The Future of Pasta, Rice and Grains 2026
Consumers are seeking greater value from every meal, and pasta, rice and grains can evolve beyond staples to deliver convenience, functionality and wellbeing.
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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
- Instant pasta will evolve as a complete, 'fusion' meal
- Repositioning pasta as a meal base can unlock growth among younger consumers
- Graph 1: occasions on which pasta or noodles are eaten, by generation, 2025
- Reframe instant pasta as a complete, nutritious meal
- Lead with protein in instant pasta products
- One-pot pasta dishes strike a perfect balance between a complete meal and effortless convenience
- Help consumers find nutritional clarity in their instant pasta meals
- Venture beyond traditional pasta flavours to keep taste-explorers satisfied
- Elevate instant pasta flavours with modern premium ingredients
- Tap into the Itameshi trend to win over Gen Zs and Millennials
- Samyang Tangle leads the way for the future of instant pasta fusion flavours
- Consumers will demand more from everyday grains
- Consumers will expect carbohydrates to earn their place on the plate
- Fortify couscous with alternative ingredients
- Incorporate corn- and legume-based options to traditional couscous
- Pair konjac/shirataki rice with plant-based proteins for a healthier rice alternative
- Functional nutrition will increasingly be paired with natural wellness cues
- Nutritional diversity will become the next frontier of functional grains
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IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
- Mintel's perspective
- Healthy ageing will reshape pasta and rice products
- Segment consumers by ageing goals, not age
- Pasta can support active ageing
- Products will adapt to changing physical and nutritional needs
- Caregivers are a growing market for instant foods
- Healthy ageing foods will need to feel normal
- Climate shift will unlock new grains consumption
- Climate change will redefine when and how pasta and grains are consumed
- Reposition ancient grain salads as climate-smart summer staples
- Launch summer grain salads with ancient grains
- Climate-resilient grains have an adoption advantage
- Digital content will help normalise future grains
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
"Consumers are seeking greater value from every meal, and pasta, rice and grains can evolve beyond staples to deliver convenience, functionality and wellbeing."
Giulia Scalbi, Associate Principal, Food & Drink
Discover the most important future trends in pasta, rice and grains with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the pasta, rice and grains industry over the next five years.
Upcoming global trends in pasta, rice and grains 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.
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