Austin, Texas — Whole Foods Market has unveiled its 2026 food trend predictions, spotlighting added fiber, beef tallow, and vinegar as key ingredients set to shape consumer preferences next year.
The annual report, developed by the retailer’s Trends Council of culinary experts, buyers, and foragers, identifies emerging ingredients and dining habits influenced by global markets and changing lifestyles.
Fiber-rich ingredients take center stage as consumers increasingly focus on gut health and digestive wellness.
Whole Foods expects a surge in products featuring added fiber, including bars, crackers, pasta, and bread.
Ingredients like cassava and chicory roots are also appearing in prebiotic beverages, reinforcing the demand for functional nutrition.
Meanwhile, beef tallow—a traditional cooking fat—is making a comeback as a natural alternative to oils, prized for its nostalgic appeal and rich flavor.
Restaurants are experimenting with infused and whipped versions of tallow to enhance dishes like fries and pastries.
Another ingredient gaining attention is vinegar, celebrated for its complex flavor profiles and probiotic-like qualities.
Small-batch and artisanal vinegars are becoming popular in both home kitchens and restaurant menus.
The report also notes growth in fruit-sweetened products, premium instant meals, and “freezer fine dining,” with frozen foods offering gourmet experiences.
Additionally, 2026 will spotlight women in agriculture, aligning with the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative.
“This year’s trends highlight how curiosity, creativity and conscious choices are shaping the way people eat and shop,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. “We’re inspired by the innovation we’re seeing across the food landscape and can’t wait to watch these ideas come to life in our aisles and beyond.”
The report reflects how innovation and tradition are blending to redefine modern eating habits.
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Photo by: wholefoodsmarket.co.uk