What will shape food production in 2027? A look at FMCG Gurus’ top ten trends

What will consumers expect from the food and drink industry in 2027? According to FMCG Gurus’ Top Ten Trends for 2027 report, manufacturers will need to balance scientific innovation with affordability, demonstrate the value of functional ingredients and make the story behind their products easier to understand.

Drawing on global consumer research from 2025 and 2026, the report explores ten trends shaping food, beverage and nutrition markets. For ingredient suppliers, product developers and food producers, it offers a look at where consumer expectations could influence the next generation of products.

One opportunity lies in making functional nutrition more relevant to everyday life. The report’s “Everyday Optimization” trend explores demand for convenient products that deliver clear, recognisable benefits without adding complexity to consumers’ routines. In its 2026 research, 29% of global consumers said they were actively trying to improve their energy and vitality, highlighting the potential for products that connect nutrition with familiar daily needs.

However, adding a functional ingredient is only part of the challenge. Manufacturers must also help consumers understand its purpose. FMCG Gurus’ 2025 research found that 55% of global consumers agreed that brands providing scientific evidence to support health claims are more trustworthy, while 52% said scientific information on food, drink and supplement packaging can feel overwhelming. For development and technical teams, this points to the importance of pairing robust substantiation with clear, accessible communication.

Changing eating patterns are another area to watch. Under “The GLP-1 Nutrition Shift”, the report considers how reduced appetites could influence demand for smaller portions, nutrient-dense products and protein-rich formulations. When asked where digestive health products could play a role for people using, considering or stopping GLP-1 weight management medications, 33% of global consumers identified supporting gut health while appetite and eating patterns change in 2026.

For product developers, this raises questions about how much nutritional value a smaller serving can deliver, alongside considerations around taste, texture and convenience. The report encourages credible, practical nutrition propositions as this market develops.

Alongside these opportunities, the “Naturally Rooted” trend explores scrutiny of ingredients, processing and provenance. Consumers want to understand where ingredients come from, how products are made and what they contribute nutritionally. For manufacturers, the opportunity is to explain formulation and production choices clearly, showing how food science can support the qualities shoppers value.

Responsible sourcing also features prominently. 57% of global consumers said they would trust a company or brand more if it practised regenerative farming or agriculture, according to the report’s 2025 research. Its “Source Responsibility” trend looks beyond carbon to consider water stewardship, waste reduction and agricultural resilience, connecting consumer confidence with the resources food production depends on.

Yet health and sustainability are only part of the picture. 60% of global consumers said they liked food and drink containing new and unusual or exotic flavours in 2025. The report explores how sensory discovery, cultural influences and affordable indulgence can inspire innovation, while encouraging businesses to look beyond the brief lifespan of a viral trend.

These are just some of the themes explored across the ten trends, offering food producers a starting point for discussions around formulation, sourcing and product development for the year ahead.

Explore FMCG Gurus’ Top Ten Trends for 2027 and access the report.