National Restaurant Association Show Honors 28 Products with 2026 FABI Awards

CHICAGO (March 18, 2026) — The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® has named 28 recipients of its 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards, including 10 earning the FABI Favorites distinction, the program's highest honor. This year's selections span bold flavor profiles, allergen-free alternatives, organic ingredients, and versatile formats designed to simplify preparation and strengthen menus. All award-winning products will be on display at the Show, May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“The FABI Awards have spent 15 years putting the spotlight on suppliers who are doing the hard work of developing products that genuinely move menus forward,” said Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “This year's recipients bring real flavor credentials and operational practicality. That combination is exactly what operators need when they're looking to add something new and make it work in their kitchens.”

The FABI Awards acknowledge food and beverage products that help restaurant operators refresh menus, meet shifting consumer demand, and stay competitive. An independent panel of judges representing major industry brands including Wendy's, Aramark, and California Pizza Kitchen evaluates submissions on taste, menu relevance, operational practicality, and profitability potential.

“The FABI awards are a unique opportunity for [food and beverage] manufacturers of all sizes to show their innovative ideas and have a panel of judges [evaluate] what opportunities they present to the foodservice industry,” said Farley Kaiser, Senior Director of Culinary Innovation, McLane Company. “There's a flavor component, absolutely, but we also want to see the value operationally… what creates opportunities for back-of-the-house efficiencies and cost savings.”

Among the 2026 recipients, 10 products earned the FABI Favorites designation, introduced in 2023 to recognize the entries judges identified as having the broadest impact on restaurant menus and the industry. These standout selections demonstrate exceptional flavor, versatility, and operational efficiency, earning the program's highest distinction. They will be featured in dedicated tastings and a culinary demonstration at the Show.

THE 2026 FABI AWARDEES ARE:

FABI FAVORITES
Dairy Free Single-Serve Cream Cheese
Daiya Foods Inc.
Introducing Daiya’s Dairy Free Single-Serve Cream Cheese packets. Convenient 1 oz portions are ideal for bagels, breakfast bars, and grab-and-go service. Rich and creamy, each packet features the Daiya Oat Cream™ Blend, delivering smooth texture and easy spreading without the dairy compromise.

Original egglife EGG WHITE WRAPS
Egglife Foods, Inc.
Original egglife EGG WHITE WRAPS are protein-packed, low-carb wraps made from egg whites instead of flour. With 11g of protein, just 1g of carbs, and 50 calories per serving, they offer a versatile, gluten-free carrier for modern foodservice menus across dayparts.

Elote Butter
Epicurean Butter
Elote Butter combines the bold, smoky flavor of chipotle peppers with cheese, creamy butter, and fresh lime. Offered in various foodservice formats, it enhances corn, proteins, and other sides while simplifying preparation, making it a versatile and timesaving choice for professional kitchens.

Perfect Kebabs™ Halal Beef Kefta Links
Grecian Delight Kronos
Perfect Kebabs™ Halal Beef Kefta Links are fully cooked 3-oz. beef links seasoned with traditional Mediterranean spices. Made with Halal-certified beef and no artificial ingredients, they deliver authentic flavor, a handcrafted appearance, and ready-to-heat convenience—helping operators reduce labor while expanding globally inspired menu offerings.

Churro Chata Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwich
Klimon
KLIMON is transforming the nostalgic, global flavors of warm cinnamon churros and silky-smooth horchata. Decadent horchata-flavored dairy-free ice cream sits between two soft, chewy cookies for indulgence in every bite, exciting Gen Z and Millennials while helping operators drive traffic, increase attach rates, and boost dessert margins with minimal prep.

Mini Waffle
Overseas Food Trading
The Mini Waffle box (160g / 5.64oz) contains approximately 26 traditional Belgian butter waffles. These golden bite-sized treats are perfect for any moment, crafted with real butter for a soft, indulgent texture. Lightly sweet and baked with care, they're ready to eat straight from the box.

Maple Granules
Roland Foods
Roland® Maple Granules are made from 100% dried Grade A Canadian maple syrup and offer a golden-brown, pebble-like texture. Kosher and gluten-free, this natural sweetener enhances sweet or savory dishes. They are perfect on oatmeal, ice cream, parfaits, and baked goods, as a crunchy coating for proteins, or as a maple-sweet cocktail rim.

Calabrian Truffle Crunch
Sabatino Truffles
From the truffle experts at Sabatino comes Calabrian Truffle Crunch— a crave-worthy twist on the global chili crisp trend, reimagined with Mediterranean soul. Made with crispy garlic, chili flakes, rich olive oil, and real black truffle, it delivers bold flavor, texture, and just the right amount of heat.

