Food industry trends for 2026 and beyond 

These ongoing shifts are redefining how we grow, prepare and enjoy what we eat.

By embracing new food trends, you can strengthen your business’s position in the market by offering fresh solutions that cater to today’s increasingly conscious consumers.

In this post, we’ll explore six game-changing food trends — from sustainable packaging to rising demand for locally sourced products — equipping you to make informed decisions and stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.

TL;DR: Food industry trends in 2026

The future of food is being shaped by sustainability, innovation and changing consumer values as shoppers prioritize health, transparency and convenience.

• Plant-based and lab-grown meat: Meat alternatives go mainstream, appealing to flexitarians and omnivores alike.
• Sustainable packaging: Eco-friendly and biodegradable materials replace single-use plastics.
• Rise of pantry staples: Longer shelf life and affordable options meet home-cooking habits.
• Nutrient-dense foods: “Food as medicine” drives growth in functional and nutraceutical products.
• Locally sourced produce: Consumers demand freshness, traceability and support for local suppliers.
• Next-gen food tech: AI and automation improve supply chains, personalization and product safety.

Key takeaway: The future of food blends innovation with intention. Brands that focus on transparency, sustainability and smart technology will win consumer trust and long-term loyalty.

The role of consumer behavior in food trends

Understanding the latest food trends in 2026 starts with understanding what consumers want. Their behavior, preferences and purchasing decisions play a critical role in shaping and driving these trends.

Keeping a pulse on how consumers interact with and influence the food industry is essential to staying ahead. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding which food trends to embrace or avoid:

• Plant-based diets: Consumers are more eco-conscious and health-oriented than ever. And innovations in taste, texture and variety have led to realistic alternatives to things like meat and dairy. While plant-based proteins aren’t new, interest in meat alternatives from non-vegetarians is. And buyers expect these foods to be readily available. 
• Sustainability and transparency: Today’s consumers expect ethical practices, certifications and traceability. Businesses can satisfy the modern consumer’s desire for sustainability and waste reduction by ensuring clean labeling and transparent sourcing.
• Simplified dining: Time is a valuable commodity that tech-savvy consumers are ready to pay for. Ignoring the demand for quick, flexible dining options risks driving impatient diners elsewhere. And with the rise of healthy food options and delivery apps, you’re competing for their attention with ever-more options.

What are the top food trends for 2026?

Key food trends for 2026 include a focus on nutrient-dense foods, pantry staples, next-gen innovation, and the ever-growing push toward plant-based living. Understanding these food and beverage trends will help you adjust your offerings and stay competitive. Let’s take a closer look at the top 6 food trends in 2026:

Trend #1: Plant-based and lab-grown meat go mainstream

The global plant-based food market will reach $77.9 billion in 2025. Forecasts project that number to more than double — surging to $162 billion — by 2030. Meanwhile, the lab-grown meat (also known as cultured meat) market is expected to reach $1.99 billion by 2035. This is driven by:

• Tech advancements
• A growing focus on animal welfare
• Increased demand for alternatives to conventional meat production

To capitalize on this trend, offer blended products that appeal to both flexitarians and omnivores. Consumer acceptance of plant-based meat is also growing, with health and environmental concerns contributing to the market spread of meat substitutes. Companies like Project Eaden and Redefine Meat are even using 3D printing to mirror the sensory experience of animal meat.

💡 Looking for more insights here? Check out our research on how to make vegan products more appealing to consumers in the supermarket.

Key takeaway: Consumers are embracing meat alternatives driven by tech innovation, ethical concerns and a growing appetite for sustainable protein.

Trend #2: Packaging goes green for good

Sustainable packaging will remain a top food trend heading into 2026, as buyers continue to shift their focus toward long-term environmental responsibility.

A survey by McKinsey & Company found that roughly half of consumers are open to paying more for eco-friendly packaging, and concern for environmental concerns, specifically ocean litter, has increased.

ℹ️ Example: Startups like Notpla are pioneering the use of seaweed and other natural materials to replace single-use plastics for packaging which reduces decomposition time from hundreds or thousands of years to a matter of weeks.

Key takeaway: Eco-conscious shoppers are pushing brands to ditch plastic for biodegradable, renewable materials that reduce waste and environmental impact.

Trend #3. Consumers are stocking up on pantry staples

Minimizing food waste has emerged as a top priority for many people, driving demand for versatile, long-lasting, and affordable food options. According to a report from Kerry, one-third of consumers are choosing brands with a longer shelf life, while 81% are cooking more than half their meals at home.

Stocking up on long-life foods like pasta, grains, canned veggies and beans, spices, and baking essentials also means fewer trips to the grocery store. With many people rediscovering the joy of cooking at home, there’s ample opportunity to offer promotions on pantry staples. 

Key takeaway: With food waste top of mind, people are turning to versatile, long-lasting ingredients that make home cooking easier and more affordable.

