The summer trends hotlist … tomato ketchup’s got competition

The Guardian's 'summer trends hotlist' for 2026 outlines the evolving culinary landscape, distinguishing between 'hot' and 'stale' food and beverage preferences. A prominent 'hot' trend is the emergence of elegant savoury pastries, exemplified by the chanterelle and radicchio millefeuille with comte sauce served at Planque. These are described as sophisticated, deconstructed versions of traditional vol-au-vents, showcasing modern gastronomic flair. Other trending items include chilled red wines, indicating a shift towards lighter, more refreshing beverage choices suitable for warmer weather, and a 'cherry overload,' suggesting a widespread and popular incorporation of cherries across various dishes, likely with a focus on desserts. Conversely, the article implies that ubiquitous condiments like tomato ketchup are facing significant competition, signaling a broader consumer preference for more complex, artisanal, or innovative flavour profiles over conventional options.