

PepsiCo’s CEO Ramon Laguarta did beat Kempczinski to the punch, predicting in an October earnings name that “fiber would be the subsequent protein.”

Candy and spicy

The second merchandise on his checklist was a novel taste mixture: “Candy and spicy collectively goes to be an enormous meals pattern.”

Quick meals chains have already jumped on the pattern. In 2025, chains like Chipotle, KFC, and Taco Bell all rolled out sizzling honey dipping sauces.

This pattern is a continuation of his “sauces” prediction from final yr. In 2025, Kempczinski stated sauces, relatively than the principle dish, could be diners’ focus.

“Spicy is all the time in,” he stated then. “I believe you would possibly see some honey or some candy stuff.”

McDonald’s does have a sweet-spicy sauce providing in its Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip.

Fascinating drinks

And lastly, Kempczinski stated, “You are going to see numerous beverage innovation.”

Over the previous yr, quick meals chains have rolled out new drinks, with some, equivalent to Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A, launching new beverage-focused spin-offs. Taco Bell opened its Stay Más Café chain, and Chick-fil-A opened its Daybright chain, each promoting coffees and fruity refreshers.

One motive for Kempczinski’s prediction of drink innovation could possibly be that Gen Z shoppers should not large followers of alcohol, however relatively are on the hunt for thrilling and strange drink combos.