Every January brings with it a wave of nutrition predictions—some based on science, others fueled by social media hype. So how do you know which trends are actually worth your attention?
We asked MyFitnessPal’s team of registered dietitians to share their insider take on what’s happening in 2026. These are the experts who review food data, analyze nutrition research, and see firsthand what resonates with real people trying to eat better. Here’s what they predict — and what they’d skip.
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What is Fibermaxxing? A nutritionist explains this fiber trend
Best and worst trends of 2025
Before we look forward, we should acknowledge what was right – and wrong – in 2025.
The best: Fibermaxxing
The clear winner among our nutritionists? The Rise of Fiber Consciousness. “I am a firm believer that fiber is your friend, and any opportunity to shine a spotlight on this important nutrient that many of us don’t get enough of is critical,” says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, Director of Nutrition at MyFitnessPal. Stephanie Saletta, senior nutritionist, agrees: “We’re happy to see fiber get the love and attention it deserves!”
The caveat? Both experts value slowness. Increasing your fiber intake too quickly can lead to bloating and discomfort, so a gradual increase (plus plenty of water) is key. (1)
A smarter focus on protein
Several nutritionists also praised the increased attention to proteins, particularly for maintaining muscle mass. “With the advent of weight-loss medications, protein has come into focus, with an emphasis on maintaining muscle mass in a calorie deficit,” notes Joanna Gregg, MS, RD, curator of food data. Lauren Cuda, MS, RD, CSP, LD, adds that “a smarter focus on protein” that includes a balance of high-quality carbohydrates and healthy fats was one of the best developments of the year. (2)
Worst: Dirty lemonade, dry scooping, and extreme diets
Not everything that was trendy deserved attention. Jaeger calls dirty soda – lemonade mixed with flavored syrups and coffee creamer – a trend that “can add up to a lot of calories very quickly” while we should limit added sugars and fats.
And then there’s “dry scooping,” the practice of consuming protein powder directly in dry form – literally scooping it into your mouth and swallowing it without first mixing it with water or another liquid. Saletta describes dry scooping as “unpleasant and unnecessary.”
Meanwhile, Gregg points out that the carnivore diet is “unsustainable and lacks fiber and many other important nutrients.” Cuda adds that too Beef tallowAnother ingredient trending on social media is problematic as an everyday cooking fat due to its high saturated fat content.
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Trends that will shape 2026
Based on our nutritionists’ predictions, here are the diet trends most likely to shape the coming year.
Fiber is the focus
Nutritionists predict that fiber will be the focus in 2026. “I believe that fiber will become the new protein and emerge as a broader trend,” says Jaeger. Saletta expects to see “fiber find its way into more products like drinks, snacks and frozen meals” as well as “more viral recipes and hacks to get more fiber from fruits, vegetables, beans, oats and seeds.”
Cuda expects both “more fiber-enriched options as well as practical, food-focused strategies (beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds) aimed at better digestion, satiety and metabolic health.” The connection to gut health research drives this interest. As scientists learn more about the gut-brain axis, consumers are increasingly curious about the impact fiber has on more than just digestion. (3)
Protein Stays Strong (With a Plant-Based Twist)
Protein isn’t going anywhere. “The protein obsession is likely to live on,” says Jaeger, pointing to the continued rise of GLP-1 drugs and the proliferation of protein-containing products, from coffee additives to protein pretzels and popcorn.
But expect a shift in sources. Jaeger predicts “a greater emphasis on plant-based protein sources such as beans,” due in part to rising animal protein prices.
Saletta hopes that in 2026 the focus will be on balance: “Yes, protein, but also the right amount of protein alongside all the other important nutrients and foods we need.” Gregg emphasizes that the focus should continue to be on whole food sources: “Think lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts and legumes as opposed to protein chips and bars.”
GLP-1 drugs shape food choices
The influence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on eating behavior cannot be ignored. Several nutritionists note that these medications increase demand for higher protein meals and smaller portions.
Cuda predicts “a wave of ‘GLP-1 friendly’ foods marketed to buyers who use these drugs,” but warns that “this term is not standardized.” Her advice: Develop label literacy and consider working with a registered dietitian to interpret this information for your individual needs.
Saletta adds that we’ll see continued interest in protein and fiber, “especially as more people try (and stop trying) GLP-1 and maintain their progress.”
Beans and budget-friendly food
With food prices rising worldwide, budget-conscious protein sources have a chance. “Beans may have a unique advantage because they cost less than other protein/fiber options,” predicts Saletta.
Jaeger agrees that beans are outstanding: “Beans are not just an inexpensive source protein As we continue to see the prices of animal protein sources rise at the grocery store, they also contain protein Fiber and valuable nutrients which offer many health benefits.” (4)
This is in line with a broader interest in preserved and long-life foods. Gregg notes that while the Obsession with canned fish may fade, “the focus on using preserved and processed foods (think canned beans and protein-rich dairy products) as part of a healthy diet will remain.”
Personalized nutrition is becoming mainstream
Several nutritionists believe that personalized nutrition will continue to grow. “From food logging to wearables to AI advances, consumers have access to tools that can shed light on their current habits,” says Jaeger. “Gaining insights into one’s diet through the use of these tools will be critical to developing a personalized nutrition plan.”
Gregg agrees. “With artificial intelligence becoming more prevalent, I think personalized, AI-powered nutrition will soon emerge as a trend,” she says.
Creatine beyond the gym
An under-the-radar trend to keep an eye on: creatine supplementation, which doesn’t just affect athletes. “I’m excited to see how creatine evolves beyond athletes and reaches broader consumers,” says Jaeger, “particularly with recently published research that has created a stir in the media.” Gregg also points out that creatine is a dietary supplement that “may become popular or fashionable among the general population.”
More trends worth watching
A few additional predictions from our team:
“Girl Dinners” develop: Jaeger hopes this snack plate concept will expand beyond its current form to include “more balanced combinations that focus on key nutrients like protein and fiber while reducing products higher in saturated fat and salt.”
Strong flavors remain: Jaeger predicts that “swicy” (sweet and spicy) and other bold flavor combinations are “here to stay” and evolve beyond hot honey as people experiment with home cooking to save money.
Transparency of ingredients: Saletta expects “a push for greater transparency about what ingredients are contained in packaged foods and whether those ingredients help or harm our health.”
The conclusion
If there’s one theme running through these predictions, it’s balance. Fiber is becoming increasingly popular with proteins. In addition to animal proteins, plant-based options are also increasing. Personalized approaches replace one-size-fits-all advice.
The collective advice of nutritionists for 2026? Focus on whole foods, prioritize both protein and fiber, be skeptical of unregulated claims on labels, and use the tools at your disposal—be it food tracking, wearables, or working with a registered dietitian—to find what works for your body and your goals.
As Saletta puts it, the hope for 2026 is that we all become “obsessed with balance.”
The post Nutrition Trends 2026: What Registered Dietitians Want You to Know appeared first MyFitnessPal Blog.
