If 'picky bits', antipasti, deli sandos and picnic staples are your go-to, then you're in luck – because our categorywatcing Deli 2026 report is now live on TrendHub.
This is where we deep dive into all the trends shaking up deli aisles, counters and menus this year – that means all things sandwich, salads, crackers, dips, sides, pickles, handheld eats, and much more! So whether you want to plan your deli product pipeline – or simply get inspo for upcoming picnics, now the warmer weather is here… this one's for you!
Three top takeouts from our report are below:
- Affordable Indulgence – The deli aisle is going all gourmet, as people look to the category for accessible access to premium and luxe ingredients – without breaking the bank. Think hummus bowls topped with wagyu pastrami, 'picky boards' laden with 'good anchovies' and squid ink salami, potato skins with crème fraiche and fish roe, 'charcuterie crisps' piled high with aged jamon iberico and drizzled in truffle oil… well, you get the picture! It's all about touches of luxury, that can elevate simple deli favourites into showstopping antipasti or meals.
- Sando Staples 2.0 – With people feeling the pinch, it's no wonder that the humble deli sando is becoming a go-to throughout the day (i.e. not just lunchtime!) – and they are elevating simple, humble formulas into 'next level' fare. Cue, the likes of Tuna Mayo with a twist (e.g. tuna salad with preserved lemon mayo and pickled fennel), 'Not Your Mama's Meatball Sub' (e.g. garlic & parmesan meatballs with sundried tomato marinara, rocket pesto and dehydrated spaghetti 'crunchies') and stacked Italian-style deli sandwiches – filled with everything from chicken cutlets to multi-meats. Sign us up for a fully loaded focaccia filled with mortadella, double-smoked ham, prosciutto AND salami, please!
- All Day Brekkie – With lines between mealtimes being blurred, the deli category is increasingly getting in on breakfast action. Eggs play a starring role, of course, as formats like boiled eggs and egg mayo get a revamp – gourmet egg salad with sauce gribiche and pickled cucumbers, anyone? Ever-popular breakfast sandos also get reimagined as all-day fare; for instance why not mash up your BEC and BLT, and try a BLT+ with bacon and a fried egg? Also getting a lot of love of are gourmet bagels – filled and topped with the likes of smoked trout and flavoured 'schmear', or burrata and grilled peaches.
Looking for more report insights?
If you're not already a trendhub subscriber and would like to see more of this report, book a complimentary 30-minute demo with one of our team to see how the trendhub can support you in making informed decisions, based on our insights into consumer trends.
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