Fiber set to overtake protein as food and beverage trend for 2026

Food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential released its 2026 Trends report in November 2025, identifying fiber as poised to overtake protein as the next major health-driven trend in food and drink, alongside a broader comeback for animal meat after several years of plant-based alternatives dominating new product launches.

The report also flagged a structural shift in where food trends originate, with retail grocery increasingly acting as a trend incubator rather than following restaurant menus, as packaged food and retail brands moved faster to capture emerging flavor and format trends than many foodservice operators. “This year’s report captures a pivotal moment where trends are starting increasingly at retail versus restaurants,” the report’s senior publications manager said, describing a foodservice industry facing intensified competition from grocery and retail channels investing heavily in quality and innovation.