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Culinary Guide

Plant-based food trends for 2026 shaping modern menus

Created for chefs, foodservice leaders, and hospitality operators, this guide explores how vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and reducetarian dining is evolving across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, with practical insight you can apply straight to your menus.

Developed by Avendra International Europe’s Head of Culinary, drawing on 25 years of hands-on experience shaping menus across hospitality and foodservice.

 
Woman in cafe enjoying a plant-based breakfast

What’s inside the
Plant-based Trends Guide 2026

  • 10 key plant-based and vegetarian food trends shaping menus in 2026
  • Chef-led insights from Avendra’s Head of Culinary
  • Ingredient-led inspiration beyond meat alternatives
  • Practical menu ideas and recipes you can use immediately
  • Sustainability and nutrition insights aligned with modern diner expectations

Why download the
Plant-based Trends Guide 2026?

Today’s customers are choosing where to eat based on flavour, values, and variety. Plant-based Trends Guide 2026 helps you respond to this shift.

  • Plant-based menu ideas that deliver on taste and innovation.
  • Satisfy growing customer demand.
  • Keep your menus fresh, relevant, and commercially successful.

Who needs the
Plant-based Trends Guide 2026?

Designed for foodservice and hospitality operators creating and evolving their menus, including:

  • Hotels and restaurants
  • Pubs, bars and cafés
  • Leisure and visitor attractions
  • Hospitals, care homes and senior living
  • Schools, universities, and colleges

About the author

Plant-based Trends Guide 2026 is authored by Paul Bloxham, Head of Culinary at Avendra International Europe, with over 25 years of experience shaping menus across hospitality and foodservice. A respected culinary leader and Academician of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, he combines chef-led creativity with practical, data-driven insight to deliver innovative, sustainable menus.

Photo of Paul Bloxham, Head of Culinary at Avendra International Europe

Discover more from
Avendra International Europe

Plant-based Trends Guide 2026 is just one of the ways we support hospitality and foodservice professionals with insight-led thinking. Explore more resources, expertise, and solutions designed to help your business make informed, confident decisions.

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