2026 Diet Traits: What Registered Dietitians Need 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" decoding="async" 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" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /> Each January brings a wave of vitamin predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how are you aware which developments are literally price your consideration?

We requested MyFitnessPal’s group of registered dietitians to share their insider tackle what’s coming in 2026. These are the specialists who overview meals knowledge, analyze vitamin analysis, and see firsthand what’s resonating with actual folks making an attempt 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 Pattern

Greatest and Worst Traits of 2025

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

The Greatest: Fibermaxxing

The clear winner amongst our dietitians? The rise of fiber consciousness. “I'm a agency believer that fiber is your buddy, and any alternative to shine a highlight on this vital nutrient that many people don’t get sufficient of is vital,” 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 sluggish. 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, notably for preserving muscle mass. “With the rise of weight reduction drugs, protein has been within the highlight with the main target being to protect muscle mass in a caloric deficit,” notes Joanna Gregg, MS, RD, Meals Information 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 the most effective developments of the yr. (2)

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

Not every little 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 quite a lot of energy in a short time” whereas packing in added sugars and fat we should always restrict.

After which there’s “dry scooping,” the follow of consuming protein powder instantly in its dry type—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 eating regimen as “not sustainable and missing in fiber and lots of different vital 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.

<img decoding="async" width="1024" height="643" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-nutrition-food-predictions-1024x643.jpg" alt="2025 food trends | MyFitnessPal" class="wp-image-59654 size-full" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-nutrition-food-predictions-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-nutrition-food-predictions-300x188.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-nutrition-food-predictions-768x482.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-nutrition-food-predictions.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> You may additionally like

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

Traits That Will Outline 2026

Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed below are the vitamin developments almost definitely 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 means into extra merchandise, like drinks, snacks, and frozen meals” together with “extra viral recipes and hacks for getting extra fiber by means of fruits, greens, beans, oats, and seeds.”

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

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

Protein isn’t going wherever. “The protein obsession will seemingly stay 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 anticipate a shift in sources. Jaeger predicts “a better emphasis on plant-based protein sources similar to beans,” pushed partly by rising animal protein costs.

Saletta hopes 2026 brings a concentrate on steadiness: “Sure protein, but additionally the correct amount of protein alongside all the opposite vital vitamins and meals we want.” Gregg emphasizes that the main target ought to stay on entire 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 unattainable to disregard. A number of dietitians be aware 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 think about working with a registered dietitian to interpret these claims to your particular person wants.

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

Beans and Finances-Pleasant Consuming

With meals prices rising globally, budget-conscious protein sources are having a second. “Beans may 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 worth of animal-based protein sources rise within the grocery retailer, however in addition they comprise fiber and precious vitamins that provide 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 could fade, “the main target 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 personalised vitamin will proceed increasing. “From meals logging to wearables and AI developments, customers have entry to instruments that may shed vital gentle on their present habits,” says Jaeger. “Unlocking perception into their very own eating regimen by leveraging these instruments will likely be key in supporting the event of their personalised vitamin plan.”

Gregg agrees. “With the rise in AI, I believe personalised vitamin assisted by AI will seemingly emerge as a development quickly,” she says.

Creatine Past the Health club

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

Different Traits Value Watching

A couple of further predictions from our group:

“Woman Dinners” evolve: Jaeger hopes this snack-plate idea will develop past its present type to incorporate “extra balanced combos that target key vitamins like protein and fiber, all whereas decreasing objects which are larger in saturated fats and salt.”

Daring flavors stick round: Jaeger predicts “swicy” (candy and spicy) and different daring taste combos are “right here to remain,” evolving past sizzling honey as folks experiment with house cooking to economize.

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 working by means 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 entire meals, prioritize each protein and fiber, be skeptical of unregulated label claims, and use the instruments out there to you—whether or not that’s meals logging, wearables, or working with a registered dietitian—to seek out what works to your physique and your objectives.