The Crunch Economy 2026

Articles

FRESH PERSPECTIVES

From breakout ingredients to fast-growing categories, explore what’s gaining momentum, and how restaurants can turn trends into results.

Cabbage Is Having a Moment

Croutons, reimagined. How Croutons are Showing Up Everywhere

Crispy Veggies = Instant Upgrade (And a Higher Check)

Crunchy Salsa: Texture You Can Spoon

Dried Fruit + Nuts: The Sweet-Savory Toolkit for Modern Menus

Tortilla Strips Everywhere. The Crunch That Keeps Trending.

The Heirloom Upgrade

The Rise of Cheese Crisps: A Crunchy Upgrade for Operators

Wonton Strips: The Crunchy Topper Powering the Asian Bowl Boom

Case Study: The True Cost of Frying Tortilla Strips In House

The Tortilla Strip Effect: Texture, Value, Versatility

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