A taste of innovation

The sixth annual trends report, spotlighting the food and nutrition trends influencing what ends up in consumers’ baskets has been launched by FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a protein and prebiotics company. The latest edition combines insights, fresh research and application expertise to help brands anticipate evolving consumer needs and translate trends into actionable innovation strategies for the year ahead, according to the company.

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 personalised, 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 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 aking 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 per cent 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 recognise that incorporating long-term wellness is built on healthy everyday habits. The year 2026 is all about small, sustainable nutrition choices rather than radical diet changes, with convenient, functional products, such as fortified, nutrient-rich yogurts, fitting seamlessly into daily routines.

The fibre frontier

Fibre is making a fresh comeback and is no longer confined to cereal aisles. Today, it’s a social media health hero. In 2026, consumers are looking to ‘fibre-maxx’ – meet or exceed their daily fibre goals – with multifunctional products in fun formats. With 20 per cent of consumers aiming to increase their fibre intake, the fibre frenzy presents a significant opportunity for nutrition brands, according to FMCG Gurus research.

Soft drinks, hard benefits

Hydration has evolved from a basic necessity into a wellness opportunity, driving functional drinks innovation in 2026. FMCG Gurus reports that 70 per cent of consumers are not always feeling fully hydrated, so 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 per cent compound annual growth rate through 2030.[2]

“As scientific understanding, regulation and consumer priorities continue to evolve, navigating the nutrition world has never been more complex,” says van de Horst. “With our 2026 nutrition trends magazine, we’re aiming to help nutrition brands stay ahead in a dynamic landscape.”

[2] Grand View Research, Functional drinks market (2025- 2030), 2025