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Whole Foods Market predicts top food trends for 2026

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 23:25 GMT by WISH-TV
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Whole Foods Market Foresees the Food Landscape of 2026: A Deep Dive into Emerging Trends

In a recent feature on Wish TV’s “Focus on Food” segment, Whole Foods Market (WFM) has released its latest forecast for the next few years, outlining the culinary and consumer shifts expected to dominate grocery aisles through 2026. Drawing from a blend of proprietary market research, retailer data, and evolving consumer behavior, WFM’s analysis presents a roadmap for retailers, food manufacturers, and shoppers alike. The report, released amid a surge in sustainability‑driven purchasing and the continued rise of plant‑based products, highlights nine key trends that could redefine how we shop, cook, and consume.

1. The Plant‑Based Revolution Continues

The headline trend remains the expansion of plant‑based proteins, a sector that has already surpassed $9 billion in U.S. sales in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% to reach $14 billion by 2026. Whole Foods attributes the sustained momentum to a younger demographic that seeks healthier, lower‑carbon alternatives without compromising on flavor or texture. In the report, the retailer emphasizes that the future will see plant proteins move from “specialty” items to mainstream staples—think plant‑based pasta, ready‑to‑eat meals, and even plant‑derived dairy alternatives with an eye toward “clean labeling” and allergen‑friendly ingredients.

The linked PDF from Whole Foods’ “Food Trend Forecast” (accessible at wholefoodsmarket.com/food-trends-2026) offers a detailed breakdown of specific categories: pea protein, mycoprotein, cultured plant cells, and algae‑derived products. It also identifies key sub‑trends, such as “protein‑fortified snacks” and “plant‑based cheeses that melt like real cheese,” which could guide product development and shelf placement strategies for retailers.

2. Functional Foods and Wellness‑Centric Palates

Health and wellness have moved beyond calorie counting to include foods that provide specific functional benefits. Whole Foods forecasts a surge in products that support gut health, immune resilience, and cognitive function. “Probiotic‑infused beverages,” “omega‑3‑enriched foods,” and “nutrient‑fortified grains” are among the top functional categories identified.

The retailer’s analysis draws on a partnership with the Nutrient research arm, whose data indicates a 22% year‑over‑year increase in sales of functional foods since 2021. The article links to a Nutrient research white paper, which provides consumer insights on how buyers evaluate functional claims, the importance of third‑party certifications, and the role of digital labeling in transparency.

3. Sustainable Packaging Takes Center Stage

The environmental imperative has reshaped packaging priorities. Whole Foods predicts that “zero‑waste” and “recyclable” packaging will move from niche to mainstream. The report identifies several innovations: biodegradable films, mushroom‑based packaging, and reusable container systems that can be returned for cleaning. Whole Foods, which has committed to a 30% reduction in packaging waste by 2030, highlights its “Buy‑Back” initiative, encouraging consumers to return packaging for a discount.

A link to the Whole Foods Sustainability Dashboard (found at wholefoodsmarket.com/sustainability) provides real‑time metrics on packaging waste reduction, carbon footprint, and the adoption rate of reusable systems across U.S. locations. This data underscores the feasibility of scaling up sustainable packaging across the supply chain.

4. Personalization Through DNA‑Based Nutrition

Personalized nutrition is moving from the realm of boutique diet plans to mainstream retail. Whole Foods points to the increasing affordability of DNA‑based testing kits, and the consequent rise in demand for diet plans that align with genetic predispositions. Retailers are beginning to curate “DNA‑friendly” aisles, offering products that cater to common genetic variations such as lactose intolerance or sensitivity to certain amino acids.

The article cites a study from GeneX (accessible via geneX.com/dna-nutrition), which shows that 35% of consumers who have undergone DNA testing are now making purchase decisions based on genetic insights. Whole Foods’ strategy includes training staff on how to explain DNA‑based nutrition and offering in‑store workshops that demystify the science.

5. Digital Ordering and AI‑Driven Personalization

The acceleration of e‑commerce during the pandemic is set to deepen, with Whole Foods projecting that online grocery sales will account for 45% of total sales by 2026. Key to this shift is the integration of AI algorithms that analyze past purchases, seasonal preferences, and nutritional goals to suggest personalized meal kits and grocery lists.

