Tendencies are powering huge change in meals and beverage.
Simply take a look at the previous 12 months – we’ve seen the rise of JOMO (pleasure of lacking out), the autumn of veganism, and the rise AND fall of Dubai chocolate.
It’s been fairly the 12 months.
So what does 2026 maintain?
A brand new report, revealed by market specialists Innova Market Insights, has recognized the highest ten tendencies set to form the meals and beverage business within the New 12 months and past.
1. Protein
Protein continues to dominate the wellness dialog, and its momentum reveals no indicators of slowing. The hyperlink between protein and total well being is plain, and customers are more and more searching for it in various codecs for various events.
Based on Innova’s meals and beverage tendencies analysis, over half of world customers actively intention to spice up their protein consumption.
Manufacturers are responding with innovation throughout classes. Fairlife leads the cost in dairy-based protein, providing ultra-filtered milk with excessive protein and low sugar, whereas Premier Protein shakes cater to on-the-go existence.
Within the snacking house, Quest Diet and Grenade have carved out sturdy positions with bars that spotlight advantages like muscle restore and restoration.
What’s extra, protein claims have gotten extra nuanced to face out in a crowded market. Messaging round ‘full protein’, ‘important amino acids’, ‘muscle energy’, and ‘muscle constructing’ differentiates merchandise and appeals to focused client wants.
Rising positioning additionally faucets into trending well being considerations. Merchandise that talk advantages comparable to assist for GLP-1 customers or muscle upkeep throughout weight administration are gaining traction.
2. Intestine well being
Customers now view intestine well being as the inspiration for total wellness – impacting not simply digestion, however immunity, vitality, and even pores and skin, hair and muscle well being.
Based on Innova, greater than half of world customers hyperlink intestine well being on to holistic wellbeing. They discover when their digestive system feels balanced, they usually affiliate that with advantages for each physique and thoughts.
Manufacturers are stepping up with merchandise that make intestine well being advantages clear and compelling. Activia continues to steer within the yoghurt class, selling probiotics for digestive consolation, whereas Yakult emphasises its distinctive pressure of Lactobacillus casei Shirota for intestine stability.
In drinks, manufacturers like Well being-Ade Kombucha and Treatment Kombucha spotlight pure fermentation and reside cultures to assist microbiome variety.
3. Indulgence
Indulgence stays an important escape in at this time’s fast-paced, traumatic world. Nevertheless it’s now evolving right into a multi-sensory expertise that goes past style.
Customers are searching for indulgence that creates moments, sparks pleasure, and even helps wellbeing.
Based on Innova’s analysis, indulgent claims on meals and beverage launches are on the rise, interesting to each adventurous customers desirous to discover new flavours and people who crave comforting familiarity.
Thriller flavours, comparable to Oreo’s limited-edition thriller packs, are additionally trending, with customers invited to guess what’s inside, including a component of shock and enjoyable.
On the similar time, heritage-inspired indulgence is prospering. Godiva and Gü Desserts rejoice conventional recipes with premium substances, whereas Cadbury Dairy Milk faucets into nostalgia with traditional chocolate bars that really feel acquainted but comforting.
4. Practical drinks
The purposeful beverage market is booming. Providing greater than refreshment, they ship focused well being advantages in handy codecs.
Based on Innova, beverage innovation leads the wellness house, notably in hydration and purposeful components.
Launch knowledge reveals sturdy progress in merchandise with hydration claims, and customers are embracing drinks that mix indulgence with objective.
Manufacturers are driving this development with artistic options. Vita Coco elevates coconut water with electrolytes for pure hydration, whereas BodyArmor and Gatorade Match supply sports activities drinks enriched with nutritional vitamins and minerals for efficiency and restoration.
Dairy-based drinks stay a powerhouse – Fairlife Core Energy delivers excessive protein for muscle assist, and Yoplait Protein Smoothies is positioned as a wholesome snacks for busy existence.
Plant-based choices are additionally gaining traction. Califia Farms combines almond milk with added calcium for bone well being, and Oatly fortifies oat drinks with nutritional vitamins for total wellness.
5. Genuine plant-based
Plant-based has been a dominant pressure in Innova’s prime meals and beverage tendencies for almost a decade, however its evolution in 2026 marks a significant shift.
The main target is shifting away from mimicking animal proteins and in direction of celebrating the distinctive dietary advantages of vegetation themselves.
Information reveals almost two-thirds of customers imagine plant-based merchandise ought to stand on their very own fairly than function substitutes for meat or dairy. In addition they prioritise protein sources which are pure and minimally processed.
