Each January brings a wave of vitamin predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how are you aware which tendencies are literally price your consideration?
We requested MyFitnessPal’s workforce of registered dietitians to share their insider tackle what’s coming in 2026. These are the consultants who evaluation meals knowledge, analyze vitamin analysis, and see firsthand what’s resonating with actual folks attempting to eat higher. Right here’s what they’re predicting—and what they’d skip.
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Greatest and Worst Developments of 2025
Earlier than we glance forward, let’s acknowledge what 2025 received proper—and mistaken.
The Greatest: Fibermaxxing
The clear winner amongst our dietitians? The rise of fiber consciousness. “I’m a agency believer that fiber is your pal, and any alternative to shine a highlight on this essential nutrient that many people don’t get sufficient of is essential,” says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal’s Head of Diet. Stephanie Saletta, Senior Lead Diet Scientist, agrees: “We like to see fiber getting the love and a spotlight that it deserves!”
The caveat? Each consultants emphasize going sluggish. Ramping up fiber too rapidly could cause bloating and discomfort, so gradual will increase (plus loads of water) are key. (1)
A Smarter Give attention to Protein
A number of dietitians additionally praised the elevated consideration on protein, notably for preserving muscle mass. “With the rise of weight reduction drugs, protein has been within the highlight with the main target being to protect muscle mass in a caloric deficit,” notes Joanna Gregg, MS, RD, Meals Knowledge Curator. Lauren Cuda, MS, RD, CSP, LD, provides that “a wiser give attention to protein” that features steadiness with high quality carbs and wholesome fat was top-of-the-line developments of the 12 months. (2)
The Worst: Soiled Soda, Dry-Scooping, and Excessive Diets
Not the whole lot that trended deserved the eye. Jaeger calls out soiled soda—soda combined with flavored syrups and creamers—as a development that “can add as much as numerous energy in a short time” whereas packing in added sugars and fat we must always restrict.
After which there’s “dry scooping,” the follow of consuming protein powder straight in its dry type—actually scooping it into their mouth and swallowing it with out mixing it with water or any liquid first. Saletta flags dry-scooping as “disagreeable and pointless.”
In the meantime, Gregg factors to the carnivore weight loss program as “not sustainable and missing in fiber and plenty of different essential vitamins.” Cuda provides that utilizing beef tallow, one other ingredient trending on social media, as an on a regular basis cooking fats is problematic as a result of its excessive saturated fats content material.
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Developments That Will Outline 2026
Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed below are the vitamin tendencies more than likely to form the 12 months forward.
Fiber Takes Heart Stage
The dietitians predict fiber shall be a serious focus in 2026. “I consider that fiber is turning into the brand new protein and can emerge as a broader development,” says Jaeger. Saletta expects to see “fiber discover its approach into extra merchandise, like drinks, snacks, and frozen meals” together with “extra viral recipes and hacks for getting extra fiber by fruits, greens, beans, oats, and seeds.”
Cuda anticipates each “extra fiber-fortified choices and sensible, food-first methods (beans, greens, complete grains, nuts, and seeds) geared toward higher digestion, satiety, and metabolic well being.” The connection to intestine well being analysis is driving this curiosity. As scientists study extra in regards to the gut-brain axis, shoppers are more and more inquisitive about how fiber impacts extra than simply digestion. (3)
Protein Stays Sturdy (With a Plant-Based mostly Twist)
Protein isn’t going wherever. “The protein obsession will doubtless stay on,” says Jaeger, pointing to the continued rise of GLP-1 drugs and the proliferation of protein-enhanced merchandise from espresso add-ons to protein pretzels and popcorn.
However count on a shift in sources. Jaeger predicts “the next emphasis on plant-based protein sources resembling beans,” pushed partly by rising animal protein costs.
Saletta hopes 2026 brings a give attention to steadiness: “Sure protein, but in addition the correct quantity of protein alongside all the opposite essential vitamins and meals we’d like.” Gregg emphasizes that the main target ought to stay on complete meals sources: “Assume lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts and legumes versus protein chips and bars.”
GLP-1 Drugs Form Meals Decisions
The affect of GLP-1 weight reduction drugs on consuming patterns is unattainable to disregard. A number of dietitians observe that these drugs are driving demand for higher-protein, smaller-portion meals.
Cuda predicts “a wave of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ meals marketed to consumers utilizing these drugs,” however warns that “this time period isn’t standardized.” Her recommendation: develop label literacy and contemplate working with a registered dietitian to interpret these claims to your particular person wants.
Saletta provides that we’ll see continued curiosity in protein and fiber “particularly as extra folks attempt GLP-1s (and are available off of them and need to protect their progress).”
Beans and Price range-Pleasant Consuming
With meals prices rising globally, budget-conscious protein sources are having a second. “Beans might need an additional particular second for costing lower than different protein/fiber choices,” predicts Saletta.
Jaeger agrees that beans are a standout: “Not solely are beans a cheap supply of protein as we proceed to see the worth of animal-based protein sources rise within the grocery retailer, however additionally they comprise fiber and invaluable vitamins that provide many well being advantages.” (4)
This aligns with broader curiosity in canned and shelf-stable meals. Gregg notes that whereas the obsession with tinned fish could fade, “the main target of utilizing canned and processed meals (suppose canned beans and high-protein dairy) as part of a nutritious diet will stay.”
Customized Diet Goes Mainstream
A number of dietitians predict that customized vitamin will proceed increasing. “From meals logging to wearables and AI developments, shoppers have entry to instruments that may shed important gentle on their present habits,” says Jaeger. “Unlocking perception into their very own weight loss program by leveraging these instruments shall be key in supporting the event of their customized vitamin plan.”
Gregg agrees. “With the rise in AI, I believe customized vitamin assisted by AI will doubtless emerge as a development quickly,” she says.
Creatine Past the Health club
An under-the-radar development to observe: creatine supplementation shifting past athletes. “I’m curious to see how creatine evolves past athletes and reaches extra normal shoppers,” says Jaeger, “particularly as a result of just lately printed analysis inflicting a buzz within the media.” Gregg additionally flags creatine as a complement that “may grow to be widespread or fashionable within the normal inhabitants.”
Different Developments Price Watching
A couple of extra predictions from our workforce:
“Woman Dinners” evolve: Jaeger hopes this snack-plate idea will develop past its present type to incorporate “extra balanced combos that target key vitamins like protein and fiber, all whereas lowering gadgets which can be larger in saturated fats and salt.”
Daring flavors stick round: Jaeger predicts “swicy” (candy and spicy) and different daring taste combos are “right here to remain,” evolving past sizzling honey as folks experiment with dwelling cooking to save cash.
Ingredient transparency: Saletta expects “a push for extra transparency about what components are in packaged meals, and whether or not these components are serving to or hurting our well being.”
The Backside Line
If there’s one theme working by these predictions, it’s steadiness. Fiber is rising to satisfy protein’s recognition. Plant-based choices are rising alongside animal proteins. Customized approaches are changing one-size-fits-all recommendation.
The dietitians’ collective recommendation for 2026? Give attention to complete meals, prioritize each protein and fiber, be skeptical of unregulated label claims, and use the instruments accessible to you—whether or not that’s meals logging, wearables, or working with a registered dietitian—to search out what works to your physique and your objectives.
As Saletta places it, the hope for 2026 is that all of us get “obsessive about steadiness.”
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