Trends shaping nutrition in 2026

FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in protein and prebiotics, has launched its sixth annual trends report, spotlighting the food and nutrition trends influencing what ends up in consumers’ baskets. Curated as an essential guide for innovation leaders, the latest edition combines valuable insights, fresh research and application expertise to help brands anticipate evolving consumer needs and translate trends into actionable innovation strategies for the year ahead.

2026: The year of accessible nutrition

“2026 marks a turning point for the nutrition landscape, ushering in a new era of more accessible health. Technology and knowledge-sharing are breaking down barriers, sparking the rise of personalized, accessible nutrition for all,” says Floor van de Horst, Global Marketing Director, Performance and Active Nutrition. “Supported by AI and social media, consumers can discover and shop tailored nutrition solutions more easily than ever. But with greater accessibility comes greater expectations – 2026’s most successful brands will combine science, technology, and innovation to deliver trusted, effective components of consumers’ everyday wellness routines.”

Against this backdrop of rapidly evolving consumer needs and expectations, brands must keep pace with how consumers discover, approach, and benefit from nutrition. FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ trends magazine aims to address this challenge, highlighting five key trends shaping nutrition in 2026, including:

Protein and its new crew

The protein realm is set to continue expanding – with novel treats, ready meals and drinks taking up increasing shelf space. But in 2026, protein fortification is just the baseline. To stand out, brands need to look beyond fortifying with just this powerhouse nutrient alone. In fact, 50% of Gen Z and Millennial consumers are already seeking functional foods enriched with not only protein, but also fibre and other ingredients for gut health benefits.[1]

Cravings under control

GLP-1s are reshaping the health and nutrition market – unlocking new innovation opportunities for companion products. From craving-curbing snacks to nutritional support solutions, GLP-1 users are seeking convenient products that support their weight management journey by delivering essential nutrients in on-the-go formats.

Nutrition that evolves with you  

As focus shifts from lifespan to healthspan, consumers recognize that incorporating long-term wellness is built on healthy everyday habits. 2026 is all about small, sustainable nutrition choices rather than radical diet changes, with convenient, functional products – such as fortified, nutrient-rich yoghurts – fitting seamlessly into daily routines. 

The fiber frontier

Fiber is making a fresh comeback; no longer confined to cereal aisles, today it’s a social media health hero. In 2026, consumers are looking to ‘fiber-maxx’ – meet or exceed their daily fiber goals – with multifunctional products in fun formats. With 20% of consumers aiming to increase their fiber intake,[2] the fiber frenzy presents a significant opportunity for nutrition brands.

Soft drinks, hard benefits

Hydration has evolved from a basic necessity into a wellness opportunity, driving functional drinks innovation in 2026. But with 70% of consumers not always feeling fully hydrated,[3] it’s time to add more to beverages. Benefits like enhanced focus, digestive support and immunity boosts are set to transform the category, fueling the global functional drinks market’s projected 8.9% CAGR for 2025-2030.[4]

“As scientific understanding, regulation and consumer priorities continue to evolve, navigating the nutrition world has never been more complex,” says Floor van de Horst. “With our 2026 nutrition trends magazine, we’re aiming to help nutrition brands stay ahead in a dynamic landscape. By combining science-led insights and market analysis, our specialists support brands in translating emerging trends into meaningful innovation – backed by unparalleled application expertise – to help consumers get the most out of life.”

To learn more about the key forces reshaping nutrition in 2026, click here.