5 Food and Drink Mega‑Trends for 2026/27

What’s next in food and drink?

Consumer behaviour in food and drink is shifting fast. Health optimisation, new functional expectations, changing flavour cues and cultural influence are reshaping what consumers want, and how categories will grow.

This free report brings together five macro trends that will materially impact food and drink categories in 2026 and 2027, outlining how senior teams anticipate change and make more confident category decisions.

Using large-scale social intelligence, the analysis highlights 200M+ consumer conversations across platforms including TikTok, Instagram and X to identify early signals of changing behaviour.

Predictive Intelligence, Now with More Precision

Black Swan Data has now joined Mintel, bringing together social predictive analytics and structured consumer insight to help brands move faster and make smarter decisions.

By examining billions of consumer conversations, Black Swan predicts emerging behaviours with 89% accuracy, giving you the clarity to act and confidence to win.

Combining world-class insight with AI-powered prediction to drive innovation that actually lands, this report is an example of how, in a changing world, our constultants help you see what’s coming so you can lead what happens next.

Five trends shaping 2026/27

  1. GLP‑1s: Is emotional snacking under threat, and how should brands respond?
  2. Ultra‑processed foods: Why health‑washing is losing credibility with consumers.
  3. Functional drinks: The rise of beauty‑from‑within and performance‑led propositions.
  4. Alcohol flavours: Why savoury cues are becoming shorthand for premium.
  5. Gen Z: How street‑food culture is redefining snack formats and flavour expectations.

Download the free report

Access the full report from Black Swan’s view on 5 Food and Drink Mega‑Trends for 2026/27 and see how this social media analysis views your category’s future.

5 Food and Drink Mega‑Trends for 2026/27