A new year always means new health and wellness trends! As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of the most influential health and wellness trends of the year and a look ahead at what might be on the horizon for 2026. From new approaches to weight management to renewed interest in remedies for mental health, consumers’ health and wellness priorities continue to shift.
With health and wellness trends rapidly evolving to respond to consumers’ priorities, brands need to keep a pulse on what’s new in order to be responsive enough to get ahead of what’s next. Keep reading as our experts share their insights into how health and wellness trends took shape this year – and how we’re expecting them to evolve in 2026.
Modern Takes on Weight Management
While weight loss and management have always been priorities for consumers, these goals have taken center stage in recent years with the rise of trendy weight loss treatments, like GLP-1s. Inevitably, these treatments have begun to influence food and beverage trends, and their widespread popularity has given rise to new products and innovations around supporting the weight loss and management goals of those taking them.
Special dietary guidelines that come along with GLP-1 treatments include consuming nutrient-dense foods that stabilize blood sugar levels and avoiding foods that are high in fat. In the coming year, expect to see more products catering to the very specific dietary needs of individuals taking these treatments. Even consumers who are not currently taking GLP-1s may be interested in the ways that these products can help them support their health and wellness goals.
Focus on Protein and Fiber
In terms of health and wellness trends, perhaps none have been as prolific in the past year than the push for more protein. Products and
menu items that allow consumers to increase their protein intake affordably and efficiently have been popping up everywhere, due to the popularity of high-protein diets. The protein trend isn’t showing signs of slowing down either. Brands should continue to innovate around ingredients that provide a protein boost to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Although protein will still be a priority next year, consumers are beginning to set their sights on new nutritional targets. Enter fiber. Digestive issues and gut health are now among the top health concerns for consumers of all ages. Unsurprisingly, to address these concerns, consumers are upping their fiber intake. As they’ll be on the hunt for products that are high in fiber but also taste delicious, now is the time for brands to showcase innovations featuring high-fiber ingredients, such as lentils, sweet potatoes, apples, pistachios, and barley.
Mental Health on the Mind
A perfect storm of political and economic uncertainty has driven consumers to seek out stress relief anywhere they can find it – including the grocery store. Mental health matters to consumers, and now more than ever, they are looking to functional ingredients for relaxation. Calming ingredients, like peppermint, juniper, lavender, and matcha, have seen a boost in demand as a result. Products featuring these ingredients are sure to attract stressed-out consumers who are looking for temporary, but natural relief and momentary escapes from everyday stressors.
As conversations around mental health continue to become more normalized, consumers are educating themselves about the diet and
lifestyle factors that can influence one’s mental health. To better support their mental health, they’re taking steps to improve the quality of their sleep, boost their energy levels, and ensure that they are properly hydrated. Going into 2026, ingredients and products that offer to help them achieve these aims will be especially appealing as consumers take a holistic approach to supporting both their physical and mental well-being.
Looking ahead, mushrooms, in particular, are already drawing attention for their potential benefits for mental health, including relaxation, stress relief, and energy support, making them prime for innovation in the coming months. From snacks and sauces to prepared meals and plant-based proteins, expect to see more innovations featuring mushrooms that tout mental health and mood-boosting benefits.
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