Are 2016 Food Trends Making a Comeback?

Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux

With the beginning of 2026 now here, social media users worldwide aren't looking to the future but to the past. Specifically 2016. This year evokes pangs of nostalgia and longing, along with a fun, summery, carefree attitude. For many, there was just something about 2016 that made it such a special year.

People are tapping into this positive fever dream of a year by posting throwback photos. 2016 throwback photos of warm summers, bright outfits, and global dance trends. But it's not just pop culture from 2016 that seems to be making a comeback; it is food culture as well.

The Food of 2016

Of course, this begs the question of what exactly were the food trends of 2016? Well, the year brought about collections of bright, colorful dishes, over-the-top milkshakes, and aesthetic avocado toasts. It was a year dedicated to rainbow bagels, frozen yogurt, acai bowls, and Starbucks' infamous unicorn frappuccino. Overall, the food of 2016 focused on visuals. Foodies were active on social media, and colorful, eye-catching meals ran rampant.

Now, an entire decade later, these foods are making a resurgence. However, this time it is not the flavors of these dishes or even the visuals that are making them popular again. Rather, it is the nostalgia.

Food Nostalgia

Nostalgia can arise from nearly any situation. Perhaps you are walking through the rain and are suddenly hit with a memory of second grade. Or maybe you are listening to a song and suddenly start longing for a specific person. No matter how random the moment, nostalgia can hit. However, food is one of the strongest drivers of nostalgia. Food nostalgia is the sensation we experience when eating a particular food, which causes an almost overwhelming feeling of nostalgia.

What makes food, in particular, a vessel for nostalgia has to do with the senses. The brain associates scents and flavors with specific moments, which is why food-related memories are particularly vivid. This goes hand in hand with the Proust Phenomenon. Named after the French novelist Marcel Proust—who described how a madeleine cake soaking in tea transported him back to childhood—the Proust Phenomenon refers to the involuntary resurgence of one's memories due to scent and taste. If you have ever seen Ratatouille, you'll recognize the Proust Phenomenon. In the film, food critic Anton Ego experiences a "Proustian Moment" when he is immediately transported to his childhood after taking a bite of ratatouille.

However, ratatouille isn't the only dish that can lead to a Proustian moment. Any dish can lead to nostalgia—including the rainbow bagels and frozen yogurt of 2016. Through 2016 tastes and scents, people can access emotions that photos and trends alone can’t fully capture. A delicious multi-colored bagel or a fruit-topped acai bowl becomes more than just something to eat—it becomes a memory and a comfort. It can serve as a reminder of a time that felt lighter and playful.

Ultimately, the return of 2016's food culture shows just how deeply intertwined food and memory are. Even a decade later, a single bite is enough to transport people back to a summer that never quite left their minds.

Thumbnail Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/doughnuts-in-close-up-shot-13220521/