Each January brings a wave of vitamin predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how have you learnt 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 evaluate meals knowledge, analyze vitamin analysis, and see firsthand what’s resonating with actual folks attempting to eat higher. Right here’s what they’re predicting—and what they’d skip.

Finest and Worst Developments of 2025

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

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 vital nutrient that many people don’t get sufficient of is essential,” says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal’s Head of Vitamin. Stephanie Saletta, Senior Lead Vitamin Scientist, agrees: “We like to see fiber getting the love and a focus that it deserves!”

The caveat? Each specialists emphasize going gradual. Ramping up fiber too shortly may 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 medicines, 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 Knowledge Curator. Lauren Cuda, MS, RD, CSP, LD, provides that “a wiser 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 thing that trended deserved the eye. Jaeger calls out soiled soda—soda combined with flavored syrups and creamers—as a development that “can add as much as a number of energy in a short time” whereas packing in added sugars and fat we must always restrict. 

After which there’s “dry scooping,” the apply of consuming protein powder immediately 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 food 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 as a result of its excessive saturated fats content material.

Developments That Will Outline 2026

Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed here are the vitamin developments probably to form the yr forward.

Fiber Takes Middle Stage

The dietitians predict fiber shall be a significant focus in 2026. “I imagine that fiber is turning into the brand new protein and can emerge as a broader development,” says Jaeger. Saletta expects to see “fiber discover its method into extra merchandise, like drinks, snacks, and frozen meals” together with “extra viral recipes and hacks for getting extra fiber by 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 concerning the gut-brain axis, customers are more and more interested by 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 medications 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 “a better 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 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 complete meals sources: “Assume lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts and legumes versus protein chips and bars.”

GLP-1 Drugs Form Meals Selections

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

Cuda predicts “a wave of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ meals marketed to customers utilizing these medicines,” 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 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 a cheap supply of protein as we proceed to see the worth of animal-based protein sources rise within the grocery retailer, however additionally they include fiber and valuable nutrients 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 could fade, “the main target of utilizing canned and processed meals (suppose canned beans and high-protein dairy) as part of a nutritious diet will stay.”

Customized Vitamin 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 food regimen by leveraging these instruments shall be key in supporting the event of their personalised vitamin plan.”

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

Creatine Past the Fitness center

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 as a result of not too long ago printed analysis inflicting a buzz within the media.” Gregg additionally flags creatine as a complement that “may turn out to be common or stylish within the normal inhabitants.”

Different Developments Value Watching

A number of extra 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 concentrate on key vitamins like protein and fiber, all whereas lowering objects which might be greater 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 residence 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 these predictions, it’s steadiness. Fiber is rising to fulfill 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? Concentrate on complete meals, prioritize each protein and fiber, be skeptical of unregulated label claims, and use the instruments obtainable 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.

As Saletta places it, the hope for 2026 is that all of us get “obsessive about steadiness.”

The submit 2026 Nutrition Trends: What Registered Dietitians Want You to Know appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Source link