The 6 biggest chain-restaurant food trends of 2025 — and 3 that won't survive 2026

From chicken tenders to LTOs and value meal deals, these were the biggest food trends that dominated 2025.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

• Chicken tenders and sweet-and-spicy sauces led trends at fast-food and chain restaurants.
• Value meal deals and nostalgic menus drove fast-food innovation and customer interest.
• Trendy flavors like Dubai chocolate and chicken sandwiches may lose popularity in 2026.

It's been a blockbuster year for chain restaurants.

Fast-food...