Why the Food Industry is Going Bananas

From electrolyte drinks to dairy-free soft serve, bananas are breaking into categories where indulgence and wellness increasingly overlap.

(Image source: Banán website)

Last year in our Hospitality Trends Report, we called banana coffee drinks a growing trend to watch.

Sure enough, banana-flavor in coffee was everywhere in 2026. Starbucks introduced the Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte in February 2026, following it with the Iced Banana Bread Chai in August. Dunkin’ introduced a whole lineup o…