FIRE & FLAVOR™
2026 Grilling Trends Report
From year‑round grilling to next‑level flavor experimentation, outdoor cooking continues to evolve.
Playing with fire has never been hotter when it comes to flavor
33%
of consumers grill year‑round, no matter the weather
97%
of consumers have outdoor cooking equipment; 74% plan to buy next year
+53%
increase in consumers who LOVE cooking outdoors vs. ’23
+6,500%
“Summer BBQ Recipe” searches on Pinterest
Trend #1
THE ART OF LAYERING
This trend celebrates the intentional build of flavor — where rubs, marinades, glazes, and finishing sauces work in concert to create depth, contrast, and complexity in every bite.
Our Prediction:
Flavor complexity will become the new standard in grilling.
What’s Fueling the Layered Flavor Movement
53%
of grillers are working on leveling up as grill masters
400%
increase in Global BBQ Introductions
Flavor demand
is driven by layered complexity that hits multiple taste receptors
64%
of protein consumers agree that a marinade can make a cut of meat taste better
![["A bottle of French's Classic Yellow Mustard."]](http://www.mccormick.com/cdn/shop/files/00041500007007_H1N1-2026-04-06.jpg?v=1775481032&width=300)
![['A close-up of a hot dog with mustard and onions on a bun.']](http://www.mccormick.com/cdn/shop/files/00041500007007_HeroRecipe-2026-04-06.jpg?v=1775481032&width=300)
Trend #2
MORE THAN STEAK
From jackfruit to peaches, unexpected proteins and ingredients are expanding the boundaries of BBQ.
Our Prediction:
Grillers will embrace global flavors, vegetables, and sweet ingredients.
Why Grillers Are Expanding Their Horizons
50%
of grillers incorporate produce into their meals
2x
Millennials grill fruit two times more than the average griller
Up to 50%
reduction in fat content is possible when grilling chicken breast without compromising flavor and tenderness
42%
of consumers look to grill more to try new foods
Trend #3
Appliance Transformation
Grilling is being redefined by smart technology and modular design, turning grills into adaptive, multifunctional hubs that cater to modern lifestyles.
Our Prediction:
Smart, modular grills will redefine when & where consumers grill.
The Rise of the Grill as a Multi-Tool
53%
of grillers are Women and are grilling more than ever before up 22%
35%
of urban consumers are driving growth in outdoor cooking occasions
+4.9%
CAGR through 2030 is expected to be driven by smart and connected grill segment
+4500%
“Backyard Outdoor Kitchen” searches on Pinterest
