America's food landscape is set to undergo significant changes in 2026, according to Liz Dunn, author of the newsletter Consumed. The Make America Healthy Again movement has had a profound impact on the way Americans eat, with processed carbohydrates and added sugar being replaced by fat and protein, particularly animal-based sources.
One prediction that stands out is that phone usage will become increasingly important when it comes to dining decisions. According to Dunn, 77% of Gen Zers and 79% of millennials consider a restaurant's Instagram or TikTok worthiness when deciding where to eat. This means that restaurants will need to adapt their menus and decor to be visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.
Another prediction is that the supplement market will experience its biggest year ever, driven by the growing trend of people turning to supplements as a way to improve their health. The Make America Healthy Again movement has contributed to this growth, with people increasingly seeking out natural and holistic remedies.
The grocery business is also expected to undergo significant changes in 2026, with mid-price grocers like Kroger struggling to keep up with discounters like Walmart and Aldi. On the other hand, premium grocery chains like Erewhon are expanding rapidly, catering to consumers who are willing to pay more for high-quality products.
One potential consequence of the growing trend towards healthy eating is that restaurants will need to adapt their menus to reflect changing consumer preferences. With GLP-1 drugs becoming increasingly popular, which can help regulate appetite and reduce cravings for high-calorie foods, restaurants may need to reformulate their menu items to be lower in calories and higher in protein.
Finally, the big food companies are likely to face significant challenges in 2026 as consumers become increasingly skeptical of highly processed foods. With more people turning to natural and holistic remedies, packaged food companies will need to rethink their business models and find ways to remain profitable while catering to changing consumer preferences.
One prediction that stands out is that phone usage will become increasingly important when it comes to dining decisions. According to Dunn, 77% of Gen Zers and 79% of millennials consider a restaurant's Instagram or TikTok worthiness when deciding where to eat. This means that restaurants will need to adapt their menus and decor to be visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.
Another prediction is that the supplement market will experience its biggest year ever, driven by the growing trend of people turning to supplements as a way to improve their health. The Make America Healthy Again movement has contributed to this growth, with people increasingly seeking out natural and holistic remedies.
The grocery business is also expected to undergo significant changes in 2026, with mid-price grocers like Kroger struggling to keep up with discounters like Walmart and Aldi. On the other hand, premium grocery chains like Erewhon are expanding rapidly, catering to consumers who are willing to pay more for high-quality products.
One potential consequence of the growing trend towards healthy eating is that restaurants will need to adapt their menus to reflect changing consumer preferences. With GLP-1 drugs becoming increasingly popular, which can help regulate appetite and reduce cravings for high-calorie foods, restaurants may need to reformulate their menu items to be lower in calories and higher in protein.
Finally, the big food companies are likely to face significant challenges in 2026 as consumers become increasingly skeptical of highly processed foods. With more people turning to natural and holistic remedies, packaged food companies will need to rethink their business models and find ways to remain profitable while catering to changing consumer preferences.
... I mean, I get it, we should all be eating more fruits and veggies, but can't we just enjoy a good slice of pizza or burger without having to justify it? 
It's like, we're already being guilt-tripped into buying organic everything, now we need to take out our phones to see if the restaurant is 'worth' eating at? 
Come on! 
Can't we just focus on good food and good vibes instead of all this social media drama? 
Also, I'm not sure about these new supplement trends... aren't they just fancy pills for when we can't be bothered to cook our own meals? 
Interesting how phone usage is gonna be a big factor in dining decisions now 
. I'm all for people taking care of themselves, especially when it comes to natural remedies.
. And the supplement market is just going to blow up, you know? I need to get my hands on some of those GLP-1 drugs ASAP 
. But seriously, it's crazy how much our food landscape is changing. I mean, who would've thought that mid-price grocers like Kroger would be struggling while premium chains are killing the game 
? And the big food companies need to get their act together or risk losing customers to those natural and holistic remedies 
. Anyway, can't wait to see what 2026 brings!
. And don't even get me started on big food companies, they're gonna have to get creative or get left behind 
.
. But seriously, I hope restaurants can strike a balance between aesthetics and nutritional value. And what about all these supplement trends? Is our food industry just trying to find new ways to sell us stuff? 
! the idea that restaurants are gonna have to adapt their menus to be lower in calories and higher in protein is a total game changer for me, you know? 
. and let's not forget about the supplement market - I've been meaning to get into that more for ages, so I'm stoked to hear it's gonna be a big year 
... Newsflash: it's just food! Eat it, enjoy it, move on. It's not about aesthetics; it's about sustenance.
... Let's hope 2026 brings some much-needed change!
... So, phone usage becoming a deciding factor when choosing a restaurant? Like, what's next? Eating at home just because the foodie pics aren't good enough yet? 
It's all about balance, you know? We need a mix of everything, not just protein and fat. And let's be real, Instagram-worthy restaurants are just a marketing gimmick. Who really cares about that? 
. Maybe we'll finally see some real changes in the food industry that benefit everyone 
. Restaurants need to step up their game too, I'm so over Instagram-worthy meals 
.
. And what about all the people who don't even have a smartphone or don't use them much? Are they gonna be left out in the cold 
?
. But hey, maybe it will actually work this time around 
. Who doesn't love paying more for high-quality food, right? But seriously, it'll be interesting to see how mid-price grocers like Kroger keep up with the competition 
. I mean, it's gonna be all about that #aesthetic life on Instagram 
.
. And, let's be real, those mid-price grocers are struggling 
. Premium grocery chains like Erewhon are killing it 
... I've seen so many ads for natural stuff lately and people are just like "I need this" without even knowing what it does 
I'm so excited to see the food landscape in America shifting towards healthier options! 
. It's all about finding balance, right? 
Plus, it'll be interesting to see how the supplement market grows - I've got a friend who swears by these natural remedies 
. And can you imagine if every restaurant had a 'wellness' section on the menu? That's some next-level thinking right there 