The 2026 report from Whole Foods Market highlights eight trends expected to transform shopping carts, kitchens, and conversations in the year ahead
Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council has today unveiled its top food trends for 2026 in the retailer’s annual Trends predictions report. Whole Foods Market predicts 2026 the year of fibre frenzy, fine-dining freezer finds, and an uptick in tallow.
These and more are set to influence the food landscape in the coming year.
The Whole Foods Market Trends Council – a collective of Whole Foods Market team members ranging from foragers and buyers to culinary experts – develop these trend predictions each year through a combination of deep industry experience, keen observation of consumer preferences and collaborative sessions with emerging and established brands.
“Each year, our Trends report captures the pulse of what’s next in food, and 2026 is no exception,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. “This year’s trends highlight how curiosity, creativity and conscious choices are shaping the way people eat and shop. 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.”
“Here in the UK, we’re seeing these trends resonate strongly with how our customers choose to eat and live. From the growing curiosity around traditional ingredients like tallow to the rise of design-led products that bring joy to the kitchen, it’s clear that innovation and wellbeing are shaping shopping habits. Fibre-rich foods and chef-inspired meals continue to lead demand across our stores, as shoppers look for both nourishment and inspiration in every aisle,” shared Jade Hoai, Executive Lead of Purchasing, Whole Foods Market UK.
Whole Foods Market’s top food trend predictions for 2026 include:
Tallow Takeover
From whipped to herb-infused varieties, beef tallow is making a comeback as a nourishing and nostalgic fat. Once a staple in traditional cooking and prized for its high smoke point and rich flavor, tallow is being rediscovered by consumers who value ancestral ingredients and are looking for oil alternatives. This old school fat is having a moment on social media, though it’s actually been used for centuries for frying and baking. Restaurants have also been trading in traditional oils for tallow to elevate everything from French fries to pastries. And for customers supporting “nose to tail” use of the animal, these brands provide a usage for fat that is normally discarded.
Try the Trend: HUNTER & GATHER Organic British Grass-Fed Beef Tallow
Focus on Fibre
Protein continues to be king, but fibre is gaining traction as consumers seek gut health, holistic digestive wellness and natural ways to feel fuller longer. Brands are getting on board with more fibre-forward callouts on packaging, and increasingly, we’re seeing products with added fibre hitting the shelves, like pastas, breads, crackers and bars. Roots like cassava and chicory are regulars on ingredient panels of prebiotic beverages, and konjac is a fibrous favorite in plant-based, ready-to-eat meals. Meanwhile, pantry staples like oats are the star of up-and-coming products, which tout the ingredient for being rich in prebiotic fibre and easy on the gut. It’s safe to say these fibre finds are not just for your grandparents anymore!
Try the Trend: Good Grain Oats in various flavours including Matcha, Cookie Dough and Chunky Monkey; Whole Foods Market Chia Pudding in Vanilla, Raspberry and Blueberry (available at select stores); Dillon Organics Breads, Plenish Gut Guardian Juice Shots, Biona Breads, Re:Nourish Digest Soup, Modern Baker Breads, Deeply Prebiotic Gut Health Shots in Spinach & Kiwi and Carrot & Ginger
Year of the Female Farmer
With multigenerational farms dwindling and fewer young people choosing careers in farming, it’s more important than ever to celebrate changemakers in the industry. Consumers may have already started to notice an increase of women in agriculture highlighted in media, event panels, and on brand websites and packaging. Organizations like the National Young Farmers Coalition offer funding opportunities through their Young Farmer Grant program which donates 50% of its grants to female-identifying, nonbinary and trans farmers, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Brands are taking part, too. Lotus Foods provides support to women on the farms they source from by providing premium wages and funding improvement in their local communities, and 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.
Try the Trend: Langridge Organic Sky Sprouts, Annabels Deliciously British Strawberries
Kitchen Couture
Dubbed “dopamine décor,” this feel-good design concept about creating vibrant home spaces that are emotionally uplifting is now venturing onto kitchen counters. Gone are the days of hiding every can and container in your pantry or removing products from packages when it’s time to host a party. Today’s consumers are drawn to eye-catching artwork that was previously reserved for wine labels but now brings an aesthetic appeal to everyday items and staples. Brands have embraced this movement with bright, bold colors and designs that can enhance any countertop or kitchen shelf. An extension of little luxuries, this trend is an easy way to treat yourself to something both beautiful and delicious!
Try the Trend: Good Grain Oats in Matcha, The Dessert House Tiramisu and Raspberry Mascarpone Mousse pots, Karma Kombucha in Raspberry and Ginger, Fermary Pink Kimchi
Freezer Fine Dining
Looking for what’s hot on grocery shelves? Hit the frozen aisle. A wave of new frozen meals, appetizers and sides means good news for those consumers eager to create a delicious (and even restaurant-worthy) eating experience at home. Customers are looking to pair high quality ingredients with globally-inspired flavors and time-saving hacks, and these frozen options are perfect 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 … when really, it’s just your air fryer.
Try the Trend: Strong Roots The Kale & Quinoa and Stir Fry Greens, Crosta & Mollica Caffe Latte Tartufi Gelato Truffles, Glacier 51 Chilean Seabass, Brolos Whole Raw Lobster, Pegoty Hedge Rich Beef Lasagne and Fabulous Fish Pie, Field Goods Apple & Blackberry Crumble
Very Vinegar
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, or “sour wine” as it was once called, dates back thousands of years and was even used medicinally — an OG functional food, you could say. Today, some content creators swear by drinking pickle brine before meals to stabilize blood sugar. Now we’re witnessing vinegar’s modern renaissance, with 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. Vinegars are even infiltrating the creamy condiment space, adding some zing to that mayo, and brands are getting savvy about adding usages on their packaging to inspire more creative ways to enjoy the product.
Try the Trend: RAW Health Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Whole Foods Market Savory Fig Condiment, Whole Foods Market Aged Balsamic Vinegar, YELLOWBIRD Habanero Pepper Condiment
Sweet, But Make It Mindful
Having a sweet tooth will never go out of style, but we’re seeing more customers who are 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. We’re seeing jam, chocolate and gummy brands leaning on real fruit in their products rather than high amounts of sugar for flavor and texture. And content creators on TikTok are continuing to make knockoff candy bars with peanut butter and dates (something we noticed back in 2023 with our trend, “The Great Date”).
Try the Trend: The Dessert House Black Forest Tiramisu (available in sharer and pot versions), Doughlicious Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Chip Ready Bake Cookie, HU Dark Vanilla Crunch Chocolate
Instant Reimagined
Brands are cracking the code on “instant” — once a word only associated with microwaves and convenience. Now consumers can find innovative and better-for-you instant options that will be the envy in workplace kitchens and on long plane rides. TikTok is helping to reshape instant’s once boring reputation, with creators flaunting travel-ready, barista-level lattes and “desk drawer ramen” that uses bone broth bases, chili crisps and adaptogenic add-ins. Brands have also responded by 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 meetings. We’re even seeing traditional products like ready-made rice upgrading their sourcing standards and emerging brands ready to disrupt the space. “Just add water” is getting the glow-up it’s needed for a while.
Try the Trend: Laura’s Idea Carrots and Pine Nuts, Borough Broth Co Organic Grass-Fed Lamb Bone Broth, Whole Foods Market Massaman Chicken Curry, Whole Foods Market Vegetable Tagine and Couscous, Whole Foods Market Mum’s Chicken Soup, Whole Foods Market Creamy Mushrooms with Tagliatelle Pasta, SPRING Tomato & Beef Broth Soup.
