Buffets make huge comeback as Americans search for…
As Americans tighten budgets and expertise menu price fatigue, some are heading to a acquainted, reasonably priced option: buffets.
Last yr, Yelp launched its 2026 Trends Forecast and discovered that searches for “all-you-can-eat buffet near me” surged 252%.
The data was gathered between September 2024 and August 2025, in contrast to the earlier yr — and it’s not just conventional buffets growing in recognition.
Asian delicacies drives “much of this [buffet] revival,” according to Yelp.
“Searches for ‘Indian food buffet near me’ have jumped dramatically (up 459%), along with classic dishes like biryani chicken (up 49%),” the report said.
But do buffets truly save people money?
And what do they do to our waistlines?
Why buffets make financial sense
The curiosity in buffets ties immediately to inflation, “training America to hunt for value again,” said Ted Jenkin, a managing accomplice at the wealth management firm Exit Wealth Advisors in Georgia.
“When eggs are five bucks and burgers are $20, unlimited food for one flat price starts to feel like financial genius,” he added.
People are served food at the A.Y.C.E Buffet in the Palms resort-casino on Jan. 28, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. AP
An individual serves lobster tails at the A.Y.C.E Buffet in the Palms resort-casino on Jan. 28, 2026, in Las Vegas. AP
Buffet eating places present “tremendous” worth, Jenkin said — particularly to households struggling to make ends meet.
“When restaurants quietly cut portion sizes but raise prices, consumers notice. At a buffet, nobody’s counting your fries and fried chicken — and that’s exactly the appeal.”
How to eat correctly at a buffet
An excellent rule of thumb for buffet eating is to fill half your plate with greens, said Whitney Stuart, dietitian and proprietor of Whitness Nutrition.
The Texas-based skilled really helpful making a quarter of your plate protein, while the other quarter may very well be whatever retains you glad.
“Research consistently shows that starting with lean protein and fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, increases levels of satiety hormones like GLP-1 and PYY,” Stuart said.
“This helps people naturally consume fewer calories, [and] this strategy can prevent repeated trips to the buffet, which often leads to increased intake without added satisfaction.”
Other key guidelines are to cut back on liquid calories — focus on water — and eat slowly to permit your gut-brain connection to register a satiety signal, Stuart said.
“Being selective rather than sampling everything can help reduce mindless overeating,” she added.
An individual picks out dessert at the A.Y.C.E Buffet in the Palms resort-casino on Jan. 28, 2026, in Las Vegas. AP
“Remember, dessert doesn’t have to be automatic.”
Buffets don’t trigger weight gain — senseless eating does, Stuart harassed.
“A protein- and fiber-first approach enables people to enjoy buffets while supporting blood sugar, digestion and overall health,” she concluded.
Consumers ought to also be cautious of sauces, suggested Alon Laniado, founder of the weight loss platform Fitmate Coach.
Sauces “are often where calories add up quickly,” the California-based skilled told Fox News Digital.
“Buffets that allow customization — such as hot pot or soup-based setups — give diners more control, letting them choose lighter broths, limit added oils and rely more on spices and herbs for flavor.”
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