2026 Nutrition Trends: What Registered Dietitians Want You to Know

[ad_1] <img width="800" height="534" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="Beans and other affordable proteins are a top trend for 2026" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-2048x1365.jpg 1800w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_60286993-scaled.jpg 1801w" /> Each January brings a wave of diet predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how have you learnt which traits are literally price your consideration?

We requested MyFitnessPal’s crew of registered dietitians to share their insider tackle what’s coming in 2026. These are the specialists who assessment meals knowledge, analyze diet analysis, and see firsthand what’s resonating with actual individuals attempting to eat higher. Right here’s what they’re predicting—and what they’d skip.

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What Is Fibermaxxing? A Dietitian Explains This Fiber Development

Finest and Worst Traits of 2025

Earlier than we glance forward, let’s acknowledge what 2025 acquired proper—and mistaken.

The Finest: Fibermaxxing

The clear winner amongst our dietitians? The rise of fiber consciousness. “I'm a agency believer that fiber is your pal, and any alternative to shine a highlight on this essential nutrient that many people don’t get sufficient of is essential,” says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal’s Head of Diet. Stephanie Saletta, Senior Lead Diet Scientist, agrees: “We like to see fiber getting the love and a spotlight that it deserves!”

The caveat? Each specialists emphasize going gradual. Ramping up fiber too rapidly could cause bloating and discomfort, so gradual will increase (plus loads of water) are key. (1)

A Smarter Concentrate on Protein

A number of dietitians additionally praised the elevated consideration on protein, significantly for preserving muscle mass. “With the rise of weight reduction drugs, protein has been within the highlight with the main focus being to protect muscle mass in a caloric deficit,” notes Joanna Gregg, MS, RD, Meals Knowledge Curator. Lauren Cuda, MS, RD, CSP, LD, provides that “a better concentrate on protein” that features steadiness with high quality carbs and wholesome fat was among the best developments of the yr. (2)

The Worst: Soiled Soda, Dry-Scooping, and Excessive Diets

Not every thing that trended deserved the eye. Jaeger calls out soiled soda—soda blended with flavored syrups and creamers—as a development that “can add as much as a variety of energy in a short time” whereas packing in added sugars and fat we should always restrict.

After which there’s “dry scooping,” the apply of consuming protein powder immediately in its dry kind—actually scooping it into their mouth and swallowing it with out mixing it with water or any liquid first. Saletta flags dry-scooping as “disagreeable and pointless.”

In the meantime, Gregg factors to the carnivore weight loss program as “not sustainable and missing in fiber and plenty of different essential vitamins.” Cuda provides that utilizing beef tallow, one other ingredient trending on social media, as an on a regular basis cooking fats is problematic resulting from its excessive saturated fats content material.

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8 Meals and Diet Traits for 2025, Predicted By The Specialists

Traits That Will Outline 2026

Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed here are the diet traits most probably to form the yr forward.

Fiber Takes Middle Stage

The dietitians predict fiber will likely be a significant focus in 2026. “I consider that fiber is changing into the brand new protein and can emerge as a broader development,” says Jaeger. Saletta expects to see “fiber discover its manner into extra merchandise, like drinks, snacks, and frozen meals” together with “extra viral recipes and hacks for getting extra fiber by way of fruits, greens, beans, oats, and seeds.”

Cuda anticipates each “extra fiber-fortified choices and sensible, food-first methods (beans, greens, complete grains, nuts, and seeds) aimed toward higher digestion, satiety, and metabolic well being.” The connection to intestine well being analysis is driving this curiosity. As scientists study extra in regards to the gut-brain axis, customers are more and more inquisitive about how fiber impacts extra than simply digestion. (3)

Protein Stays Robust (With a Plant-Based mostly Twist)

Protein isn’t going wherever. “The protein obsession will possible dwell on,” says Jaeger, pointing to the continued rise of GLP-1 drugs and the proliferation of protein-enhanced merchandise from espresso add-ons to protein pretzels and popcorn.

However count on a shift in sources. Jaeger predicts “the next emphasis on plant-based protein sources equivalent to beans,” pushed partly by rising animal protein costs.

Saletta hopes 2026 brings a concentrate on steadiness: “Sure protein, but in addition the correct quantity of protein alongside all the opposite essential vitamins and meals we want.” Gregg emphasizes that the main focus ought to stay on complete meals sources: “Assume lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts and legumes versus protein chips and bars.”

GLP-1 Drugs Form Meals Decisions

The affect of GLP-1 weight reduction drugs on consuming patterns is inconceivable to disregard. A number of dietitians word that these drugs are driving demand for higher-protein, smaller-portion meals.

Cuda predicts “a wave of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ meals marketed to buyers utilizing these drugs,” however warns that “this time period isn’t standardized.” Her recommendation: develop label literacy and contemplate working with a registered dietitian to interpret these claims in your particular person wants.

Saletta provides that we’ll see continued curiosity in protein and fiber “particularly as extra individuals strive GLP-1s (and are available off of them and wish to protect their progress).”

Beans and Funds-Pleasant Consuming

With meals prices rising globally, budget-conscious protein sources are having a second. “Beans might need an additional particular second for costing lower than different protein/fiber choices,” predicts Saletta.

Jaeger agrees that beans are a standout: “Not solely are beans an economical supply of protein as we proceed to see the value of animal-based protein sources rise within the grocery retailer, however additionally they comprise fiber and precious vitamins that supply many well being advantages.” (4)

This aligns with broader curiosity in canned and shelf-stable meals. Gregg notes that whereas the obsession with tinned fish might fade, “the main focus of utilizing canned and processed meals (assume canned beans and high-protein dairy) as part of a nutritious diet will stay.”

Personalised Diet Goes Mainstream

A number of dietitians predict that customized diet will proceed increasing. “From meals logging to wearables and AI developments, customers have entry to instruments that may shed important gentle on their present habits,” says Jaeger. “Unlocking perception into their very own weight loss program by leveraging these instruments will likely be key in supporting the event of their customized diet plan.”

Gregg agrees. “With the rise in AI, I feel customized diet assisted by AI will possible emerge as a development quickly,” she says.

Creatine Past the Health club

An under-the-radar development to look at: creatine supplementation transferring past athletes. “I'm curious to see how creatine evolves past athletes and reaches extra normal customers,” says Jaeger, “particularly resulting from just lately revealed analysis inflicting a buzz within the media.” Gregg additionally flags creatine as a complement that “might turn out to be widespread or fashionable within the normal inhabitants.”

Different Traits Value Watching

Just a few further predictions from our crew:

“Lady Dinners” evolve: Jaeger hopes this snack-plate idea will develop past its present kind to incorporate “extra balanced mixtures that concentrate on key vitamins like protein and fiber, all whereas lowering gadgets which can be larger in saturated fats and salt.”

Daring flavors stick round: Jaeger predicts “swicy” (candy and spicy) and different daring taste mixtures are “right here to remain,” evolving past scorching honey as individuals experiment with residence cooking to save cash.

Ingredient transparency: Saletta expects “a push for extra transparency about what elements are in packaged meals, and whether or not these elements are serving to or hurting our well being.”

The Backside Line

If there’s one theme operating by way of these predictions, it’s steadiness. Fiber is rising to satisfy protein’s reputation. Plant-based choices are rising alongside animal proteins. Personalised approaches are changing one-size-fits-all recommendation.

The dietitians’ collective recommendation for 2026? Concentrate on complete meals, prioritize each protein and fiber, be skeptical of unregulated label claims, and use the instruments accessible to you—whether or not that’s meals logging, wearables, or working with a registered dietitian—to seek out what works in your physique and your objectives.