Top Trends 2026: Growth Drivers in the Food & Beverage Market

What do consumers want, and what foods and beverages drive growth? Market research gives us some answers. The current 2026 Top Ten Trends from Innova Market Insights once again show that foods and beverages that promote physical and mental wellness are very much in demand from consumers – especially if they offer the perfect taste. Foods adapted to the individual requirements of consumers are popular, as are affordable or sustainable offerings. With new ideas for high-sales food & drink concepts, Hydrosol helps manufacturers address the trends of tomorrow.

High protein remains the Top Trend

“Powerhouse Protein” for overall wellbeing is the most important trend for this year, according to Innova Market Insights. Consumers are looking for protein-rich products, ideally enriched with vitamins and minerals, that support mental fitness as well as gut health and the immune system. Healthy aging, weight management, and athletic performance are further important criteria. Hydrosol has developed multiple concepts to meet these expectations, including a stabilising system for meal replacement drinks. The system ensures stable emulsions with creamy mouthfeel and high satiation effect. The final product features high protein content and can also be declared as a source of fiber.

Wide range of delights

The many facets of indulgence are at the focus of the second Innova Top Trend: “Layers of Delight.” It is based on four pillars: comforting moments, mood enhancing, rich sensory enjoyment, healthier enjoyment. Familiar flavours are in demand as are new creations, and Hydrosol offers the right inspirations for both. For example, with one of the stabilising systems from the Stabisol series dairies can make a trendy matcha latte. The system provides high stability and a pleasant mouthfeel. It can be combined with plant proteins and offered in a range of flavours. Another advantage is that there is no sedimentation during storage.

Individual moments

Convenience is a common denominator in the expectations of different target groups that Innova addresses together in the Top Trend “Made for Moments”. Whether small portions for single households or family packs, consumers are looking for varied formats in snacks, fresh meals, and individual portions. The choice of new flavour sensations should be at least as varied. DIY ice cream in pouches is one example. The product is easy to make on a UHT line with the help of a new Stabimuls series compound. After filling into pouches it can be sold in stores in liquid form, or deep-frozen just before consumption, for example at a kiosk. Creative compositions in various flavours can be made to meet customer demand. Thus, these DIY ice creams give dairies access to a new category.