January in review: GLP-1, protein, and fiber drive 2026 nutrition trends and reformulation

January’s highlights include growing momentum for protein and fiber as key nutrients for 2026 product innovations to meet the needs of a growing GLP-1 consumer base. Also, research has advanced in personalized nutrition, gut health, cognition, and healthy aging. 

In our January review, Nutrition Insight examines how these themes are reshaping the industry. The new US dietary guidelines sparked debate over protein, plant-based sources, and saturated fat, while in the UK, companies countered the country’s stricter limits on sugar and salt. 

We also spoke with Kerry about regional supplement flavor trends in Asia and Africa, examined advances in postbiotics and gut health with Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, and discussed the WHO’s call for tax reforms as sugary drinks and alcohol become more affordable.

Additionally, we explored InsideTracker’s platform for personalized nutrition, the potential impact of higher omega-3 blood levels on early-onset dementia, and new research on the anti-inflammatory benefits of extra virgin olive oil’s oleocanthal. 

New year will see protein innovation, fiber-maxxing trend & healthspan focus boom

Nutrition companies geared up for 2026 with new consumer insights. Protein is expected to take the lead as a top nutrient in innovations alongside fiber. Consumers are increasingly focused on growing their healthspan while seeking multi-functional, clinically backed ingredients to support their journey. We spoke with FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Lonza Capsugel about top trends to watch. US nutrition and health experts also predicted that the expansion of GLP-1 medications will have the greatest impact in 2026, followed by wearable technology and Food as Medicine. Meanwhile, researchers called for fiber’s recognition as an essential nutrient, alongside protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.We discussed key takeaways from last year’s MISTA Growth Hack for healthy nutrition with the Ingredion team.

Industry insights on reshaping nutrition for the GLP-1 consumer

Amid growing access to GLP-1s, particularly in the US, the food and nutrition industries are considering how to develop or adapt products tailored to users of these medications. We explored opportunities and challenges for innovations in nutrient-dense products with Novonesis, WellVine, ofi, and Ingredion, examining reformulation advancements, new product development, and related investments. The experts stressed that GLP-1s are prompting companies to reformulate to prioritize nutrient density, protein, and fiber. In this space, we also explored start-ups in nutrition and pharmaceuticals, while Carbery forecasted how the impact of these medications on the nutrition industry will continue to play out. Meanwhile, research cautioned that discontinuing anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1s has led to higher weight regain than lifestyle programs.

2025–2030 US dietary guidelines: Zooming into science, policy and ideology

The US launched its new 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, sparking a debate over its focus on protein and saturated fat. dsm-firmenich told us how it supports the guidelines’ “food-first” approach while recognizing the role of supplements to address nutrient gaps. At the same time, we spoke with the American Society for Nutrition and a nutrition expert, who warned of ideological undertones and a lack of transparency in the guidance-making process. We also explored feedback from proponents of the guidelines, who praised their focus on whole foods, protein, full-fat dairy, and a food as medicine approach. However, plant-based meal kit provider Purple Carrot and the Soy Nutrition Institute Global cautioned that the guides may sideline plant protein and fiber, despite strong evidence linking them to heart health. NotCo’s VP of R&D told us how companies can use AI to fast-track product reformulations.

Kerry on 2026 tasty supplements: Dessert flavors and “swicy” nutrition trends in Asia and Africa

Kerry’s latest edition of the Supplements Taste Charts for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa (APMEA) spotlighted how the nutrition industry has responded to evolving regional taste preferences. We spoke with the company about demands for lifestyle and flavor-forward formats, “maximalist” flavor combos like sweet-plus-heat (“swicy”) pre-workout options, and natural, ingredient-led profiles. The marketing director of Proactive Health and VP in Health & Therapies told us that across APMEA, supplements are increasingly viewed as part of daily well-being rather than occasional health support.Dr. Andrea Fuso highlighted his research on brain health and DNA methylation, and the role of B vitamins and SAMe.

