2026 Food Trend Predictions From a Dietitian
2026 Food Trend Predictions From a Dietitian
A new year means new (and some not-so-new) food trends, and I couldn’t be more excited! Here are some trends I’m following:
Purposeful protein
A lot of attention was paid to protein in 2025, and I expect its popularity to persist in 2026. Why? Protein is a powerful nutrient that not only helps build and maintain muscle but also supplies important amino acids that feed everything from bones and tendons to hair and skin. Protein also slows the absorption of carbs and steadies blood sugar, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.
In general, aim to eat about 0.8 grams of protein daily for every kilogram of weight. I typically recommend spreading out your protein intake throughout the day. For example, don’t forget to add quality protein to your snacks and breakfasts!
Fiber forward
If 2025 was all about protein, 2026 may be fiber’s year. Fibermaxxing is the increasingly popular dietary trend of boosting your daily fiber intake to improve both digestion and overall health. As a dietitian, I’m on board with the idea of eating more fiber, but people should approach this mindfully.
So how much fiber do you need? In short, a lot more than you’re probably getting. In fact, the average American consumes 10 to 15 grams of fiber daily, roughly half of the USDA’s recommended amount of 25 to 30 grams for women and 30 to 35 grams for men. When increasing your fiber, first estimate your current daily fiber intake, and then, to avoid uncomfortable digestive symptoms, add three to five grams of fiber daily. Gradually increase the amount but pay attention to how you feel and adjust the amount of fiber accordingly. Also, drink plenty of water to help you digest!
The best part about ‘fibermaxxing’? It’s easy to find delicious fiber-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables are a great natural source, as are whole grains and legumes, of course. But there are plenty of fun high-fiber products on the market as well, such as Banza pasta, Ole Xtreme Wellness tortillas or Olyra breakfast bars.
Other Top Trends
Here are a few additional trends I’ve got my eye on in the new year:
Forgotten friends
I love my veggies, which is why I’m excited that several formerly forgotten vegetables may be making a comeback in grocery stores and restaurants:
Celery root (celeriac)
This low-calorie, fiber-containing vegetable is both delicious and versatile. Raw celery root is firm and crunchy like an apple; cooked, it becomes tender and creamy like a potato. It can be roasted, mashed, added to soups and stews, and shredded in salads or slaws.
Fennel
Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, fennel also contains dietary fiber for healthy digestion and anti-inflammatory properties for overall health. It can be roasted, grilled, or added to salads.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a slightly sweet cabbagelike vegetable that can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. It’s loaded with nutrients, most notably vitamin C—a cup of raw kohlrabi contains approximately 95 percent of the recommended daily amount.
Other old friends to revisit? Give black garlic, beet greens, parsnips, and turnips a try.
Fancy frozen
Another trend I’m happy to see is a shift in frozen foods to high-quality, more healthful meals that check a variety of nutritional boxes. For example, brands like Healthy Choice and Smart Ones offer high-protein meals that are lower in sodium than many frozen entrees.
Fabulous flavors
A few flavors gained in popularity last year, and I expect the trend to continue into 2026. Here are some of my favorites:
Dates
Nutritious and naturally sweet dates are an appealing alternative to refined sugars. Look for them in energy bars, shakes, and smoothies or paired with nuts or spicy ingredients like chili or ginger.
Pistachios
Pistachios are a versatile ingredient that that can be enjoyed sweet or slightly salty. In addition to old favorites like pistachio ice cream and macarons, look for pistachio flavoring in coffees and lattes, pesto and more!
Dill pickles
Pickles are trending everywhere. Nowadays, you can snack on pickle-flavored potato chips or popcorn or pour a glass of a pickle-flavored beverage. But are pickles good for you? Well, pickles themselves are low in calories and fat, and due to the fermentation process, can provide gut-friendly probiotics. However, pickles can also be high in sodium and pickle-flavored products may lack essential nutrients, so eat pickle-y products in moderation.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu-flavored foods aim to capture the not-too-sweet combination of coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone. In addition to desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, and cookies, look for tiramisu-flavored lattes, and even focaccia.
Clearly, 2026 is shaping up to be a very flavorful, nutritious year. I hope you are as inspired as I am! Happy eating!
