2026 Trends You Won’t Believe What People Are Searching for on Yelp

Key Concepts

• Banana Matcha: A rapidly growing beverage trend combining banana pudding and matcha flavors.
• Grandma Hobbies: Traditional crafts like crocheting, sewing, and scrapbooking experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE): Increased consumer interest in AYCE dining, particularly Korean BBQ, hot pot, and dim sum, driven by value and social interaction.
• Intentional Wellness: A shift towards mindful and comforting activities for well-being, including hobbies and social gatherings.
• Value Shopping: Consumers seeking ways to stretch their budgets while still prioritizing experiences and supporting local businesses.
• Men’s Toupees: A surprising surge in searches for men’s hair restoration solutions, specifically toupees, driven by advancements in technology and social media visibility.

Yelp’s 2026 Trend Forecast: Reconnection, Wellness, and Value

This discussion with Tar Lewis, VP of Community Expansion and Trends at Yelp, focuses on key consumer trends identified in Yelp’s annual trend report, with a particular emphasis on what’s anticipated for 2026. The overarching theme is a desire for reconnection, calm, and intentional experiences, even amidst economic pressures.

Food & Beverage Trends: The Rise of Banana Matcha & All-You-Can-Eat

The most striking food trend highlighted is the explosive growth in searches for banana matcha. Searches have increased by a remarkable 36,000% year-over-year on Yelp, fueled by viral social media attention and the popularity of banana pudding (particularly from Magnolia Bakery) combined with the ongoing “renaissance” of matcha. Beyond the specific banana pudding matcha latte, general searches for banana matcha are up over 4,000% this month alone. Lewis notes the broader resurgence of matcha, tracing its roots back to traditional 10th-century uses while also acknowledging its current status as a lifestyle trend, with variations like ube matcha and guava matcha gaining traction.

Another significant trend is the dramatic increase in searches for all-you-can-eat (AYCE) dining options. Overall searches for AYCE buffets are up over 250%, with specific increases in Korean hot pot, Korean barbecue, dim sum, sushi, and Indian buffets. This is attributed to a combination of factors: inflation driving value-seeking behavior, the range of price points available within the AYCE category (from luxury to affordable), and the interactive, social aspect of these dining experiences.

Wellness & Lifestyle: Embracing “Grandma Hobbies”

Yelp’s data reveals a growing trend of people embracing what Lewis terms “grandma hobbies” – traditionally older-generation activities like fabric stores, scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, and toughing classes. Searches for these activities are increasing as individuals seek intentional, mindful activities as a counterpoint to “doom scrolling” and the stresses of modern life. These hobbies offer a tangible result and a sense of comfort. This trend builds on previous observations of “dopamine boosting hobbies” focused on feeling good and nostalgic. While demographic data isn’t specifically broken out, the trend represents a broader movement towards intentionality and well-being.

The Experience Economy & Value Shopping

Lewis addresses the current economic climate and its impact on consumer behavior. While consumers remain mindful of their budgets, they continue to prioritize experiences and supporting local businesses. Instead of expensive adventures, people are opting for more affordable social activities like majong nights (searches up over 4,000%) and dance classes. Even in traditionally higher-priced areas like golf, people are seeking more accessible entry points, such as beginner golf, intermediate golf, and nine-hole golf courses. This demonstrates a desire to participate in the “experience economy” while adapting to financial constraints. The focus is on finding new access points to embrace activities that are normally typically coming in a higher price point.

Unexpected Trends: The Rise of Men’s Toupees

Perhaps the most surprising trend identified in the report is the 700% increase in searches for men’s toupees. This is part of a broader surge in interest in hair restoration, including searches for stem cell treatments, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, and surgical transplants. Lewis notes that modern toupees are significantly more advanced and undetectable than previous iterations, and their popularity is being driven by social media visibility. This trend aligns with a broader consumer interest in health and wellness, including beauty and self-care.

Connecting the Dots: A Synthesis

Yelp’s 2026 trend forecast paints a picture of consumers seeking connection, comfort, and value in a changing world. The trends identified – from the viral appeal of banana matcha to the resurgence of “grandma hobbies” and the surprising popularity of men’s toupees – all reflect a desire for intentional experiences, mindful activities, and accessible ways to enhance well-being. Even amidst economic uncertainty, consumers are prioritizing experiences and finding creative ways to stretch their budgets while still enjoying life. As Tar Lewis stated, people are “looking for new ways to to look great and love their hair,” and this sentiment encapsulates the broader theme of self-care and intentional living driving these trends.