With an undeniable spirit of innovation, we envision a world full of possibility—embracing market insights to transform the industry and captivate consumers. Rich’s FUEL exists to bring true insights directly to you: to grow your business by fueling your imagination, possibilities, and impact.
Naan, lavash, tortillas, bao – nearly every cuisine around the world has its own version of bread. And whether it’s served as a side, used to scoop up entrées, or transformed into a sandwich carrier, one thing is clear: bread is having a moment. Even late-stage varieties like ciabatta, focaccia, and onion rolls—already familiar to many consumers—are rapidly climbing in consumer awareness and affinity.
While even those ubiquitous bread varieties are having a moment, earlier-stage global varieties are also on the rise. In the U.S., bread remains a staple, appearing on 58% of restaurant menus (Datassential MenuTrends), but global varieties are seeing especially strong growth. Fried breads like gnocco fritto and frybread are gaining traction, while globally inspired loaves and rolls like Japanese milk bread, English bulkies, and Cuban bread continue to expand their presence.
In fact, 45% of consumers express interest in global breads (Datassential’s Global Breads Report), with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. Operators are taking notice: Applebee’s, Denny’s, and Arby’s all call out breads like brioche, onion rolls, and ciabatta in sandwich launches and introductions, while dishes like brioche French toast, often stuffed or indulgently topped, are star performers at breakfast chains like Bob Evans and Denny’s.
Datassential Consumer Preferences YE Dec‘24
Bread is more than just a side—it’s a blank canvas for innovation across dayparts and menu parts. Whether leaning into nostalgia with fluffy milk bread or embracing the handcrafted appeal of unleavened flatbreads, the opportunity to explore new bread formats has never been greater.
Consumers are embracing global bread trends in their own kitchens, putting creative spins on these trendy loaves. Recipe developer @itsholly made a fluffernutter sandwich using homemade vanilla bean Japanese milk bread, while @littleepicurean crafted a marbled chocolate version of the same bread, perfect for toast or stuffed French toast. These at-home bakes from popular Instagram food creators highlight how consumers are exploring global flavors and techniques to elevate familiar comfort foods right at their own tables.
A concha at Comadre Panadería in Austin, TX, exemplifies how this bakery reimagines traditional Mexican pan dulce. Known for its innovative approach, Comadre Panadería offers conchas infused with unique flavors such as strawberry hibiscus and matcha, providing a fresh twist on the classic sweet bread.
European-inspired brioche doughnuts take center stage at George’s Donuts & Merriment, a café blending classic techniques with playful creativity. Their menu features unique offerings like a strawberry Champagne-filled brioche doughnut and a bacon and eggs brioche doughnut, showcasing how global bread varieties can serve as a canvas for innovative flavors. By elevating brioche with unexpected fillings and presentations, this upscale yet whimsical shop highlights how a familiar bread can be reimagined in ways that feel both nostalgic and entirely new.
Hawaiian bread takes on a unique twist at Puka Dog, where grilled Polish sausages are served inside a toasted Hawaiian sweet roll with a hole (“puka”) punched through the middle. Instead of a traditional hot dog bun, the sweet, pillowy roll is filled with tropical relishes like pineapple or mango mustard and finished with a garlicky lemon sauce. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, proving that a simple bread swap can completely transform a classic dish. This playful take on a hot dog highlights how Hawaiian bread’s soft, subtly sweet profile can elevate even the most familiar comfort foods in unexpected ways.
As a subscriber to Rich’s FUEL, you are the first to receive the latest trends and insights, but you also gain exclusive access to all past issues so you never miss an inspiring trend.
