Sustainability and ethical sourcing are set to have a significant influence on the UK restaurant sector this year, with four fifths of restaurant owners planning to focus on these areas, according to an industry survey by Toast.
The hospitality technology firm surveyed 400 restaurant owners across the UK, and found that ‘local and sustainable sourcing’ was set to be the most influential consumer trend shaping restaurant menus in 2026, cited by 34% of operators.
This ranks ahead of trends such as ‘value-for-money comfort foods’ (26%), ‘functional or health-driven foods‘ (21%) and ‘global fusion and diverse cuisines’ (18%).
The survey also suggests that some consumers would be willing to pay a ‘sustainability premium’ of as much as 10%, to ensure that the food on their plates was sustainably sourced.
As a result, 2026 could see an acceleration of eco-friendly trends such as reducing food waste, shortening supply chains, and the creation of seasonal menus that reflect the produce available at different times of the year.
‘Vital issues’
“It’s very heartening to see how seriously the UK restaurant industry is taking vital issues like sustainability and local sourcing of ingredients,” commented Chris Maillard, editor of Expert Market, which conducted the survey alongside Toast. “Far-sighted chefs and proprietors have long championed the excellent produce we have in this country, and even in today’s tough times they’re sticking to their principles.”
According to the survey, just 20% of UK restaurant owners say they won’t be focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing in 2026.
The survey was undertaken in October and November 2025 through the survey platform Pollfish. Respondents were not made aware that Toast was fielding the study. Read more here.
