From Quartz.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski issued his 2026 Instagram forecast, citing shifts in consumer tastes with implications for menus. The outlook highlights food trends 2026 for McDonald’s: a fiber trend, sweet-and-spicy pairings, and continued focus on sauces. It also flags broader fast food beverages and references PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, who said in October that “fiber will be the next protein.”

Current fiber choices at McDonald’s are limited, with Fruit & Maple Oatmeal and French fries among the few. The chain closed its CosMc’s stores but moved popular beverages into flagship restaurants, while Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A expanded drink offerings. Last year, Kempczinski highlighted protein, AI in fast food stores, and sauces. The 2026 forecast centers on fiber, sweet-and-spicy flavors, sauces, and beverage variety.
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