Wine Spectator has honored more than 4,000 restaurants worldwide in its 2026 Restaurant Awards, highlighting trends such as diners prioritizing quality, exploring emerging regions and preferring lighter wine styles. The awards are categorized into the Award of Excellence, which was earned by 2,083 restaurants, the Best of Award of Excellence, which was earned by 1,830, and the Grand Award, which was earned by 99. New Grand Award winners this year are Berria Wine Bar in Madrid and Caruso's in Montecito, Calif.

Attendees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are encountering high concession prices, with beer prices frequently exceeding $20. Some unique culinary offerings include a $75 caviar-topped tray of tater tots in Miami, a $40 empanada in Miami, and rib-eye tacos for $8 in Guadalajara, Mexico. However, Atlanta has kept concession prices low, with pizza slices for $3 and beers for $8.

The American Farm Bureau Federation's Summer Cookout Cost Survey shows that the cost of a Fourth of July cookout has increased by 4% this year, with the total cost for 10 people reaching $73.82. The increase is in line with overall inflation, which rose 4.2% over the past year. The most significant price hikes are for ground beef, pork chops and strawberries, while potato salad and potato chips have decreased in price. The West is the most expensive region for cookouts, averaging $80 for 10 people. Despite higher grocery prices, farmers receive less than 6 cents of every food dollar, with most costs going to processing, packaging and transportation.

Registered dietitian Nichole Dandrea-Russert promotes a plant-based diet by advocating layering, which involves gradually adding grains, vegetables, beans, seeds and herbs to existing meals rather than eliminating food groups. Dandrea-Russert says this approach can improve nutrition without drastic dietary changes.

Cancoillotte, a 2,000-year-old cheese from eastern France, has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years thanks to influencers like Johan Papz and itscindyoff on TikTok. Known for its low fat and high protein content, cancoillotte has seen a 25% increase in demand, leading to shortages in stores.

The CDC, FDA and USDA have introduced a framework to classify and monitor bacterial strains that cause foodborne illnesses over extended periods. Published in Food Microbiology, the framework categorizes strains as recurring, emerging or persisting based on illness patterns. The study highlights the role of whole-genome sequencing in identifying these strains and presents case studies, such as E. coli O157:H7 linked to romaine lettuce and Salmonella Infantis from raw chicken.

Google's inaugural Summergeist report reveals the most-searched food and drink trends of summer 2026, highlighting a shift away from classic staples toward inventive beverages and globally inspired flavors. The report notes surging interest in drinks like hojicha lattes, horchata, and chilled einspänner coffee, as well as a continued fascination with spritz cocktails such as Aperol and Hugo. On the food front, fiber-rich recipes and black sesame desserts are gaining traction, with unique products like Spam dogs piquing curiosity.