the comfort comeback:
why 2026 is the year of food that feels good

2026 called. It wants its air fryer back and its comfort food on repeat.

After years of kale supremacy and “what not to eat” lists, the world has decided that maybe, just maybe, joy belongs on the menu again. And you know what? We’re ordering seconds.

In 2026, we’re not chasing abs; we’re chasing the taste of our childhood kitchen, the smell of something baked, and the sound of someone asking “so... dessert?”. The new IG highlight? The moment you stop checking macros because you’re too busy licking the spoon.

This year, comfort isn’t a guilty pleasure. It’s a worldwide rebrand.

why comfort food
is trending again?

But comfort isn’t just about flavour. It’s how we self-soothe without doomscrolling.

In Italy, homemade pasta is back in rotation.
In Japan, people are posting soup like it’s skincare.
In the U.S., “grandma-core” cooking just dethroned green juice.

We’re allowed to call this collective therapy, right? Group hug!

the new
definition of “comfort”

The new comfort food doesn’t whisper “oooh, you’re having a cheat day!!”. It shouts: “honeeey, welcome home”.

This era of comfort is less about overeating and more about under-pressuring ourselves.

why bread is back at
the centre of the table

If 2020 was the year of “learn how to bake”, 2026 is the year of “bringing bread back”.
But not just any bread, but the one that aligns with how people actually live now: inclusive, mindful, and better for everyone at the table. Across Europe and beyond, gluten-free bread has become proof that comfort can evolve without losing flavour. At Schär, we’ve been saying it all along: every slice deserves to feel like home, no matter your dietary needs.

comfort
is also multilingual

Every culture has a carb that makes bad days better:

France: bread with butter & jam
India: bowls of dal and rice
Nordics: rye bread with cheese

Wherever you go, comfort food speaks the same emotional language (and it’s fluent in gluten-free too).

the science
of feeling good?

There’s actual chemistry behind the comfort:

Warm food releases serotonin and dopamine.
Fermented food (like sourdough) keeps your gut and mood in sync.
Shared meals reduce stress and remind you that your group chat isn’t your only community.

how to bring
comfort back

Recreate your childhood favourites using Schär gluten-free flours and breads.
Cook slow. This is your “me time”.
Share it. Comfort doubles when someone else steals a bite.
Keep a list of feel-good meals, the ones that make you exhale after the first bite. Update as needed.

quick FAQs

Q: Is comfort food always unhealthy?
A: Nope. True comfort comes from nourishment, not excess. It’s about balance and satisfaction.

Q: Can gluten-free food be comforting?
A: Obviously. Warm bread > warm affirmations. Our loaves prove you can have both.

Q: What are examples of gluten-free comfort dishes?
A: Homemade lasagna, sourdough sandwiches, rich soups with crusty bread... sorry, we could go on, but we’re hungry already.

Q: Why are people talking about comfort food in 2026?
A: Because culture is shifting from restriction to restoration. Comfort food fits perfectly into the “feel-good” era.