Historically, restaurants have played a pivotal role in shaping food trends. In fact, 70% of U.S. consumers say their food preferences are driven primarily by what they encounter on restaurant menus. While restaurants still hold sway in food trends, the rise of social media is reshaping the game. In fact, 52% of consumers have made a food, beverage or ingredient purchase solely based on a social media post. Ultimately, the fate of food trends rests in the hands of consumers. Shifting demographics, health-conscious decisions and evolving taste buds all contribute to what’s hot and what’s not. As for what’s hot right now, these are some of the products that are being introduced, or in some cases reintroduced.
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| Dunkin’ Donuts — Dunkin’ fans can now enjoy the Dunkalatte and Pistachio Coffee. The Dunkalatte, introduced last fall, puts a sweet twist on the classic latte by using Rhode Island-inspired coffee milk, a blend of milk and coffee extract. Also reappearing on the menu is the Pistachio Coffee, a long-standing favorite that features Dunkin’s Original Blend mixed with a Pistachio Flavor Swirl. |
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| Hershey’s — Hershey’s is dialing up the nostalgia with its latest drop: Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored Hershey’s Kisses. The candy giant teamed up with the beloved cereal brand to create a limited-edition treat that’s already hitting shelves nationwide. Each Kiss is loaded with smooth white creme, crunchy graham-flavored cookie bits, and swirls of cinnamon sugar, delivering that signature flavor in bite-sized form. It’s basically your favorite cereal, minus the milk — and way easier to snack on. |
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| Taco Bell — Taco Bell is back with another handheld creation designed for maximum convenience and craveability. The new Crispalupa is built for on-the-go eating, featuring a golden, crunchy exterior packed with slow-roasted Cantina chicken, crisp lettuce, freshly made pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese, and a hit of spicy ranch sauce. Here’s the catch — it’s testing only in participating Atlanta, Ga., Taco Bell locations for a limited time. |
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| Rice Krispies — Rice Krispies Treats are launching Rice Krispies Treats Bliss Bars in Chocolate Sea Salt Pretzel and Caramel Sea Salt Pretzel. Imagine the familiar snap, crackle, and pop you loved as a kid, now elevated with the flavors of semi-sweet chocolate or caramel paired with sea salt-infused pretzels. The bars will hit the shelves nationwide starting in April for roughly $3.99 for a 6-count box. |
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| Frito-Lay Ruffles — Frito-Lay has just launched Ruffles Greek-Style Ranch chips, and they are exclusively for purchase at Costco for now. The chips boast a blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a surprise ingredient – Parmesan cheese. It’s not your typical Greek or ranch ingredient, but fans are excited about the unique flavor twist. |
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| Frida — Frida is dropping breast milk–flavored ice cream. Yes, you read that right. The new Frida Breast Milk Ice Cream is designed to mimic the real deal — sweet, creamy, and packed with nutrients like Omega-3s, energy-boosting lactose, iron, and calcium. Brand reps have confirmed this is not an April Fool’s Day joke or product stunt. The real question is: Are you brave enough to try it? |
