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Global Update on Consumer,

Market & Menu Insights

Fast Five Issue 10|2026

01 LTOs Increase By Triple Digits 

According to Technomic at this year’s National Restaurant Show in Chicago, LTOs have surged +157% since 2019, reaching ~43k launches, as operators tap consumer demand for novelty. 85% refreshed menus last year, using LTOs as a low-risk innovation vehicle. Beverages lead, but core comfort (sandwiches, burgers, chicken, pizza) is evolving through new toppings, sauces and formats. LTOs boost spend (+26% higher checks) and attract younger, higher-income consumers. Crucially, scarcity and repeat cycles drive ongoing interest. 

Why it matters: 
LTOs are now a commercial growth lever, not just experimentation - delivering margin, frequency and relevance while keeping core categories fresh without long-term risk. 

02 Healthy Bowls Meets 'Spice Wars'

US fast-casual brand Rōti has entered London with three delivery-focused kitchens, bringing a build-your-own Mediterranean offer centred on bowls, salads and wraps. The menu leans into bold yet “better-for-you” positioning, with options like hot honey harissa bowls alongside lean proteins and veg-led builds. The inclusion of hot honey signals continued momentum behind sweet-heat flavour profiles, now crossing into mainstream, everyday formats rather than just LTOs. Where will the 'Spice Wars' go next?

Why it matters:
Hot honey continues to scale as a high-impact flavour cue, while demand grows for lighter, customisable and convenient meals that balance indulgence with health—making concepts like Rōti highly relevant to evolving QSR needs. 

03 Chaiiwala’s 24‑hour Drive‑thru  

The UK QSR and street food sector remains dynamic, driven by expansion, innovation and format evolution. New entrants such as Go Greek Yogurt and Rōti are entering the market, while operators are trialling new formats like drive-thrus and extended hours. Indian street food cafe brand Chaiiwala has opened its first 24-hour drive thru in Blackburn, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion. The brand’s ambition is to reach 500 global locations over the next decade, with an emphasis on the UK as a key market, particularly for urban areas such as Blackburn and Lancashire.

Why it matters:

The opening of a 24-hour concept showcases the increased demand for convenience and blurring lines between set mealtimes. A 24-hour concept allows Chaiiwala to position themselves in front of the consumer for all meal occasions and supports growth of the business. 

04 Taco Bell’s 'Flavour Anarchy'

Taco Bell is giving its iconic Mexican Pizza a Cantina inspired makeover with the launch of the new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza. The limited time item layers slow roasted Cantina Chicken, black beans, green chile sauce and a three-cheese blend between crispy tortilla shells, finished with purple cabbage and pico de gallo. The launch also introduces a new Jalapeño Citrus Salsa packet across the Cantina range. 

Why it matters:

This is Flavour Anarchy in action, familiar formats acting as a canvas for global flavour mashups. Taco Bell leverages nostalgia but pushes boundaries through layered textures, citrus heat and fresh toppings, delivering high-impact, remixable comfort that feels both safe and rebellious.

05 Morrisons Summer ‘Picky Bits’ Range     

Morrisons and Waitrose have launched new premium Summer ranges, focusing on the popular ‘Picky Bits’ concept – sharing platters and small plates elevating BBQ occasions. Morrisons have expanded their premium ‘The Best’ range, with new picnic and ‘picky bits’ inspired by Mediterranean flavours, including Mini Paella, Cheeseburger Empanadas and Meatballs. Waitrose say demand is growing for ‘picky bits’, with their range featuring Serrano and Ibérico Cheese Involtinis, Scotch eggs and artisan sausage rolls.  

Why it matters:

Two major grocery retailers featuring ‘picky bits’ shows how the concept is growing in popularity. Demand for smaller plates and sharing platters is driven by a number of factors, including personalisation – the consumer wanting to choose a number of items to make up their plate – encouraging eating together and elevating the occasion at home, as well as the growth in usage of GLP1 medication resulting in appetites shrinking and a demand for smaller portion size.

Dawn Farms, The Maudlins, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland

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