Food and beverage industry leaders forecast 2027 consumer trends

Major food industry players, including Whole Foods Market, Nestlé USA, and Innova Market Insights, have released trend forecasts for 2027, highlighting a shift toward nutritional density, regionality, and sensory enhancements.

Whole Foods Market predicts a rise in product terroir, emphasizing the influence of specific geographic origins on flavor, alongside trends such as Japanese comfort food, food as skincare, and an increase in bitter flavors.

Nestlé USA identifies five key shifts: zest, protein with secondary benefits, fruit-forward coffee, regionally specific global foods, and small sensory extras. The company notes a significant 309% rise in sour category sales since 2022, suggesting consumers are looking to upgrade familiar foods with new flavor profiles.

Innova Market Insights focuses on nutritional value, noting that 59% of global consumers read nutrition labels. Their research indicates that brands are increasingly reformulating products to add nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins rather than just removing ingredients. Key themes include precision protein, metabolic health, and longevity engineering.