Our very own Malori Comer, Client Relationship Director, recently attended IFT FIRST 2026 in Chicago, one of the food industry’s leading innovation events, bringing together scientists, product developers, and insight professionals to explore what’s next for food and beverage innovation trends.
From the impact of GLP-1 medications to the growing role of AI in product development, one message came through clearly: successful innovation will depend on a deeper understanding of changing consumer behaviors and the ability to translate those insights into products that genuinely meet emerging needs.
IFT 2026 food innovation trends:
Health is redefining food choices
Consumer attitudes towards health continue to evolve, with GLP-1 medications becoming an increasingly influential force. As eating habits shift, manufacturers are rethinking portion sizes, satiety, nutritional density and the role food plays in supporting healthier lifestyles. Understanding these behavioral changes will be critical for brands looking to stay ahead of consumer expectations.
Protein continues to lead innovation
Protein remains one of the industry’s most active areas of innovation. While nutritional benefits remain important, the focus is increasingly on delivering products that also excel in taste, texture and functionality. Consumers are no longer willing to compromise on experience in pursuit of health.
AI is transforming product development
Artificial intelligence is moving well beyond formulation optimization. The latest applications are helping teams predict sensory performance, understand emotional responses and forecast consumer acceptance before products reach the market. Used effectively, AI has the potential to accelerate innovation while improving confidence in product decisions.
The rise of "snackification"
Consumers continue to replace traditional meals with smaller, more convenient eating occasions, a trend often referred to as “snackification” or “snealing“. This shift is creating demand for portable, satisfying products that combine convenience with functional health benefits, opening new opportunities across categories.
Sustainability starts with water
Water stewardship emerged as a growing strategic priority. Beyond environmental responsibility, water availability and quality are becoming important business considerations that influence sourcing decisions, manufacturing resilience and long-term sustainability strategies.
Consumer understanding remains the competitive advantage
Perhaps the strongest theme throughout the conference was the importance of designing products around real consumer behaviors and emotions, not simply functional product attributes. The brands that succeed will be those that can translate human needs into meaningful innovation.
What this means for brands
While IFT FIRST offered valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, it also reinforced several themes that closely align with Curion’s approach to innovation. Whether through AI-enabled research, sensory science, understanding evolving health behaviors or accelerating product development with deeper consumer insight, the future of successful innovation remains firmly rooted in understanding people.
Technology may be advancing rapidly, but the most successful products will continue to be those that solve genuine consumer needs. As the pace of innovation accelerates, combining emerging technologies with robust consumer insight will be more important than ever.