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
THE 3 STAGES OF FLAVOR TRANSFORMATION
Grill Masters and Pit Masters both use the three stages of flavor transformation but apply them differently based on cooking style.
Scroll to learn more.
Pit Master vs. Grill Master
Pit Masters go low and slow, building deep, layered flavor from base to finish. Grill Masters turn up the heat, delivering bold, fast flavor with a flame‑fired finish.
Slide the arrows arrows left and right to reveal the differences.
![["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