Trend #4 Food as medicine goes mainstream

Consumers are more aware than ever of how nutrition affects their overall health — and many are willing to pay more for food that supports their wellbeing. The idea of “food as medicine” is no longer niche; it’s shaping mainstream purchasing behaviour across all age groups.

Attest research shows that 60% of US consumers actively look for food and drink products that support their health when shopping. The global market for nutrient-dense foods is projected to surpass $4 billion by 2032, growing at a 5.2% CAGR, while the nutraceutical market is expected to grow 8.9% annually through 2028.

Regulatory bodies are tightening standards around labelling and nutrition claims, pushing brands to prioritise transparency and healthier formulations. Simple, clear marketing that explains nutritional benefits can help brands connect with health-conscious consumers and reinforce trust.

Key takeaway: Nutrition is becoming a lifestyle choice as shoppers seek products that support health, wellness and transparency around ingredients.

Trend #5. Locally sourced products are the new gold standard

As health and sustainable practices take center stage for millions, demand is rising for fresh, locally-sourced organic food. In fact, 59% of Boomers and 45% of Zoomers saying they prefer locally grown produce.

For food businesses, locally and hyperlocally sourced products offer several key advantages:

• Fresher produce
• Support for local suppliers
• Shorter supply chains

Sourcing produce sustainably, seasonally, and locally has evolved from a trend to the gold standard for many restaurants that prioritize quality, naturalness and authenticity.

Key takeaway: Consumers increasingly view locally sourced food as higher quality because it’s fresher, easier to trace and supports their communities.

Trend #6: Smart technology is reshaping the food industry

Technology is transforming how food is made, packaged and experienced. From AI to automation, new tools are making products safer, more transparent and easier to manage across the supply chain.

For food brands, adopting next-gen technologies helps meet growing consumer expectations for transparency, convenience and personalization. Businesses are increasingly using tools such as:

• QR codes to share sourcing and nutritional information with consumers
• AI solutions to streamline production and improve efficiency
• Contactless payment systems to create faster, frictionless checkout experiences

By embracing these innovations, restaurants and retailers can strengthen consumer trust and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key takeaway: AI, automation and digital tools are redefining how food is produced, packaged and purchased — making operations smarter and more transparent.

How to leverage these trends in your business strategy

While staying ahead of consumer trends is challenging for food and beverage businesses, it’s essential for long-term success. By following these steps, you can position your brand as a leader in a rapidly changing market:

✅ Reshape your menu

Today’s food preferences go beyond taste and convenience. Consumers prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency, so you’ll want to be open about your sourcing and nutritional value. 

Highlighting the connection between locally sourced products, nutrient-dense foods, and plant-based proteins can drive interest from vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Pair these factors with competitive pricing to provide value-based options for conscious consumers. 

✅ Embrace eco-friendly packaging options

No one wants a side order of guilt with their takeout. Try looking at biodegradable, recycled, and even edible packaging. Not only will this make that cheat day treat even more palatable, but it’ll also attract a bigger audience of eco-conscious eaters.

✅ Mix up grocery store offerings 

Meet buyer expectations by stocking up on health foods and long-life pantry staples. You can also establish a strong market presence by engaging local producers, which strengthens your supply chain while contributing to a healthier environment. 

✅ Launch next-gen marketing tactics 

By tapping into new technologies, you can personalize your marketing and adapt to shifting consumer attitudes. 

For instance, you can enhance dining and shopping experiences with QR menus AI-powered innovations like personalized food plans, app-based ordering, and efficient operations — all of which appeal to tech-savvy demographics.

How Attest can help you track food trends

Food trends can change on a dime, driven by shifting consumer tastes and priorities. To stay ahead, you need more than just guesswork — you need fresh, reliable consumer data.

At Attest, we arm businesses like yours with the tools to truly understand your customers. Access insights from over 150+ million consumers across 59 countries, helping you identify emerging trends and react with confidence.

Why wait for your competition to set the pace? Get a clear, up-to-date understanding of your target audience with actionable market analysis that empowers you to make practical decisions that put you ahead of the pack.

Understand the food trends shaping the future to better connect with customers

Food trends are always evolving, offering renewed opportunities to excel in the food and beverage industry. Innovation, transparency and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the key ingredients of a future-proof strategy that drives growth and consumer trust.

By aligning your business with long-term preferences — think nutrient dense foods, sustainable supply chains and eco-friendly packaging — you can deepen consumer loyalty and boost your bottom line.

By leveraging data-driven insights, like those available through our market analysis tool, you can ensure your brand stays relevant and appealing to consumers in 2026 and beyond.

Want to dive deeper into how consumer preferences are evolving? Explore our latest insights on Gen Z food trends and restaurant trends to see how these shifts are shaping the future of the food industry.