2026 Diet Tendencies: What Registered Dietitians Need You to Know

Each January brings a wave of diet predictions—some backed by science, others fueled by social media hype. So how are you aware 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 consultants who evaluate meals knowledge, analyze diet 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 Tendencies of 2025

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

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 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 consultants emphasize going sluggish. Ramping up fiber too shortly could 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, 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 wiser concentrate on protein” that features stability 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 blended with flavored syrups and creamers—as a development that “can add as much as a whole lot 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 straight 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 weight loss program 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 because of its excessive saturated fats content material.

Tendencies That Will Outline 2026

Based mostly on our dietitians’ predictions, listed here are the diet tendencies almost definitely to form the yr forward.

Fiber Takes Middle Stage

The dietitians predict fiber shall be a serious 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 means 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, entire 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 in regards to the gut-brain axis, shoppers 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 anyplace. “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 anticipate a shift in sources. Jaeger predicts “a better emphasis on plant-based protein sources corresponding to beans,” pushed partly by rising animal protein costs. 

Saletta hopes 2026 brings a concentrate on stability: “Sure protein, but additionally the correct amount of protein alongside all the opposite vital vitamins and meals we’d like.” Gregg emphasizes that the main focus 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 notice that these drugs are driving demand for higher-protein, smaller-portion meals.

Cuda predicts “a wave of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ meals marketed to customers utilizing these drugs,” however warns that “this time period isn’t standardized.” Her recommendation: develop label literacy and take into account 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 value of animal-based protein sources rise within the grocery retailer, however additionally they include 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 could fade, “the main focus of utilizing canned and processed meals (suppose canned beans and high-protein dairy) as part of a nutritious diet will stay.”

Customized Diet Goes Mainstream

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

Gregg agrees. “With the rise in AI, I believe 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 common shoppers,” says Jaeger, “particularly because of lately revealed analysis inflicting a buzz within the media.” Gregg additionally flags creatine as a complement that “may turn into standard or stylish within the common inhabitants.”

Different Tendencies Price Watching

A couple of further predictions from our workforce:

“Lady 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 gadgets which can be 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 scorching honey as folks experiment with dwelling cooking to save cash.

Ingredient transparency: Saletta expects “a push for extra transparency about what components are in packaged meals, and whether or not these components 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 fulfill protein’s reputation. 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 entire 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 search 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 stability.”

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