Grocery trends seem to shift faster than we can keep up with — and before we know it, 2026 will be here. (Yes, we’ve still got a few months, but let’s be real: It’ll fly by.) The good news? There’s a lot to look forward to in the world of groceries.
I recently spent a few delicious days in Austin, Texas, with members of the Whole Foods Market team to explore what new items we can expect to find on shelves next year. Yes, I ate a lot — but more importantly, I had thoughtful, engaging conversations about the way we shop, cook, and eat. (Like, have you noticed how good frozen food has gotten? Or that beef tallow is suddenly popping up in everything?)
Whole Foods turns to its official Trends Council, a team made up of dozens of local foragers, regional and global buyers, and culinary experts, to identify what’s resonating most with shoppers in 2026. “The list reflects how quickly ideas can move from emerging concepts to everyday favorites,” said Cathy Strange, ambassador of food culture at Whole Foods Market and member of the Trends Council. “It’s exciting to see how these trends will shape conversations in kitchens, communities, and the broader food culture.”
Here’s what the group of pros are predicting for the year ahead (and beyond!).
1. Beef Tallow
Fiber is officially stepping back into the spotlight. While protein still reigns in the world of macronutrients, fiber is picking up momentum, according to the Trends Council, as consumers prioritize gut health. Brands are responding with fiber-enriched items, like pastas, crackers, and granola bars that are supplemented with chicory, cassava, or konjac.
This trend extends beyond the pantry, too; the council is seeing the rise of prebiotic sodas, like Poppi and even 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Prebiotic Sodas.
3. Female Farmers
The Trends Council firmly believes that women are reshaping the future of farming. Consumers may also notice more of these changemakers featured on packaging and brand storytelling. Global momentum is building, with the UN naming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and organizations like the National Young Farmers Coalition allocating half of its grants to support women in agriculture.
I met with Heidi Diestel of Diestel Family Ranch, and sampled its Regeneratively Raised Ground Turkey. She was just one of the examples of generational farms being passed down to — and lifted up by — female farmers. For example, brands like Kvarøy Arctic and True Moringa offer targeted training and scholarships for female farmer partners, and female-run brands like Painterland Sisters’ Skyr and Damya Extra Virgin Olive Oil are putting these efforts front and center.
4. Kitchen Couture
Kitchen staples are getting a serious upgrade — and we’re not talking about flavor. The Trends Council refers to this as “dopamine decor,” which is a “feel-good design concept about creating vibrant home spaces that are emotionally uplifting.” Gone are the days of tucking cans into cabinets — today’s shoppers are gravitating toward products with eye-catching artwork. Brands like Fishwife, Brightland, and Graza have embraced this movement with bright, bold colors and designs that can enhance any countertop.
5. Freezer Fine Dining
The Kitchn called it earlier this year, and months later the freezer aisle is still … on fire. The aisle is now home to “a wave of new frozen meals, appetizers, and sides that allow shoppers to create a delicious (and even restaurant-worthy) eating experience at home,” notes the Trends Council. We’re talking about dreamy dumplings from MiLa and Mimi Cheng’s, delicious meatballs from Force of Nature, and extra-special pizzas from brands like Flour + Water and Porta.
6. Vinegar
7. “Mindful” Sweets
8. Reimagined Instant Foods
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