Report Highlights Consumer Preference Trends Heading Into 2026
Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, has released its first-ever global food trends report, drawing on data from more than 62,000 restaurants across 155 countries. The research highlights a major shift toward personalization and solo dining, especially among younger consumers. Foods like pizza and wings are increasingly designed for one person, reflecting what is alluded to as a “me-first” economy. Solo orders have surged 52% since 2021 and now make up 47% of all quick-service dining occasions, a trend reinforced by industry data showing a sharp rise in single-diner visits.
This rise in solo dining is also changing how people think about value. While affordability still matters, just under two-thirds of consumers define value as “cheap and affordable,” and 47% of value-driven visits happen in the drive-thru. Solo diners are less focused on deals. In fact, 68% skip promotions altogether, and more than half pay between $10 and $30 per visit. Yum’s report suggests that dining alone is increasingly seen as a form of self-care rather than a bargain hunt, giving restaurants room to upsell personalized experiences without sacrificing perceived value.
Another key trend is what Yum describes as “choice therapy,” or the desire to regain a sense of control through small, customizable decisions. Sauces, specialty beverages, and build-your-own meals are becoming more popular and allow customers to tailor orders without feeling overwhelmed. Sauces, in particular, generate excitement and influence restaurant choice, prompting brands like Taco Bell and KFC to expand their sauce offerings and test highly customizable concepts. For younger consumers, especially, food decisions are driven less by logic and more by emotion and a brand’s “vibe” and any enjoyment it delivers.
Gain more insights from the report here.
Orion Sleep Debuts AI-Powered Smart Mattress Cover to Personalize Sleep
Orion Sleep has unveiled its AI-powered Smart Cover, a new sleep technology designed to fit over any standard mattress and intelligently regulate body temperature throughout the night. Using built-in sensors, the system tracks heart rate, breathing, and sleep stages, then continuously adapts cooling and warming to support deeper, more restorative sleep. Dual-zone temperature control allows partners to customize their individual sleep environments without changing the look or feel of their bedroom.
Orion Chief Sleep Officer Dr. Michael Breus said, “Sleep follows the core body temperature cycle, and body temperature is the #1 controllable component of sleep quality. Orion’s smart sleep system helps to balance your body temperature, which should help reduce wakeups, extend deep sleep and REM, and increase overall sleep quality. If there is 1 thing we should do for our longevity, it’s to optimize sleep. That’s why we invented the Orion.”
Orion emphasizes accessibility and personalization from the start. Customers complete an at-home Sleep Optimization Test, and the Smart Cover is delivered pre-programmed to match their natural temperature patterns. The system features a compact design, lower EMF emissions, a wider temperature range, and flexible financing, with pricing starting at $2,295. The smart cover was founded by 25-year-old entrepreneur Harry Gestetner, whose previous company Fanfix was acquired for a reported $65 million. Orion Sleep follows the close of an $18 million seed round backed by Mucker Capital, Browder Capital, and others. Gestetner says the company’s mission is to improve longevity through better sleep.
Watch this Instagram reel as Orion’s Chief Sleep Officer, Dr. Michael Breus, talks about how body temperature is the number one factor in sleep quality.
Spirit Airlines Marks 20 Years of Service to Punta Cana With Special Anniversary Fares
Spirit Airlines is celebrating 20 years of service to Punta Cana, one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular tourist destinations, with limited-time anniversary fares starting at $107 one way, including fees and taxes. The promotional fares are available for booking through December 21, 2025, and are valid for travel between January 13 and March 4, 2026, offering travelers an affordable way to experience the Caribbean getaway. Spirit first launched flights to Punta Cana in 2005 and has continued to strengthen its presence in the market by providing nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale. To meet peak holiday demand, the airline will increase this route to daily service from December 18, 2025, through January 12, 2026.
Spirit Airlines VP of Network Planning, Andrea Lusso, said, “We first landed in Punta Cana 20 years ago and have delivered a great value for travel between the Caribbean island and the United States ever since. Punta Cana’s warm hospitality and beautiful beaches have been a long-time hot spot in our network, and we’re thankful to our airport partners in the Dominican Republic for their continued support over the years.”
To further celebrate the milestone, Spirit’s Free Spirit loyalty program is offering bonus points to members flying to and from Punta Cana, with extra incentives for new sign-ups. Travelers can also save up to 30 percent by bundling flights and hotels through Spirit Vacations.
Learn more about the Free Spirit loyalty program here.
Original Article Links:
Yum Brands trend report shows younger consumers want control of their dining experience
Orion Sleep Launches Next-Gen AI-Powered Smart Mattress Cover Following $18M Seed Raise
Spirit Airlines Celebrates 20 Years in Punta Cana with Special Deals Connecting Travelers to Paradise