Top Food & Drink Innovators Under 30 Reshaping America’s Culinary Scene 2026
The culinary landscape in America is witnessing a dynamic shift, driven by innovative entrepreneurs under 30. The 2026 El-Balad Food & Drink Innovators list showcases a blend of creativity, business acumen, and new ideas in the food industry.
Highlighting Young Visionaries in Food & Drink
This year’s roster features standout entrepreneurs shaping the culinary scene. The list includes brands from diverse sectors, including packaged foods, beverages, and innovative restaurant concepts.
Successful Startups on the Rise
- Sauz: Founded by Troy Bonde (26) and Winston Alfieri (25), Sauz has redefined pasta sauces with its unique flavors like hot honey marinara and creamy Calabrian vodka. Launched in 2023, the brand is predicted to surpass $15 million in annual revenue by 2025.
- Seeq: Ben Zaver (27) and Hannah Perez (28) launched their clear protein powder brand in 2022, achieving instant popularity. With $15 million in revenue already and projected to reach $30 million soon, Seeq focuses on an appealing taste without the traditional chalkiness.
Both brands are remarkable examples of how Gen Z preferences are reshaping the industry, focusing on flavor innovation and cleaner ingredients.
Emerging Trends and Influencers
This year’s list features three AI founders, including Drew Fallon (28) of Iris Finance, along with a variety of creators influencing today’s culinary trends. The food scene also includes exciting entries like Kara Rosenblum (28) of Bar Next Door in Los Angeles and the team behind Utopia Bagels in New York City.
- Notable Innovators:
- Drew Fallon – Iris Finance
- Ben Sharf, Kiernan Derfus, and Michael Keenehan – Platter
- Zach Yadegari, Henry Langmack, and Blake Anderson – Cal AI
- Creatives to Watch:
- Tini Younger – @tiniyounger
- Jack Goldberg – @jacksdiningroom
Commitment to Diversity
This year’s selections reflect a commitment to diversity: 27% of honorees are women, and 21% represent people of color. Importantly, 84% of those on the list are founders, underlining a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
The Selection Process
Compiling the 14th annual list involved rigorous evaluations. Judges included successful chefs and content creators, who sampled products and discussed potential candidates. Notable judges include Chloe Coscarelli and Edy Massih, reinforcing the quality of selection.
To qualify, candidates must be under 30 as of December 31, 2025, and never before recognized in any Under 30 list in North America, Europe, or Asia.
The 2026 El-Balad Food & Drink Innovators list represents the burgeoning talent that will shape America’s culinary future. These entrepreneurs exemplify passion, innovation, and a commitment to quality, setting the standard for what’s to come.
