8 Food Trends Everyone Will Be Buzzing About in 2026, According to Whole Foods

As far as popular fats go, we're going back to basics in 2026. Beloved for its richness and high smoke point, beef tallow can take everything from fries to pastries to the next level. This trend is also sustainable, as it's commonly discarded.

• Taste the Trend: EPIC Beef Tallow

Yeah, yeah—protein, shmotein. Fiber is now the focus for diners who want to stay fuller for longer, and it's a key factor in digestive wellness and gut health. Keep an eye out for fibrous plants and revamped pantry staples, along with prebiotics.

• Taste the Trend: 365 By Whole Foods Market Organic Caramelized Pineapple Prebiotic Soda

As family farms dwindle and fewer young people enter the field, women and other demographics are being encouraged to consider a career in agriculture. And those who are positively impacting the space already are getting much-deserved recognition. Brands are following suit by supporting women farmers directly, as well as initiating scholarship and internship programs.

• Taste the Trend: Painterland Sisters Vanilla Bean Organic Skyr Yogurt

Forget the era of hiding every can and container in your kitchen. Nowadays, Insta-worthy labels and product artwork beg the consumer to put their groceries on display. Consider it one facet of "dopamine décor."

• Taste the Trend: Cloud23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce

Frozen dinners aren't synonymous with low-quality food anymore. In fact, you can find plenty of high-end groceries in the freezer aisle nowadays, ranging from elegant arancini to hearty pupusas to birria quesadillas.

• Taste the Trend: Laoban Crab Rangoon

This is one of the oldest functional foods to date, and there are limitless ways to enjoy it. Whether you sip on a punchy, vinegar-kissed tonic or cocktail or finish your salads and sandwiches with a fruit-infused number, you'll want to pucker up for the year ahead.

• Taste the Trend: Whole Foods Market Organic Pear & Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Kit

If you want to be more mindful about your sugar intake in 2026, you're in luck. There are a slew of tasty ways to satisfy your craving that aren't as indulgent as the desserts you're used to. Think jams, candies and chocolates sweetened with maple syrup, or products made with real fruit instead of a boatload of refined sugar.

• Taste the Trend: Solely Organic Mango & Strawberry Fruit Gummies

Shoppers will start to think beyond the microwave when they hear this buzzword at the grocery store. Forget barely-edible meals and dorm-caliber ramen. In 2026, you'll find instant noodles with bone broth and chili crisp, just-add-water lattes that'll give your favorite barista a run for their money and organic protein bowls, complete with fresh herbs.

• Taste the Trend: Patagonia Provisions Sardines + Beans