The grocer’s annual roundup of trend predictions has landed for 2026. 

Whole Foods Market publishes a report at the end of every calendar year predicting the food trends of the upcoming year and the 2026 food trend predictions are out now.

Two of the eight predictions are focused on convenience: “Freezer Fine Dining” and “Instant Reimagined.” The former describes stepping out of the (frozen pizza) box with freezer-friendly products. Takeout favorites and air fryer-friendly foods made with premium ingredients are the big themes of this trend. The latter points to travel-friendly products or meals that can be made “between meetings.” Single-serve lattes and meals-in-a-cup beyond basic ramen are particular call-outs from the retailer.

Next year’s oil alternative comes out in the retailer’s “Tallow Takeover” prediction. The old-timey ingredient is going to make a comeback, according to the report, because of its high smoke point and the “nose to tail” use of animal products.

The “Very Vinegar” trend is another twist on a not-new food getting a modern use. Many cultures have believed in the health benefits of vinegar-y foods throughout history, Whole Foods explained in the report, and now the pantry staple is being used in new ways like cocktails and condiments.

“Focus on Fiber” is another gut health-oriented trend. Fiber-filled produce will get its time in the spotlight, according to the grocer, and products with added fiber will grow in popularity, too.

“Sweet, But Make It Mindful” is another category predicted for 2026. Date caramel and alternative sweets have stuck around as viral food moments on TikTok, so the idea that products focused on sweet flavor without too much sugar makes sense for 2026. 

“Kitchen Couture” is a play on the “dopamine décor” trend. This guess means that consumers will be drawn to aesthetically pleasing bottles and cans of everyday items.

“Year of the Female Farmer” focuses on the people behind the food products rather than the item itself. This idea isn’t exclusive to Whole Foods, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Whole Foods nailed it with some of its 2025 trend prediction. Grocery store aisles were particularly satiated with one of last year’s suspects: protein. “Protein Power-Up,” one of 10 trends Whole Foods predicted for 2025, was all the rage this year. Between the longevity of viral cottage cheese recipes and new protein-infused items (like instant mashed potatoes), the macro-focused trend definitely stood out this calendar year.

Other 2025 predictions like “International Snacking,” “Ever-Adaptable Dumpling,” “Hydration Hype” and “Sourdough Stepped Up” also shone in our eyes this year, leaving us to wonder which of the retailer’s 2026 guesses will end up in our shopping carts.