The latest global food trends by location, age, and gender

While health is influenced by individual actions, those decisions don't always happen in a vacuum. Food choices, in particular, are often shaped by a myriad of external factors. Cultural backgrounds, local traditions, and community environments all play a role in what people put on their plates.

To get a better look at these patterns, Oura looked at de-identified, aggregate data to better understand its members' dietary habits. From jacket potatoes in the U.K. to pierogies in Canada, the data showed that people's eating choices are significantly influenced by their location, age, and even gender.

Methodology

For this analysis, Oura's data science team looked at millions of meals logged from May 2025 through February 2026 across English-speaking countries. Rather than look at the top-ranking foods (which would be common foods like "chicken," "eggs," or "banana"), a "lift" analysis was used.

This identifies foods that appear much more frequently in a specific group (like a country or state) compared to the global average. These are the "unique" identifiers-the flavors that make a region or demographic stand out.

Global Delicacies

The data for individual U.S. states reads like a culinary road trip.

• Texas: Members in Texas are keen on the kolache (a fruit or meat-filled pastry) and breakfast tacos.
• Louisiana: No surprises here-gumbo, boudin, and king cake are the distinct markers of the Bayou State.
• Hawai'i: The fusion of cultures is evident with Spam musubi and Portuguese sausage topping the charts.
• New York: Members in the Empire State are uniquely logging grandma pizza and bagels with scallion cream cheese.
• Wisconsin: The Dairy State lives up to its name, with cheese curds and string cheese landing high on the "lift" list.
• Washington: This coastal state's unique logs are hyperlocal and health-conscious, including Rainier cherries, oatmilk lattes, chai, and pad see ew.

The Generational Divide

As the members move through different life stages, their plates and palates seem to change as well.

• Ages 18-24: It's no secret that Gen Z loves to hop on a trend. Vodka pasta, Starbucks Refreshers, and energy drinks define their unique logs.
• Ages 45-54: There is a shift toward longevity and a focus on supplements in these years, as choices such as collagen protein, creatine, and greens powders become much more distinct in this age bracket.
• Ages 65+: In the "golden years," the focus seems to shift to digestive health and classic staples. Prunes have the highest lift in this group, alongside shredded wheat and decaf coffee.

Gender Differences

The unique logs for women are dominated by functional wellness: spearmint tea, matcha, and cottage cheese with mustard (a viral trend that seems to have staying power).

Conversely, the top unique logs for men lean heavily into social rituals and recovery: Bourbon, Scotch, and craft beer appear frequently, alongside whey protein shakes.

This story was produced by Oura and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Copyright 2026 Stacker Media, LLC

This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 6:30 AM.