dsm firmenich Horizontal Web Banner February 2026
Home
Key trends
Ingredient focus
Top trends 2026 for F&B
Dec 2025
Image

Innova Market Insights highlights “Powerhouse Protein” as the top trend for 2026. Consumers are looking for protein products with additional health benefits to improve their nutrition. Other trends for 2026 include a focus on digestive health and indulgence, standalone plant-based products, and a strong emphasis on beverages with added benefits.

More ingredient focuses
FormattedPicture
test 03 Dec
Dec 2025 | test 03 Dec

test 03 Dec

FormattedPicture
Test Dec 2
Dec 2025 | Test Dec 2

Test Dec 2

FormattedPicture
Confectionery in focus
Dec 2025 | Uelzena

Innova Market Insights data shows an increase in global Confectionery launches, with 7% average annual growth from October 2020 to September 2025. Half of consumers worldwide identify taste as the most important aspect of sugar confectionery. Europe (37%) was the leading region. The most launched subcategories were Chocolate Blocks and Sugar Confectionery.

FormattedPicture
Rising demand for ethical animal welfare in F&B
Nov 2025 | Innova Market Insights

Innova Market Insights data reveals that 30% of consumers globally look for animal welfare claims on F&B products. Additionally, 27% say they are willing to consume meat or dairy from farms with higher animal welfare standards to show support. Globally, there has been a 4% growth in ethical animal welfare claims in F&B launches (October 2020–September 2025). 

FormattedPicture
Reducing salt in F&B launches
Oct 2025 | Biolev

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers worldwide are actively reducing salt in their diets, with 60% opting for the reduced-sodium claim. This has led to an increase in launches with fewer salt claims and an 11% year-over-year rise in this NPD from July 2023 to June 2025. Cooking Sauces & Seasonings had the most launches, but there is also a rise in the use of less salt claims for Hot & Soft Drink launches.

FormattedPicture
Trends in sweetener use for F&B
Oct 2025 | Ingredion

Innova Market Insights data show that 72% of consumers worldwide actively limit their sugar intake. This trend is driving the market toward sweetener innovation, with an average growth of 8% from July 2020 to June 2025. Soft Drinks hold the largest share of NPD, while the use of sweeteners in Hot Drinks is increasing. Sucralose is the leading sweetener used for NPD, but monk fruit concentrate is experiencing the fastest growth.

trans