Kroger Shares 2026 Food Trend Predictions

CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. announced its top six food trends for 2026, predicting customer behaviors and anticipated popular products for the new year.

Developed by Kroger's team of food experts, the trend predictions offer a forecast of what customers will be craving in 2026.

"The way our customers eat will be more dynamic than ever this year as they look to elevate everyday meals, snacks and treats with bold flavors, functional ingredients and culinary creativity, delivering a premium experience for less," said Ann Reed, group vice president, Our Brands for Kroger. "Whether it's a protein and fiber-rich macaroni and cheese or a zesty raspberry and yuzu sparkling water, Kroger brings these trends to life through our exclusive brands' innovative assortment of affordable products that give every customer a taste of what's next."

Kroger's top six food trend predictions for 2026:

Dairy's Cultured Comeback. Cultured classics will claim the dairy aisle spotlight as customers embrace mindful, gut-friendly nourishment, experimenting with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in meals beyond breakfast. Expect fermented favorites to be reimagined into functional and flavor-forward formats like savory dips and protein-rich desserts.

Protein and Fiber Synergy. Protein reigned as a top trend in 2025, and this year it will find its perfect pair with fiber. Customers will embrace this functional duo in craveable, comforting formats — from cheesy chickpea pasta to whey-packed oat snacks — as they seek gut-healthy, long-lasting energy.

One-Bite Snacks and Mini Meals. Grazing will go mainstream in 2026, with one-bite snacks and mini meals leading the way as customers seek portion control, personalization and even playful eating. From heat-and-eat snack plates to frozen handhelds, the retailer predicts bite-sized convenience will deliver big satisfaction and transform snacking into modern mini meals.

Citrus Celebration. Bold and bursting with opportunity, citrus will step to center stage as customers crave flavors that offer both adventure and familiarity. From zesty yuzu to vibrant blood orange, globally inspired forms of citrus will brighten everything from sparkling waters to refreshing desserts.

Home Cooking, Reimagined. Restaurant-style home cooking is on the horizon as customers crave more than just savings. Seeking bold flavors at a fraction of the price, expect experimentation with elevated cuts of meat, globally inspired sauces and chef-style slow simmers that rise to any culinary occasion.

Asian-Inspired Mashups. Asian-inspired mashups will take off as customers explore cultural curiosity in approachable, delicious ways. Look for bold flavors like gochujang, matcha, miso and sesame to appear in everything from sauces and sweet treats to ready-to-eat fusions.