Year-round barbecue culture fuels demand for value cuts and smoke-forward flavors

In celebration of National Barbecue Month, PS Seasoning is releasing its 2026 Barbecue Trends Report, revealing how outdoor cooking has evolved from a seasonal pastime into a year-round culinary experience. The report highlights the trends reshaping modern barbecue culture, from smoke-forward cooking and globally inspired flavors to value-driven versatility and adventurous sweet-heat combinations. The findings combine insights from the company’s annual flavor forecast with a Q1 consumer survey of nearly 200 barbecue enthusiasts and backyard pitmasters nationwide.

Year-round barbecue culture fuels demand for value cuts and smoke-forward flavors. In celebration of National Barbecue Month, PS Seasoning is releasing its 2026 Barbecue Trends Report, revealing how outdoor cooking has evolved from a seasonal pastime into a year-round culinary experience. The report highlights the trends reshaping modern barbecue culture, from smoke-forward cooking and globally inspired flavors to value-driven versatility and adventurous sweet-heat combinations. The findings combine insights from the company’s annual flavor forecast with a Q1 consumer survey of nearly 200 barbecue enthusiasts and backyard pitmasters nationwide. Yash Burgula, director of innovation and development at PS Seasoning, said barbecue has evolved far beyond summer grilling. “Consumers are building entire outdoor cooking experiences around the gri...