As artificial intelligence becomes a must-have for kitchen appliances, it’s reshaping how consumers approach food prep and cooking. Brands at CES 2026 showcased an ecosystem of smart devices, where fridges keep track of their contents and plan recipes or order groceries, while smart cooktops automatically control temperature for flawless results, regardless of skill level. For more, see Food + Tech Trends 25/26.

Building on the dietary support tools we covered at CES 2025, this year’s exhibitors introduced innovations that demystify steps individuals can take to optimise their diets for overall wellbeing. Highlights included devices that detect allergens in foods within minutes, AI-boosted gut microbiome analysis, and nutrition tracking that integrates with wearables for activity-based macro breakdowns.

A perennial favourite of CES exhibitors, tech brands unveiled solutions for customised beverage preparation. Health-oriented machines for infusing water, conversational robotic drink makers, and fermentation-focused brewing devices all help consumers simplify ambitious drink prep at home.

As we explain in Exploring New Coffee Culture, young consumers see coffee as a reflection of their personality – a mentality reflected on the CES show floor with devices for innovative home-brewing techniques and quick on-the-go prep. Cue machines that craft cold brews in minutes, and boutique barista vending machines that can create a large variety of beverages. See our Coffee Sector Outlook 26/27 for more.