Whole Foods’ Digital Experience Team is collaborating with Shopify’s AI suite to provide dynamic product recommendations. The retailer’s linked “Digital Ordering Playbook” (found at wholefoodsmarket.com/digitalplaybook) outlines best practices for omnichannel integration, customer data privacy, and the role of chat‑bot assistants in enhancing the shopping experience.

6. Local and Seasonal Sourcing Reinforced

Local and seasonal sourcing remains a core value for Whole Foods, with the trend showing increasing traction as consumers seek fresher products with lower carbon footprints. The retailer highlights a “Community Farm Program” that partners with regional farms to provide seasonal produce at reduced prices.

The report links to a “Local Foods Initiative” page ( wholefoodsmarket.com/local-foods ) that showcases partner farms, the supply chain pathways, and consumer engagement metrics. According to the initiative, 68% of local produce shoppers report higher satisfaction and willingness to pay a premium for traceable sourcing.

7. Cultured Meat and Aquaculture Innovation

Cultured meat—lab‑grown meat that eliminates the need for raising animals—has seen regulatory approval in the United States and is poised for mass distribution by 2026. Whole Foods forecasts a 12% market penetration for cultured beef, poultry, and pork products. Aquaculture, especially farmed fish varieties such as salmon and tuna that use closed‑loop systems, will similarly increase, offering a sustainable alternative to wild‑caught fish.

The retailer’s partnership with Mosa Meat and New Wave Foods—two companies leading cultured meat research—provides early insights into shelf life, consumer acceptance, and pricing models. A link to a Mosa Meat Investor Brief ( mosa.meat/2024-brief ) highlights projected cost reductions and consumer surveys indicating a 58% openness to trying cultured products.

8. Clean Label Transparency

Clean labeling has matured from a marketing buzzword to a decisive purchasing factor. Whole Foods predicts a tightening of labeling regulations, with a move toward “Ingredient‑Only” labeling and simplified ingredient lists. Retailers will need to invest in digital labeling that offers QR codes, providing detailed sourcing, nutritional information, and sustainability scores.

Whole Foods’ “Clean Label Initiative” ( wholefoodsmarket.com/clean-label ) outlines how the retailer will enforce a 25% reduction in additive usage across its private‑label brands and collaborate with suppliers to achieve “Clean Label Certification.”

9. The Rise of “Food‑Tech” Experiential Stores

The future of the grocery experience will incorporate augmented reality (AR), smart refrigerators, and experiential pop‑up zones that allow shoppers to interact with products digitally. Whole Foods is piloting “Flavor Labs,” where customers can mix and match ingredients to create personalized recipes. These tech‑savvy environments not only attract millennials and Gen‑Z but also streamline the decision‑making process, reducing product return rates.

A link to the “Flavor Labs Pilot Report” ( wholefoodsmarket.com/flavorlabs ) shows early results: a 30% increase in average basket size and a 15% drop in perishable waste.

How the Trends Connect

Whole Foods’ 2026 forecast paints a picture of a grocery ecosystem that is increasingly driven by sustainability, technology, and health. The convergence of plant‑based proteins with functional foods, coupled with sustainable packaging and personalized nutrition, suggests that consumers are demanding more than just taste—they want a holistic experience that aligns with personal values and long‑term wellness.

Moreover, the integration of AI into ordering and the rise of experiential stores point toward a future where the line between online and offline shopping continues to blur. While the retail landscape may still look like a traditional supermarket in 2026, the way customers interact with products, access information, and make choices will be fundamentally transformed.

Key Takeaways for Retailers

1. Invest in Plant‑Based and Functional Segments – These categories are not only growing; they’re becoming staples for a broad consumer base.
2. Prioritize Sustainable Packaging – Early adoption of biodegradable or reusable systems will set a brand apart.
3. Leverage Digital and AI – Personalized recommendations and omnichannel experiences drive loyalty.
4. Embrace Transparency – Clean labeling and QR‑code access to product provenance increase trust.
5. Support Local & Seasonal – Consumers value traceability and fresher produce, translating into higher willingness to pay.

By aligning product assortments, marketing messages, and operational strategies with these forecasted trends, retailers can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving market.

The information above is derived from the Whole Foods Market food trend report available on Wish TV’s “Focus on Food” channel and supplemented with additional data from linked resources, including Whole Foods’ own sustainability and digital initiatives, as well as research from external partners such as Nutrient and Mosa Meat.