Food Network has announced its 2026 Hot List, comprised of 11 notable chefs and culinary content creators, including Nick DiGiovanni, Lorenzo Espada, and Tini Younger.
The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable channel defines the list as a set of honorees who bring “a unique culinary perspective and a passion that inspires food lovers around the world.”
The 2026 Food Network Hot List includes chef and former children’s cooking competition contestant Alessandra Ciuffo, chef and MasterChef finalist DiGiovanni, self-taught chef and cookbook author Lorenzo Espada, award-winning BBQ pitmaster and motivational speaker Rashad Jones, restaurant Business owner and New York Times bestselling author Henry “Salt Hank” Laporte, baker and blogger Zoha Malik, chef and food researcher Michael Chao, chef and New York Times bestselling author Cathy Yan, chef and social advocate Tini Younger, and chefs and partners Haley Catalano and Chuck Crews.
Food Network labels Hot List members as noteworthy both for having a combined social following of more than 90 million people and for “making an impact far beyond the food they produce,” including efforts like fighting childhood hunger, and for “driving meaningful change for the better.”
Starting Sunday, Food Network will spotlight one member of the 2026 list across its social platforms, offering original videos, expert “hot tips,” favorite recipes and exclusive Q&As.
“Each year, we look forward to unveiling the Food Network Hot List, introducing fans to the standout talent making waves in the culinary world and reminding them how food brings communities together,” said Karen Bronzo, Chief Global Marketing Officer, U.S. Networks and News, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Due to the strength of the Food Network brand and dynamic content from these chefs and creators, Hot List is also an impactful marketing tool, generating 34 million impressions in a viral campaign last year.”
