2026
10
The Future of Specialised Nutrition 2026
2026-03-23T06:01:01+00:00
REP08436629_BD28_4821_8366_29BD28E8213D
2195
192129
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Report
en_GB
Rising scrutiny, shifting metabolic needs, and demand for dignified care drive specialised nutrition brands towards cleaner, smarter, more-person‑centric solutions. Sophia Cornelius, Senior Analyst - Specialised Nutrition - Registered Dietitian…
Global
Specialised Nutrition
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The Future of Specialised Nutrition 2026

"Rising scrutiny, shifting metabolic needs, and demand for dignified care drive specialised nutrition brands towards cleaner, smarter, more-person‑centric solutions."

Sophia Cornelius, Senior Analyst - Specialised Nutrition - Registered Dietitian

Discover the future trends in the global specialised nutrition 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 the specialised nutrition market 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.

Key Specialised Nutrition Industry Trends Covered in the Report

  • Science and transparency underpin premiumisation
  • AI‑enabled screening drives preventative nutrition
  • Clinic‑ready nutrition with measurable outcomes

Purchase the full report for a complete breakdown of the trends shaping the future of the specialised nutrition industry. Alongside Mintel’s pick of the most innovative and inspirational specialised nutrition launches introduced to the global market.

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    • Where are we now
    • In the next two years
    • In five years and beyond
  2. IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Nutrient density for credible nutrition solutions
    • Nutrient density must be optimised, not maximised
    • Build credibility into nutrient-dense claims by aligning with credible authorities and classification systems
    • Nutrient density is essential for products targeting GLP-1 users
    • Close the nutrition and marketing gap between products for weight loss and ageing
    • Graph 1: food, drink, vitamin and supplement launches with selected nutrition claims, by specialised nutrition sector, 2025-26
    • Nutrient density becomes personalised, not one-size-fits-all
    • Nutrient density underpins effective food as medicine – a growing preventative healthcare opportunity
    • Science and transparency underpin premiumisation
    • Clinically credible ingredients and beneficial nutrients can outweigh processing
    • Consumers seek clinically proven, science-backed products
    • Highlight how 'positive processing' delivers health and nutrition benefits
    • Recognised, verifiable claims become essential trust signals
    • Graph 2: performance nutrition food, drink and VMS launches with the top-five ethical and environmental claims, 2021-26
    • Purity, clean label and upcycling are being used to signal value
    • Baby food needs transparent processing, with nutrition science – not 'adult' food trends – at its core
    • In early baby feeding, processing should be the exception, not the default
    • FSMPs: food-like qualities for dignified eating
    • Adherence and economic value will win formulary space and payer partnerships
    • FSMPs need to move beyond dessert flavour profiles, to reflect normal meals
    • Graph 3: top flavour profiles in foods for special medical purposes launches*, 2025-26
    • FSMPs shift towards real meal, food-like sensory experiences
    • Food-like qualities reduce the medical stigma of nutrition support and FSMPs
    • Personalisation will become standard as technologies progress
  3. IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Recreating biology in next-generation nutrition
    • From fortification to replication – lab-grown human milk enters the innovation pipeline
    • Biological benchmarking will be the next gold standard for infant formula
    • AI-enabled screening drives preventative nutrition
    • Nutrition screening will be incorporated across life stages
    • Expert advice will intertwine with product recommendations for healthy longevity
    • Clinic-ready nutrition with measurable outcomes
    • Measurable health outcomes will shape the next phase of specialised nutrition products
    • Mintel Spark imagines a Metabolic Steady Shot, which works in combination with guided at-home health check-ins
  4. 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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