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Report
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In the future, nutrition must be designed around real-world constraints, delivering health, value and nourishment when people eat less, spend less and expect more. Michelle Teodoro, Global Food Science Analyst…
Global
Health and Wellbeing
simple
The Future of Nutrition, Health and Wellness 2026
"In the future, nutrition must be designed around real-world constraints, delivering health, value and nourishment when people eat less, spend less and expect more."
Discover the most important future trends in the global nutrition, health and wellness market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the global nutrition market over the next five years.
The most important upcoming trends in health and wellness 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 nutrition, health and wellness market. Understanding the future of the nutrition industry has never been so easy.
The Future of Health & Wellness – Trends to Watch
The GLP-1 effect will reshape everyday food design: As appetites shrink, value shifts from volume to nutrient density, digestibility and portion precision. Smaller, gentler formats that deliver more per bite – protein quality, fibre and tolerance – will redefine everyday adequacy.
Affordable nutrition will become innovation territory: Affordability becomes a design principle. Nutrition must prove its usefulness per serving, balancing fibre, protein and function in accessible formats.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where we are now
In the next two years
In five years and beyond
IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
Mintel's perspective
Longevity will enter daily function
Make longevity relevant now, not later
Longevity-related claims are expanding beyond supplements
Graph 1: share of product launches with explicit longevity positioning*, by category, 2020 vs 2025
Graph 2: share of product launches with functional ageing positioning**, by category, 2020 vs 2025
Make everyday strength and mobility a daily priority
Normalise performance in daily diets
Muscle health will become central to longevity
Recovery and mobility will gain urgency across active lifestyles
Make cellular health practical and credible
Affordable nutrition will become innovation territory
Make affordability a design starting point
Tangible nutrition will be the new marker of value
Graph 3: share of mainstream product launches*, by claims, 2021-25
Upcycled ingredients will shift from sustainability to smart formulation
Public health guidance will reshape everyday reformulation
Affordable indulgence will support emotional sustainability
The GLP-1 effect will reshape everyday food design
Design for smaller appetites
Digestibility and tolerance will gain importance
Portion size will become intentional, not restrictive
Ready meals will lead on intentionally smaller portions
Nutrient density will replace volume as a value cue
Protein quality will matter more than quantity
Hydration will become a nutritional priority
Ease of consumption will become a competitive advantage
IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
Mintel's perspective
Biological individuality will go mainstream
Eating patterns will stop being predictable
Food will work alongside health technology
Sensory engineering will become functional
'Perfect diets' will give way to practical adequacy
Life-stage nutrition systems replace one-size-fits-all
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
Powered by Robust Data
Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
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