Intrafood 2026

From food to function: active ingredients gain ground

Consumers increasingly expect more than taste and basic nutrition – they seek products with scientifically proven functional benefits that support wellbeing, with transparent composition and origin. Active ingredients like collagen peptides, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and botanicals are being used to support immunity, gut health, energy and mental focus, while food raw materials remain essential for satiety, gut health and nutritional quality

Plant-based and hybrid nutrition go mainstream

Consumers are increasingly choosing nutrition based on plant-based and hybrid sources – a combination of plant-based and conventional protein components. Major retailers are now offering hybrid meat products that replace a portion of animal protein with alternatives like legumes, vegetables, mycoproteins or extruded proteins, without compromising taste, texture or shelf life

Adaptogens and botanicals for mental resilience

Adaptogens and botanicals are gaining traction for their role in supporting mental resilience, stress reduction, and cognitive function. Consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly focused on mental wellbeing, driving demand for ingredients like ashwagandha, lion's mane, reishi, and other botanicals

GLP-1-influenced nutrition

Changing eating habits driven by GLP-1 adoption are creating rising demand for protein- and fibre-rich products. This trend is reshaping product formulation strategies across the food and supplement sectors, with protein precision targeting specific wellness needs including muscle maintenance and functional hydration

Adaptogens and botanicals for mental resilience

Adaptogens and botanicals are gaining traction for their role in supporting mental resilience, stress reduction, and cognitive function. Consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly focused on mental wellbeing