Plum Gochu Syrup
The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley
The Perfect Purée Plum Gochu Syrup is a bold fusion of fresh plum and savory gochu flavors, crafted with real plum juice and natural ingredients. Use as base for sauces, vinaigrettes and glazes as well as cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. It is non-GMO certified, Kosher certified, vegan and gluten-free.

Citrus Ginger Organic Craft Haymaker
Tractor Beverage Co.
A lightly sparkling beverage crafted entirely with certified organic ingredients including apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon, and molasses. Inspired by the traditional farmer’s tonic known as switchel, bright citrus meets warming ginger spice. Each 12 oz can contains 1 Tbsp organic ACV, 25 calories, and 5g total sugar.

FABI AWARDEES
Fred's Salt & Vinegar Cheese Curds
Ajinomoto Foods North America
Fred’s Salt & Vinegar Cheese Curds are made with Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds, delivering bold, craveable flavor with tangy vinegar and a satisfying salt crunch. Naturally shaped for a back-of-house made appearance, they offer easy preparation and consistent, reliable performance operators can count on every service.

Tiramisu Cheesecake-Style Danish
Bridor USA
This danish captures the perfect tiramisu flavor with a warm, comforting home-style coffee filling paired with sweet cream cheese. Enjoy a delicious balance of rich coffee notes and velvety cream cheese, all wrapped in pure butter dough for a perfectly flaky pastry.

Moroccan Spice Cubes
Chunk Foods
The Moroccan Spice Cubes deliver bold, aromatic flavor inspired by classic North African spices. Each cube offers a tender, meaty bite with cumin, paprika, garlic, and warm chili. They perform consistently and are perfect for bowls, wraps, salads, skewers, or hearty tagines. Clean-label, high in protein, and low in carbs for easy, everyday cooking.

Roth Shredded 3 Chile Pepper Gouda
Emmi Roth
A colorful trio of chipotle, habanero, and jalapeño peppers add a south-of-the-border twist to this award-winning cheese. Roth 3 Chile Pepper Gouda boasts more smoke than spice, which is balanced by a soft, buttery texture for depth. Pre-shredded to reduce prep time and ensure melt performance.

Hibiscus Flower Beverage Concentrate
Gordian
Hibiscus Flower Beverage Concentrate is a preservative-free, no-added-sugar concentrate made from hibiscus flowers. Designed for beverage applications, it delivers vibrant color and a naturally tart flavor when diluted for aguas frescas, teas, lemonades, or cocktails, offering operators consistency, versatility, and reduced preparation time.

Bang Bang Shrimp
Gourmet Culinary Partners
Succulent tail-on shrimp complemented by a signature creamy Bang Bang sauce, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and rich flavor. Delicately hand-rolled in a light, flaky spring roll wrapper and cooked until perfectly golden and crunchy, they are best served with a garnish of fresh green onions or cilantro.

Dubai Chocolate Phyllo Triangle
Gourmet Culinary Partners
The Dubai Chocolate Phyllo Triangle features a vibrant, decadent mix of pistachio cream, toasted kataifi and semi-sweet chocolate, hand folded in crisp buttery phyllo pastry.

Creamy Feta Dip
Grecian Delight Kronos
Creamy Feta Dip by Grecian Delight | Kronos blends feta cheese, caramelized onions, garlic, and signature spices into a smooth, tangy Mediterranean sauce. Ready to use and highly versatile, it performs as a dressing, dip, or spread—helping foodservice operators simplify preparation while adding bold, craveable flavor.

Garden Feta Dip
Grecian Delight Kronos
Garden Feta Dip by Grecian Delight | Kronos blends creamy feta cheese with roasted red peppers, green onions, carrots, herbs, and spices for a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavor. Ready to use and highly versatile, it enhances sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps, bowls, and appetizers while simplifying preparation for foodservice operators.

iHOLA® Churros Birthday Cake Filled Churro Bites
J & J Snack Foods Corp.
Introducing Birthday Cake Filled Churro Bites—the ultimate party in a bite sized treat! These golden, crispy churros burst with creamy birthday cake filling and confetti cinnamon sugar. With no artificial colors or flavors, they’re a festive, fun addition that brings a little extra celebration to any menu.

Smoked Duck Breast
Juicybite
Authentic Korean-Style Smoked Duck delivers rich, rustic flavor without gaminess, seasoned with traditional Korean spices and naturally smoked over hickory wood. Pre-sliced into uniform 8 mm cuts and packed in convenient 6-oz single-serve portions, it ensures consistent quality, faster prep, and easy execution across a wide range of menu applications.

