As consumer tastes shift and health-conscious eating gains momentum, Kroger is offering a glimpse at the food trends expected to shape its shelves this year. The retailer has released its 2026 food trend forecast, highlighting emerging preferences around flavor, functionality, convenience, and global inspiration.
Kroger Predicts 2026 Food Trends
Kroger is one of the nation’s largest grocery chains, serving millions of customers daily through its stores and digital platforms. The grocer operates thousands of supermarkets nationwide, alongside a growing e-commerce business. The company also believes in community activities, such as their #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.
Kroger has unveiled its six best food trend forecasts for 2026. The trends reflect shifting consumer preferences, many of which are already appearing across Kroger’s exclusive brands and store aisles.
The trends were developed by the food experts of Kroger on the basis of how people cook, snack, and dine, and how this is influencing new products in the Kroger aisles.
According to Ann Reed, Group Vice President, Our Brands for Kroger, customers are seeking to elevate their daily meals and snacks with more vibrant flavors and ingredients useful to their health. The company is striving to offer those superior experiences at a reasonable cost through creative products in its diverse, exclusive brands.
She added, “Whether it’s a protein and fiber-rich macaroni and cheese or a zesty raspberry and yuzu sparkling water, Kroger brings these trends to life through our exclusive brands’ innovative assortment of affordable products that give every customer a taste of what’s next.”
The Top 6 Food Trends Kroger Expects to Dominate in 2026
Kroger’s 2026 food trend forecast shows how customers are transforming everyday eating through the integration of value to meals. Here are the top six trends:
Dairy’s Cultured Comeback
Cultured dairy is making a comeback at the breakfast table as shoppers lean toward gut-friendly, health-conscious meals. The cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and fermented favorites are being reinvented in savory and indulgent forms, which bring nutrition and versatility to daily meals and snacks.
Shoppers can look for Kroger Probiotic Yogurt Shots, Simple Truth Protein Greek Yogurt Coating Raspberry Vanilla Granola Bars, and more at Kroger to include in their meals.
Protein + Fiber Synergy
Protein is also getting its perfect match with fiber after dominating the menus in 2025. The trend shows up in comfort-driven, crave-worthy meals designed to support sustained energy and digestive health.
To taste the trend, customers can pick Simple Truth Protein Dill Pickle Crisp Crackers, Kroger Spicy Bean and Corn Tuna Bowl, and Simple Truth Protein Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese.
One-Bite Snacks and Mini Meals
Snacking is becoming a complete meal with bite-sized snacks and mini meals taking the mainstream spot in 2026. For shoppers concerned with portion control, flexibility, and convenience, these small-format options deliver big flavor.
Kroger for No Sugar Added Assorted Fruit and Veggies Applesauce Pouches, Simple Truth Protein Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Puff Chips, and Simple Truth Protein Greek Inspired Chicken Bowl are some of the options for one-bite snacks.
Citrus Celebration
Bright, bold citrus flavors are taking center stage as consumers are seeking refreshing, familiar, and adventurous tastes. From yuzu to blood orange, citrus varieties with a global influence are energizing beverages and desserts.
Flavorful citrus options for customers are Simple Truth Tangerine Lemongrass Sparkling Seltzer Water Cans, Simple Truth Raspberry Yuzu Sparkling Seltzer Water Cans, and Kroger Zero Sugar Blood Orange Seltzer Water.
Home Cooking, Reimagined
Consumers are elevating at-home dining with restaurant-inspired flavors. Kroger anticipates higher demand for high-value ingredients, international sauces, and slow-simmer meals that offer an opportunity to transform meals into standout experiences.
Private Selection Hearty Beef Stew Cooking Sauce and Private Selection Indian Inspired Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce can be used for homemade meals.
Asian-Inspired Mashups
Global cuisines are on the rise, and Asian-inspired mashups continue to gain traction, particularly flavors drawn from Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Spices and ingredients such as gochujang, matcha, miso, and sesame are appearing across categories and provide an exciting flavor mix.
Taste the trend with Private Selection Crunchy Sushi California Rolls, Kroger Orange Sauce, Simple Truth Organic Instant Mushroom Matcha Tea, and Private Selection Makoto Asian Style Sesame Ginger Chopped Salad Kit.
Combined, these trends indicate Kroger’s emphasis on assisting customers in shopping smarter, providing trending products at affordable prices.
The 2026 food trend projections of Kroger are marked by healthy foods, global trends, and bold flavors. Shoppers will see these trends reflected across Kroger’s exclusive brands, offering affordable ways to elevate everyday meals, snacks, and treats throughout the year.
