Natural Grocers Unveils the Top Trends for Living Well in 2026
MARKETINGHOSPITALITY
Natural Grocers® shares key trends for living well in 2026.
As we approach the new year, the quest for healthier, more mindful living is often met with confusing algorithms and fleeting fads. Cutting through the noise, Natural Grocers®, America's Nutrition Education Experts, has unveiled its highly anticipated Top Trends for 2026, offering a practical, inspiring roadmap for consumers.
Now in its tenth year, the forecast is guided by insights from the company's expert Nutrition Education team, which includes Registered Dietitians, Nutrition Therapists, and Certified Natural Foods Chefs, blending hands-on expertise with rigorous research. The result is a holistic look at 12 emerging practices set to shape four key consumer categories: Health and Wellness, Body Care and Beauty, Food and Beverage, and Ecologically Thoughtful.
"At Natural Grocers, we're passionate about helping people make choices that truly support their health and the planet," said Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers. "In 2026, we'll see a focus on personalization, smarter supplementation, nutrient dense, yet budget-friendly foods, simple self-care hacks and ecologically thoughtful products and practices."
1. Health and Wellness Trends
In the health space, the shift is away from impersonal technology and toward foundational support. The experts predict a preference for personalized guidance from real nutrition experts over apps and generalized AI. Furthermore, optimizing health will become easier by relying on five foundational supplements , and Creatine is predicted to power more than just high-intensity workouts.
2. Body Care and Beauty Trends
The beauty routine is being redefined as a necessary sensory escape. Simple self-care hacks are in, specifically utilizing magnesium-based body care for relaxation and refresh on repeat. For skin barrier health, the classic combination of Vitamin E and jojoba oil is projected to be the dynamic duo.
3. Food and Beverage Trends
The supermarket’s focus remains on quality and affordability. The trends confirm that Organic is the gold standard for food quality , especially as consumers seek transparency. Shoppers are also rediscovering the healthspan and happiness benefits of eating quality carbs sourced from vegetables. Crucially, the trend of eating on a budget will persist, driving demand for healthy and delicious yet affordable foods.
4. Ecologically Thoughtful Trends
The consciousness around environmental impact is intensifying. In 2026, consumers will focus on cleaning up their "personal plumes" for both personal health and the planet. There is also a growing awareness that the environmental and cognitive costs of AI are becoming a clear and present danger. As a solution, Organic and regenerative agriculture are identified as one of the best defenses against climate change.
As an annual Bonus Trend, Natural Grocers highlights the importance of Embracing Cultural Diversity as a practice that is "good4uSM".
Natural Grocers will highlight these trends online and in the January edition of its good4u Health Hotline® magazine, providing shoppers with products and ideas to explore these vital shifts for a healthier, more vibrant year ahead.