Beetroot Habanero Sauce
Querendona
Querendona’s Beetroot Habanero Sauce combines the natural sweetness of beetroot with the bright heat of habanero peppers to create a vibrant, naturally colored sauce. Its bold flavor and striking magenta hue bring visual impact and balanced heat to tacos, proteins, vegetables, sandwiches, and creative menu applications across modern kitchens.

Garlic Confit
Roland Foods
Roland® Garlic Confit is slow‑cooked for rich, complex flavor and comes in a convenient resealable pouch, saving hours of prep. Its buttery, slightly sweet taste elevates sauces, dressings, toast, and crostini. Use whole cloves on focaccia or boards, and cook with the infused oil to reduce waste.

Gluten-Free Crispy Garlic Chips
Roland Foods
Roland® Gluten-Free Crispy Garlic Chips are thin, crunchy, and rich in umami flavor. Lightly fried in sunflower oil and packed in a resealable bag, they easily enhance dishes. Sprinkle on noodles, pasta, salads, or soups for extra aroma, texture, and depth.

Tropics Soft Serve & Ice Cream Mix
Sunny Sky Products
Tropics Soft Serve & Ice Cream Mixes are aseptically packaged and perfect for food service, delivering exceptional quality and taste with every serving. Made with real dairy and real sugar, this premium line of high-quality soft serve and ice cream mixes is shelf-stable and is undeniably smooth and delicious.

Apricot Peach Organic Craft Haymaker
Tractor Beverage Co.
A lightly sparkling beverage crafted entirely with certified organic ingredients including apple cider vinegar, ginger, tree-ripened apricot and peach, and molasses. Inspired by the traditional farmer’s tonic known as switchel, smooth orchard fruit meets gentle ginger warmth. Each 12 oz can contains 1 Tbsp organic ACV, 25 calories, and 5g total sugar.

DragonBerry Organic Craft Haymaker
Tractor Beverage Co.
A lightly sparkling beverage crafted entirely with certified organic ingredients including apple cider vinegar, ginger, dragon fruit, berry, and molasses. Inspired by the traditional farmer’s tonic known as switchel, vibrant berry flavor meets subtle ginger spice. Each 12 oz can contains 1 Tbsp organic ACV, 25 calories, and 5g total sugar.

PassionMango Organic Craft Haymaker
Tractor Beverage Co.
A lightly sparkling beverage crafted entirely with certified organic ingredients including apple cider vinegar, ginger, mango, passionfruit, and molasses. Inspired by the traditional farmer’s tonic known as switchel, bright tropical fruit meets refreshing acidity. Each 12 oz can contains 1 Tbsp organic ACV, 30 calories, and 5g total sugar.

The 2026 FABI Award recipients will be showcased on the Show floor through tastings and culinary demonstrations at The Culinary Experience, sponsored by CJ Schwan’s and located in McCormick Place's Lakeside building. Attendees can taste this year's selections firsthand, with dedicated sessions for both FABI Award recipients and FABI Favorites.

• Culinary Demo: "Cooking Up Menu Magic with Award-Winning FABI Favorites": Monday, May 18, 10:00–10:45 a.m.
• FABI Favorites Tasting: Monday, May 18, 10:45–11:45 a.m.
• FABI Awardees Tasting: Saturday, May 16, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
• FABI Awardees Tasting: Sunday, May 17, 1:15–2:45 p.m.

For a full schedule of FABI programming, click here.

For more information on the FABI Awards or to register for the Show, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com.

About The National Restaurant Association Show
Awarded by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand winner of the largest trade show managed by an independent organizer, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere's most influential foodservice event showcasing industry innovations and trends. Each year (starting in 1919), the Show brings together restaurant operators and foodservice professionals for four days of celebrity-led demos, exhibits, sampling, education, and networking. The Show unites a global community and enables exploration of the latest advancements in food, beverage, equipment, technology, and solutions driving the industry forward. The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for more information.

About Informa
Informa is a leading international B2B markets, live and on-demand events and digital services group. They connect businesses and professionals in 30+ industries with the knowledge they need to learn more, know more, and do more. Informa has hundreds of global brands, products, and services and employs 11,000 employees in ~30 countries worldwide. Informa Connect is a content-led, live and on-demand experiences business that connects professionals with knowledge, ideas, and opportunities. Informa Connect, a community of over 1,000 colleagues globally, offers connection through events, media, and research. They service a number of different industries including Foodservice, Finance, BioTech and Pharma, Pop Culture, Marketing, Law, Energy, HR, Sustainability, and Construction. Visit www.informaconnect.com for more information.

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