Insights from Cargill’s proprietary TrendTracker reveal that the biggest shifts shaping the future of food aren’t driven by singular ingredients or diets, but by evolving mindsets around wellness, indulgence and value. At the center of it all: seeking. But today’s seeking goes far beyond physical health. Consumers are increasingly looking to food and beverages for emotional balance, comfort, self-care and connection — while also redefining value through a benefits-driven lens after years of inflation.

Five influential trends shaping food and beverage in 2026 include:

1. Seeking goodness: A more informed, benefits-driven consumer. Consumers are actively seeking out foods, beverages and ingredients that support their health goals – and this behavior is accelerating. With seemingly unlimited access to information, they’re looking for benefits tied not only to physical wellbeing but also mental and emotional health. Nutrients like protein and fiber remain at the core of this trend, but interest is rising for foods that aim to support emotional balance, quality sleep and more.

2. Eating to live: Longevity as a lifestyle, not a life stage. Empowered consumers recognize that a mindful approach to consumption can help them stay healthy as they age – and younger generations aren’t waiting to act. From Gen Z to Boomers, people are choosing to “eat to live,” prioritizing a healthy diet and routines that support quality of life, not just lifespan.

3. Indulge me: Permission to enjoy, without guilt or compromise. Despite the heightened focus on health, there’s still a place for indulgence. In fact, many of life’s most enjoyable experiences revolve around food and beverages. Routine indulgences are firmly embedded in how consumers eat, and they recognize the positive impact that enjoying food can have on emotional wellbeing. While a balanced tension remains between healthfulness and indulgence, when consumers indulge, they’re not looking for half measures. If it’s worth enjoying, it’s worth enjoying fully, and in these moments, premium products are preferred.

4. Elevated experiences: Beyond taste to multisensory discovery. The “Indulge Me” trend is about meeting expectations, but this trend is about exceeding them. Consumers want eating and drinking experiences that tap into multiple senses, celebrate cultural influences and reflect endless creativity. They’re traveling the world through food, experiencing cuisines from all over the globe to bring novelty and adventure into familiar routines.

5. Value Accelerated: Stretching the budget while spending with intention. Value remains a dominant force, but consumers now define it as what they get, not just what they pay. They’re looking for “value with values” – products that deliver benefits, align with their priorities and feel worth the spend. This helps explain why Indulgence and Functional Health categories continue to thrive in the face of ongoing inflation. Still, consumers are making trade-offs, cutting back on non-essentials such as restaurant meals so they can splurge on little luxuries like premium treats for home consumption. It’s not about compromising, it’s about prioritizing.