2025 was a busy year in the food and nutrition space! As December winds down, we’re looking back at the biggest trends of the year and forecasting what we can expect in 2026.
Here’s what we have our eyes on as we head into the new year.
📱Acceleration of personalized nutrition and AI
2025 brought monumental advancements in AI. For health and nutrition, that meant even greater shifts towards proactive, personalized digital tools that offer continuous support. AI-powered personalization will reshape food choices and nutrition storytelling, pushing for more tailored choices and clearer guidance that meet precise individual needs.
🍽️Ultraprocessed foods (UPF) in focus
Research continues to examine the connections between UPF consumption and health outcomes, while global expert groups and regulators develop definitions and labeling standards. In 2026, expect more global regulatory momentum, sharper scrutiny of ingredients and processing, greater pressure to simplify formulations, and stronger consumer demand for transparency.
💉GLP-1 inspired nutrition
GLP-1s are here to stay, evolving from niche diabetes treatments to widely adopted weight-management tools reshaping the health and nutrition landscape. As interest grows, expect steady demand for GLP-1-compatable nutrition solutions – nutrient density, fiber, protein, hydration, and portion guidance – that support satiety and muscle maintenance for both those on the medication and those seeking similar benefits.
🥘Protein-fiber power couple
Protein remains the star macronutrient, and 2025 brought the rise of “fibermaxxing” as consumers look to boost fiber in meals and snacks. In 2026, expect growing interest in foods and beverages that deliver both nutrients together, with a focus on convenient options that support digestive wellness, balanced energy, and busy on-the-go lifestyles.
🧈The fat debate heats up
Dietary guidance favors unsaturated fats and advises limiting saturated fat, but public debate around fat – from seed oils to beef tallow – is intensifying. In 2026, expect heightened attention to fat quality as the next Dietary Guidelines for Americans revisit long-standing saturated fat recommendations.