Share

What Consumers Want in 2026

Worn down by inflation and uncertain economic conditions, food and beverage shoppers want products that deliver tangible benefits per dollar.
Woman shopping
Mary Ellen Kuhn Mary Ellen Kuhn

Food Technology Magazine

What will matter most to food and beverage shoppers in 2026. The answer in a word. Value.

That’s not surprising given the current economic climate. But how consumers define value is where it gets interesting.

Food Technology’s 2026 consumer outlook analysis breaks it down based on nearly 350 responses to the IFT Consumer Trends Survey of food system professionals with roles in marketing, consumer insights, and R&D, along with input from a group of longtime food and beverage trend trackers.

Login or Sign Up To Continue

You’ve hit your limit of free articles. Either sign in to your existing account, or sign up to be an IFT member and get access to hundreds of digital resources and articlers.

Login Become a Member

Hero Image: © Portra/getty images/E+

Authors

  • Mary Ellen Kuhn

    Mary Ellen Kuhn Executive Editor

    Mary Ellen Kuhn, executive editor and assistant director of publications, oversees the editorial content of Food Technology magazine.

Categories

  • Food Health Nutrition

  • Functional Foods

  • Diet and Health

  • Food Technology Magazine

  • Market Trends