Prepared Foods The Year Ahead

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From guilt-free indulgence to AI-driven personalization, the beverage market is entering a new era of creativity and functionality. Emerging trends signal a future where drinks deliver not just flavor but wellness, connection and tailored experiences.

From protein’s continued rise to the rebirth of vices, phone-free dining and the search for more human experiences, Mattson unpacks the forces reshaping how consumers eat, shop and connect. Prepared Foods gets an exclusive look at the five trends expected to influence product development in 2026.

Circana’s latest outlook points to modest dollar sales growth, tighter volumes and evolving value expectations as consumers lean into convenience and functionality. These insights anchor Prepared Foods’ new Predictions issue, which gathers expert perspectives on what’s new and next for food, beverage and retail trends in 2026.