Manufacturers are embracing this authenticity. Banza has redefined pasta with chickpeas, providing excessive protein and fibre, and Barilla Legume Pasta makes use of lentils and peas for a nutrient-rich twist on conventional noodles.
In prepared meals, Candy Earth and Amy’s Kitchen ship plant-forward bowls full of wholegrains, beans, and greens for handy, healthful consuming.
6. Event-based codecs
Meals and beverage innovation is more and more targeted on occasion-based codecs, recognising that buyers need merchandise tailor-made to particular occasions – whether or not it’s a fast snack, a household dinner, or an indulgent deal with.
This development goes past well being advantages to stress comfort, versatility, and expertise.
Manufacturers are getting concerned with good packaging and ranging format selections. Pringles Seize & Go and Type Minis cater to on-the-go snacking with single-serve packs, whereas Pepsi Mini Cans supply portion management for informal refreshment.
For at-home meals, Birds Eye Steamfresh delivers fresh-tasting greens in microwaveable pouches, and Amy’s Kitchen Frozen Bowls present ready-to-heat choices for lunch or dinner.
Resealable packaging can be key for repeat enjoyment. Haribo resealable pouches and Blue Diamond Almonds make it straightforward to snack all through the day.
7. Worth for cash
Worth and affordability stay a prime precedence for customers, with knowledge exhibiting that many patrons are opting for easy, simple meals fairly than premium or experimental choices.
And types have been fast to interact. Aldi and Lidl proceed to win loyalty via aggressive pricing on on a regular basis necessities, whereas Tesco’s “On a regular basis Worth” vary emphasises affordability with out compromising on style.
Birds Eye is selling frozen greens as a cheap solution to preserve vitamin, and Quaker Oats is positions itself as a healthful, budget-friendly breakfast possibility.
8. Cognitive well being
Understanding of the significance of food regimen in supporting psychological well being is rising.
And based on Innova, customers are more and more turning to purposeful substances for advantages like stress reduction, vitality, and mind well being.
Adaptogens and nootropics are driving innovation.
Recess glowing drinks mix ashwagandha and L-theanine for stress reduction, whereas Kin Euphorics blends adaptogens, botanicals, and purposeful mushrooms to advertise temper stability. Equally, Poppi prebiotic sodas add intestine well being advantages that buyers affiliate with improved psychological wellbeing.
9. Traditions
Historical past reveals that folks flip to custom and nostalgia as a supply of consolation throughout occasions of uncertainty. And these are most definitely unsure occasions.
Manufacturers are embracing this development with merchandise that remind customers of easier occasions. Campbell’s Regional Recipe Soups carry flavours impressed by traditional kitchens, whereas Knorr World Recipes showcase genuine seasonings from areas like Tuscany and Provence.
Fermented meals are additionally thriving – Biona Natural Sauerkraut and Clearspring Miso spotlight conventional fermentation strategies utilizing pure, domestically sourced substances.
In bakery, La Brea Bakery emphasises artisanal breadmaking strategies, and Barilla Al Bronzo Pasta makes use of conventional bronze-die extrusion for genuine texture.
Even snacks are tapping into heritage, with Walkers’ Style Icons vary celebrating traditional British dishes in crisp (potato chip) type.
10. Sustainability
Although client give attention to sustainability has declined, it stays a strong gross sales driver in meals and beverage, particularly when it’s tangible, clear, and tied to on a regular basis advantages.
Based on Innova’s analysis, a rising share of customers actively search merchandise that align with their values, from moral sourcing to environmental stewardship.
Manufacturers are responding with initiatives that transcend greenwashing. Ben & Jerry’s champions Fairtrade-certified substances and climate-conscious sourcing, whereas Tony’s Chocolonely is preventing towards slavery in cocoa provide chains.
Espresso manufacturers are setting the bar excessive – Nespresso Reviving Origins helps small-scale farmers and biodiversity, and Lavazza Tierra! emphasises regenerative farming and neighborhood improvement.
Native sourcing can be gaining traction, with Complete Meals Market selling partnerships with regional farms, and Yeo Valley Natural highlighting its British dairy roots.
Meals and beverage in 2026
From powerhouse protein to justified selections, these tendencies reveal a meals and beverage business that’s extra dynamic, and extra consumer-driven, than ever.
Well being, sustainability, indulgence, and authenticity are not optionally available, they’re important pillars shaping innovation in 2026.
Manufacturers that succeed will probably be those who pay attention carefully to client priorities and ship merchandise which are each purposeful and fulfilling.