“The sky is the limit”: Lallemand Bio-Ingredients exec on postbiotic and gut health advances

The science and understanding of the gut microbiome advanced drastically, uncovering its links to immunity, brain health, and overall wellness. Lallemand Bio-Ingredients’ category manager for Gut & Immune Health highlighted research advances, the potential of pre- and postbiotics in this space, and the company’s product development process amid regulatory changes. He told us that scientific understanding of the microbiome is generally quite novel, stating that “the sky is the limit” for potential new discoveries. In other gut health news, we spoke with People Science and Verb Biotics about a probiotic that improved sleep quality, reduced stress, and increased mood in a remote clinical trial. Meanwhile, FrieslandCampina Ingredients highlighted advances in galacto-oligosaccharides research for infant gut health.

UK food industry counters new stricter salt and sugar limits for “healthy” ranges

As the UK government redrafted its nutrition standards, food manufacturers are bracing for a shift in how “healthy” products are defined. While advocacy groups welcomed the change, various industry groups debated whether penalizing foods like staple high-sugar yogurts would clarify consumer guidance or create fresh confusion for brands and shoppers. The UK’s updated 2018 Nutrient Profile Model technical guidance shifted from measuring total sugars to free sugars, which includes added sugars and those naturally present in juices and purees. We also spoke with the ACI Group’s sales director about consumer confusion around folic acid fortification, as the UK will mandate fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour this year.

WHO urges tax reforms as alcohol and sugary drinks become too affordable

The WHO warned that taxes on alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages are lacking, as prices of unhealthy drinks continue to drop in most countries. In recent reports, the UN agency urged countries to raise taxes and implement policies aimed at these groups. It blamed industries for pressuring governments to limit increases, allowing harmful products to remain affordable. Meanwhile, health systems bear the financial burden of preventable noncommunicable diseases and harms linked to these products. We discussed the findings with a WHO economist, who highlighted the main barriers preventing countries from implementing more effective taxes and how the agency’s reports address concerns about equity, affordability, and economic impact. In addition, we spoke with researchers calling for a full value-added tax on meat products in the EU to reduce diet-driven environmental burdens.PB Leiner’s Yingying Wu pointed to the skin longevity and bone health benefits of the company’s “breakthrough” collagen.

InsideTracker scales personalized wellness insights for broader public health impact

The nutrition industry is increasingly interested in offering personalized recommendations to meet consumer demand for targeted solutions. At the same time, access to blood and DNA tests has expanded significantly in the US, and more consumers are using smartwatches and smart rings. Still, scaling health insights from these data sources has been challenging. The CEO of InsideTracker told us how the platform can help businesses overcome this hurdle by providing insights and tips based on blood, DNA, nutrition, and lifestyle data. In other biomonitoring system advances, Japanese scientists developed a “living sensor display” by genetically engineering skin cells to glow green when they detect internal inflammation.

Higher omega-3 blood levels linked to reduced early-onset dementia risk despite genetics

An analysis of over 217,000 adults revealed a potential link between higher omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and a 35–40% lower risk of developing early-onset dementia, regardless of genetic predispositions for the disease. Moreover, the full spectrum of omega-3s proved more beneficial than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) alone, as the association was stronger for non-DHA omega-3s. We discussed the study’s outcomes with one of the authors, who noted that the greatest risk reduction was associated with an Omega-3 Index of 8%. This test measures the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in blood to compare the composition of omega-3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, a separate study suggested that obesity and high blood pressure may lead to a higher risk of dementia.

Extra virgin olive oil touted for functional benefits thanks to bioactive compounds

New research is exploring methods to extract oleocanthal from olive oil, which may offer more effective anti-inflammatory benefits than ibuprofen. The founder and director of Canaan Palestine told us that a daily shot of olive oil is an optimal way to support health. It sources olive oil and all other ingredients from family farms across the West Bank. Since the launch and development of its product range, Canaan Palestine’s extra virgin olive oil has been helping reduce pain and inflammation, as well as supporting weight management and immune function. This oil contains a cocktail of monounsaturated fatty acids that lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol. Moreover, its blend of heart-healthy fats, polyphenols, and antioxidants triggers the gut to release more GLP-1.