This article is the second part of our 2026 Trends series, where experts across the JPG Resources and CuliNEX family of brands share their perspectives on the future of food and beverage in the year ahead. While Part 1 explored the industry forces shaping innovation such as AI, reformulation, and regulatory shifts, this installment focuses on the trends emerging directly from the consumer side.

The insights that follow reflect how consumer preferences are turning into clear signals for innovation, and how brands that listen closely will be best positioned to respond.

Consumers Turning the Wheels of Change

Mark Crowell, Founder of CuliNEX

Staying attuned to consumer trends is key to staying ahead of what’s next in the food and beverage industry. CuliNEX Founder Mark Crowell observes that consumers are the ones who inspire new trends and open the way to new markets.

The food industry watches these trends closely and acts as a "creative engine" in turning consumer demand into new products. “Consumer market demand turns the wheels of change,” said Crowell.

Personal Value Alignment

Brittany Kovacevic, Managing Director, CuliNEX

In 2026, consumers are increasingly using food and beverage choices as an extension of their personal values - and they’re demanding proof, not promises. Brittany Kovacevic, Managing Director of CuliNEX, is seeing heightened expectations that product formulations genuinely reflect those values, not just in marketing, but in ingredient and processing decisions.

Consumers are prioritizing fewer additives, recognizable ingredients, and products that support specific health goals. In 2026, success will depend on clearly communicating not just what’s in a product, but why each ingredient is there and how it contributes to quality, performance, and trust.

Toddlers as a Market Segment

Beth Fryksdale, Product Development Manager at CuliNEX

According to Beth Fryksdale, Product Development Manager at CuliNEX, the year ahead can see a new, distinct market segment emerge: toddlers. Beth’s experience as a food scientist and product development expert has led her to observe parents who are increasingly seeking globally inspired, adventurous flavor profiles for their preschoolers. There may be a shift in families eschewing chicken nuggets and bland “meat and potatoes" options in favor of bright, flavorful foods aimed at toddlers.

Welcome to 2026: A Flavorful Year for Consumers

As 2026 unfolds, success will favor the food and beverage companies that understand and respond to the will of the consumer. The future of food will be built by innovators who turn consumer preferences into delicious foods. If your food or beverage company seeks to understand and respond to consumers, reach out to our team today.