Each January brings a wave of vitamin predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how have you learnt which tendencies are literally price your consideration?
We requested MyFitnessPal’s workforce of registered dietitians to share their insider tackle what’s coming in 2026. These are the specialists who assessment 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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Greatest and Worst Developments of 2025
Earlier than we glance forward, let’s acknowledge what 2025 received proper—and unsuitable.
The Greatest: 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 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 focus that it deserves!”
The caveat? Each specialists emphasize going sluggish. Ramping up fiber too shortly may cause bloating and discomfort, so gradual will increase (plus loads of water) are key. (1)
A Smarter Give attention to 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 focus 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 wiser give attention to protein” that features stability with high quality carbs and wholesome fat was the most effective developments of the 12 months. (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 must always restrict.
After which there’s “dry scooping,” the follow of consuming protein powder straight 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-reduction plan as “not sustainable and missing in fiber and plenty 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 as a consequence of its excessive saturated fats content material.
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Developments That Will Outline 2026
Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed below are the vitamin tendencies almost definitely to form the 12 months forward.
Fiber Takes Middle Stage
The dietitians predict fiber will probably be a serious 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 be taught extra concerning the gut-brain axis, shoppers are more and more interested in how fiber impacts extra than simply digestion. (3)
Protein Stays Sturdy (With a Plant-Based mostly Twist)
Protein isn’t going anyplace. “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 reminiscent of beans,” pushed partly by rising animal protein costs.
Saletta hopes 2026 brings a give attention to stability: “Sure protein, but in addition the correct quantity of protein alongside all the opposite vital vitamins and meals we’d like.” Gregg emphasizes that the main focus ought to stay on complete meals sources: “Suppose lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts and legumes versus protein chips and bars.”
GLP-1 Medicines Form Meals Selections
The affect of GLP-1 weight reduction drugs on consuming patterns is not possible 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 consumers 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 folks attempt GLP-1s (and are available off of them and need to protect their progress).”
Beans and Funds-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 priceless 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 focus of utilizing canned and processed meals (assume canned beans and high-protein dairy) as part of a nutritious diet will stay.”
Customized Diet Goes Mainstream
A number of dietitians predict that personalised vitamin will proceed increasing. “From meals logging to wearables and AI developments, shoppers have entry to instruments that may shed vital gentle on their present habits,” says Jaeger. “Unlocking perception into their very own weight-reduction plan by leveraging these instruments will probably 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 look at: creatine supplementation shifting past athletes. “I’m curious to see how creatine evolves past athletes and reaches extra normal shoppers,” says Jaeger, “particularly as a consequence of lately printed analysis inflicting a buzz within the media.” Gregg additionally flags creatine as a complement that “may change into standard or stylish within the normal inhabitants.”
Different Developments Value Watching
A couple of extra predictions from our workforce:
“Lady Dinners” evolve: Jaeger hopes this snack-plate idea will develop past its present kind to incorporate “extra balanced combos that target key vitamins like protein and fiber, all whereas decreasing objects which are increased 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 dwelling 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 working by way of these predictions, it’s stability. Fiber is rising to satisfy protein’s recognition. Plant-based choices are rising alongside animal proteins. Customized approaches are changing one-size-fits-all recommendation.
The dietitians’ collective recommendation for 2026? Give attention to complete 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 in your physique and your objectives.
As Saletta places it, the hope for 2026 is that all of us get “obsessive about stability.”
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