Fiber, tallow, decorative packaging and live vinegars are on trend for 2026 according to Whole Foods Market.
й2025 Whole Foods Market IP, L.P.
Today, Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council unveiled the top food
trends which they think will influence the food landscape in the coming year. The Trends Council, a collective of Whole Foods Market team members ranging
from foragers and buyers to culinary experts, develop and release these trend predictions each year, based on a combination of deep industry experience, observation of consumer preferences and collaborative sessions with emerging and established brands.
“Our trends predictions are inspired by the council’s deep expertise and boots-on-the-ground discovery – at farmer’s markets, industry trade shows, local restaurants and more,” said Cathy Strange, the company’s ambassador of food culture and member of the Trends Council, in a press release. “The 2026 list reflects how quickly ideas can move from emerging concepts to everyday favorites. It’s exciting to see how these trends will shape conversations in kitchens, communities and the broader food culture in the
year ahead.”
These are the top food and drink trends that will shape 2026 according to Whole Foods Market:
Tallow Makes a Comeback
Once a staple in traditional cooking and prized for its high smoke point and rich flavor, beef tallow is being rediscovered by consumers looking for oil alternatives. Whether they value ancestral ingredients or support “nose to tail” use of the animal, a growing number of brands and restaurants are embracing the use of this traditional fat, which would normally be discarded. Consumers will find tallow on supermarket shelves in products such as french fries and as a cooking ingredient, from whipped to herb-infused and even as a cooking spray.
Fiber As A Star Ingredient
Fiber is gaining traction as consumers seek gut health, holistic digestive wellness and natural ways to feel fuller longer. Brands are promoting fiber on packaging and adding it to products like pastas, breads, crackers and bars. Roots like cassava and chicory are regulars on ingredient panels of prebiotic beverages, while oats are the star of up-and-coming products and konjac – an Asian tuber known as a low-carb alternative – is a favorite in plant-based, ready-to-eat meals.
Rise of Women in Farming
Since the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, more brands are adding initiatives to support the rise of women in farming. Some notable examples are Lotus Foods, which provides support to women on the farms from which they source by paying premium wages and funding improvement in their local communities. Kvarøy Arctic has an international scholarship and internship program specifically for women focused on aquaculture. True Moringa supports women tree crop farmers in Ghana, allotting them a plot of land and providing training and access to irrigation, organic certification, childcare, health insurance and more.
“Farming continues to embrace evolution on many levels including leadership,” says Strange. “Female Farmers are bringing new and adaptive methodologies to the business as they identify key opportunities. The agricultural culture they bring is exciting and creates a deep sense of purpose.”
Brands are upping their food packaging and labels game, making them artsy, eye catching and attractive.
й2025 Whole Foods Market IP, L.P.
Food Packaging As Artsy Decor
Today’s consumers are drawn to eye-catching artwork, something that was previously associated with wine labels. Now, brands are embracing the trend, adding bright, bold colors and designs to everyday items and staples. You can now display your pantry items such as olive oil, canned tomatoes and tinned seafood, as the packaging will serve as pretty accent decor on the countertop and shelves. Whole Foods Market sees this development as an extension of 2024’s “little luxuries” trend.
Freezer Fine Dining
Customers are looking to pair high quality ingredients with globally-inspired flavors and time-saving hacks. Now, a wave of new frozen meals, appetizers and sides is here for meal planners that need a night off or budget-conscious foodies who want a break from eating out. Think frozen arancini, pupusas and other chef-inspired favorites that will taste just like they’re coming out of a fancy restaurant kitchen.
Instant Reimagined
Once a word only associated with microwaves and convenience, brands are taking instant to a new gourmet level, adding a glow-up to another convenience trend. Innovative and better-for-you instant options are populating shelves and trending on social media. Brands are making products like single-serve premium pour-over lattes, trendy meals-in-a-cup and more shelf-stable meal solutions, all ready in seconds and easy to prepare between work meetings.
Vinegar In The Spotlight
From sipping tonics to crushed fruit–infused varieties and raw, unfiltered “living” versions, consumers are getting creative with vinegars, which add depth and complexity while also delivering probiotic-like benefits. Vinegar’s modern renaissance has consumers seeking out premium, small-batch options, bold new flavors and innovative formats that elevate everything from home-cooked meals to craft cocktails and mocktails on restaurant menus.
Mindful Sweets
Today’s consumers are increasingly mindful of their sugar intake, opting for products that are subtly sweetened with real cane sugar over alternative sources or simply sweetened with whole fruit, honey or maple syrup. Jam, chocolate and gummy brands are leaning on real fruit in their products rather than high amounts of sugar for flavor and texture, and content creators on TikTok are making knockoff candy bars with peanut butter and dates.