From functional nutrition to gut health, protein and dietary fiber are emerging as key drivers of innovation in next-generation food and beverage product development.
September 2026 | FOOD & NUTRITION INDUSTRY NEWS
When Consumers Expect More Than Just “Healthy Food”
The food and beverage market is entering a new phase, with consumers increasingly expecting greater nutritional and functional value from the products they choose.
Rather than focusing solely on products that are “low in sugar,” “low in fat,” or “free from” certain ingredients, consumers are actively seeking ingredients that deliver clear nutritional and functional benefits from protein and dietary fiber to probiotics, prebiotics, and other functional ingredients.
According to Innova Market Insights, “Powerhouse Protein” and “Gut Health Hub” ranked #1 and #2, respectively, among the Top 10 Food & Beverage Trends for 2026. Notably, nearly 60% of consumers globally report actively increasing their protein intake, while 59% consider gut health to be very important to overall health.
These figures highlight a significant shift: functional nutrition is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday dietary needs rather than being limited to specialized nutrition products.
Protein & Fiber: Key Drivers of Functional Nutrition
| PROTEIN | DIETARY FIBER | |
| Market Momentum | High-protein product launches increased by more than 32% YoY, according to FoodNavigator | Fiber is gaining momentum alongside the growing focus on gut health and functional nutrition |
| Key Consumer Needs |
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| Applications |
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| Role in Formulation | Enhances nutritional value and helps meet growing protein demands in everyday products | Increases dietary fiber content while supporting texture, moisture retention, and overall formulation performance |
Protein + Fiber: When Two Trends Converge
The growing momentum behind protein and dietary fiber is also driving a notable direction in product innovation: combining multiple functional benefits within a single product.
A clear example can be seen in the beverage market. In May 2026, Propel introduced Clear Protein, combining 20 g of protein, 3 g of fiber, and electrolytes per serving to address muscle health, digestive health, and hydration needs simultaneously.
Similarly, PepsiCo has incorporated protein and fiber into familiar formats such as oat-based beverages, protein snacks, and breakfast products, demonstrating how functional ingredients are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday consumer products.
This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations from seeking a single health benefit to choosing products that can address multiple nutritional and wellness needs within one consumption experience.
Beyond Market Trends: Science Is Raising New Questions
The growing interest in protein and dietary fiber is also attracting increasing scientific attention, particularly regarding the relationship between dietary intake and the gut microbiome.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition in 2025 analyzed data from 50 randomized controlled trials, with 15 studies included in the network meta-analysis, to evaluate the effects of protein and dietary fiber on the gut microbiome.
The findings indicate that the relationship between protein, dietary fiber, and the gut microbiome is complex and may depend on factors including the amount and source of protein, as well as dietary fiber intake.
This highlights an important consideration for the food industry: simply “adding more” of a nutrient is not enough. Ingredient source, usage level, and how ingredients are integrated into a formulation can all influence a product’s nutritional value and functional performance.
SMARC: Ingredient Solutions for the Next Generation of Food & Nutrition
Responding to evolving market needs, SMARC provides ingredient solutions for emerging trends in food and nutrition, from protein and dietary fiber enrichment to texture, stability, and sensory optimization. Its solutions address growing consumer demands across areas such as everyday nutrition, gut health, weight management, clean label, and functional foods.
As an ingredient solution provider, SMARC works alongside manufacturers from ingredient selection to the development of solutions tailored to specific applications, formulations, and product concepts. Through this approach, SMARC helps turn emerging nutrition trends into practical, high-value solutions with commercial potential.