The Future of Ingredients 2026
Ingredient innovation will unlock new potential in the ingredients we already know, embedding clear, trusted and inclusive benefits into the foods of tomorrow.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Where we are now
- In the next two years
- In five years and beyond
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IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
- Mintel's perspective
- Ingredients will deliver purpose, proof and transparency
- Protein obsession is resetting consumer expectations in food and drink
- Consumers will expect tangible benefits from ingredients
- The protein conversation will shift from quantity to quality
- Brands will emphasise ingredient specificity and quality to deliver real benefits
- Digestibility will become a top differentiator
- Fibre will emerge as the next essential partner to protein
- Brand spotlight: Beyond Immerse protein drink
- Staple ingredients will unlock new value
- Cost pressures will reinforce the value of familiar ingredients
- Staples will be leveraged as innovation platforms
- Traditional animal fats will regain attention as seed oil faces scrutiny
- Millennials are set to drive the demand of traditional and heritage ingredients
- Upcycled ingredients will deliver benefits beyond sustainability
- Brand spotlight: All Things Dairy
- Ingredients will be designed for inclusive wellness
- The future of ingredients will be adaptive and inclusive
- Inclusive wellness will be the next wave of personalised nutrition
- Ingredients will help destigmatise taboo health concerns
- Performance ingredients will expand beyond athletes to light exercisers
- Ingredient to watch: creatine will support more than athletic performance
- Brand spotlight: Like Milk
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IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
- Mintel's perspective
- Plant-based aquatic proteins will grow as animal protein demand accelerates
- APAC leads in innovations with plant-based aquatic proteins
- Prepare psychobiotics to move mainstream as part of mental health support
- Educate consumers and innovate with targeted psychobiotic strains that support cognitive function
- Use benefit-led language that consumers already understand
- Authenticity is a major concern regarding AI use in food and drink
- The future of ingredients must be AI-enabled but human-led
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
Discover the most important future trends in the global ingredients market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the ingredients industry over the next five years.
The most important upcoming trends in ingredients are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in the global ingredients market. Understanding the future of the ingredients industry has never been so easy.
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