Top 10 grocery flavors, ingredients, and wellness predictions for the year ahead

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fresh Thyme Market, a Midwest-based grocer known for delivering its customers an innovative assortment of fresh, organic and better-for-you groceries, vitamins and body care products has released its annual “Top 10 Trends” report. Developed in partnership with SPINS, a leading provider of consumer packed goods data, insights and commerce solutions, the report delivers a forward look at emerging consumer behaviors, evolving wellness priorities and grocery product innovations to help forecast what shoppers can expect to see in stores in 2027. From exciting twists on common grocery staples to finding innovative ways of adding fiber, protein and other critical nutrients to everyday life, the trends point to a shopper who is asking for more. These are positive developments for the grocer that prides itself on delivering a superior, customer-focused experience that sets them apart.

“Grocery shoppers are redefining wellness on their own terms,” said Cecily Martinez, Fresh Thyme Market Registered Dietitian. “People want fresh, organic and better-for-you foods that deliver meaningful benefits without adding more complexity to their lives. We’re seeing growing interest in innovative products such as nutrient-dense foods, functional ingredients and globally inspired recipes that bring enjoyment and purpose to everyday eating. The 2027 trends reflect a consumer who is informed, intentional and is looking for a basket of items that are innovative, curated, convenient, and support their long-term well-being goals.”

Fresh Thyme is constantly monitoring what’s new and evolving across food, nutrition, and wellness, while partnering with trusted local brands to help bring innovative grocery items to its shelves. Their forecasted trends reflect an assortment of innovative grocery items making their way into shoppers’ carts, helping Fresh Thyme stay laser-focused on what the customer demands and deserves.

Fresh Thyme Market’s Top 10 Trends:

1. Global Flavor Mashups: Global cuisine continues to inspire across the grocery store as brands blend ingredients, techniques and flavor profiles from multiple culinary traditions. From miso mayo and gochujang BBQ sauces to chili-mango snacks and internationally inspired condiments, shoppers will continue to embrace bold flavors, innovative curated assortments, and new ways to explore the world through food.

   A world of flavor in every bite: Kettle Foods Spicy Kimchi Potato Chips, Boar’s Head Mango Jalapeno Hummus, Bachan’s Japanese Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

2. The Brain Food Era: Support for cognitive wellness is becoming a top priority as shoppers look for food and supplements that support focus, memory and healthy brain aging. Omega 3-rich foods, antioxidants and functional ingredients such as mushrooms and creatine will continue making their way into more everyday products as consumers look for simple and curated grocery items that help nourish the brain at every stage of life.

   Smart nutrition for a sharper future: Sunwarrior Active Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Trip Mindful Blend Sparkling Water, Second Nature Antioxidant+ Smart Mix

3. Bite-Sized Joys: Indulgence is about small moments worth savoring, more so than special occasions. Consumers are looking for more curated assortments of premium snack items, mini desserts, specialty beverages and other little luxuries that bring comfort and enjoyment without feeling over the top. As the line between wellness and indulgence continues to blur, a balanced approach will make room for both nourishing choices and foods simply meant to be enjoyed.

   Little treats, lasting smiles: Tru Fru Frozen Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Le Chic Gourmet Original Macarons, Gelato Boy Caramel Crunch Cones

4. Fiber First: Fiber is becoming one of the most talked about nutrients in grocery innovation. While its connection to digestive health is well established, consumers will increasingly look to fiber as part of a broader approach to satiety, balanced nutrition and overall wellness. Expect to see more curated assortments of breads, cereals, snacks, beverages and everyday staples placing fiber front and center in Fresh Thyme aisles.

   The power of fiber at every meal: Olipop Prebiotic Soda, Brami Protein Pasta, Hero Seeded Bread

5. Sprinkle Culture: Customization will take on a bigger role as shoppers seek simple ways of personalizing and curating meals when they shop at Fresh Thyme. Sauces, seasonings, crunchy toppings, and other flavorful add-ons will give consumers more control over the latest available innovations in food flavor, texture, and nutrition, while turning familiar meals into curated assortments that are exciting and new. Whether it is a drizzle, sprinkle or spoonful, the final layer is becoming just as important as the meal itself. Fresh Thyme is making the customer experience even more front-and-center as it partners with shoppers to build baskets that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.

   The finishing touch that makes it yours: Manitoba Harvest Hemp+ Chia and Flax Seed Mixture, Momofuku Original Chili Crunch, Mike’s Hot Honey Infused With Chilies

6. More in Every Bite: Shoppers will increasingly look for innovative foods that deliver more nutritional value in every serving. Busy schedules, evolving eating habits, wellness goals, and the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications are driving demand for innovative and convenient groceries that deliver meaningful nutrition in smaller portions. Curated assortments of items that combine protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients will help Fresh Thyme elevate the customer experience, even further, as their shoppers try making every bite count.

   Packed with purpose: Pirq Plant-based Protein Shake, Vital Pursuit Herb Chicken Bowl, Purely Elizabeth Vanilla Blueberry Almond Cereal

7. Fresh from the Fridge: The refrigerator is poised to become an even bigger destination for innovative snacking in 2027, with consumers seeking curated assortments of snacks that are fresher and don’t require compromise in terms of quality or nutrition. Think of new innovations in protein-packed bites, dips, chilled beverages, and snackable produce.

   Fresh, chilled, and ready to enjoy: True Story Snack Packs, Oh Snap! Dilly Bites Dill Pickle Snacking Chips, Siggi’s Probiotic Drinkable Yogurt

8. Elevated Meal Shortcuts: The path from grocery cart to dinner table will get shorter. Fresh marinated proteins, prepared vegetables, meal kits, and ready-to-heat entrées will deliver Fresh Thyme shoppers innovative, curated assortments of nutritious and satisfying meals with less time and effort.

   Satisfying meals made simple: Mighty Spark Tomato Basil & Garlic Ground Chicken, Kevin’s Chicken Fajitas Skillet Meal Kit, Fresh Thyme Market Zoodle Twirls

9. The Resourceful Kitchen: Sustainability and resourcefulness will increasingly go together as shoppers find ways to get more from their food. Fresh Thyme shoppers are looking for greater versatility, and items that help extend food freshness, reduce waste, and can be leveraged across multiple meals. Resourcefulness is now about maximizing the value and potential of every ingredient. Fresh Thyme is embracing this evolving consumer mindset as in its relentless pursuit to elevate the customer experience even further.

   Making more of every purchase: Cascadian Farm Organic Stir-fry Blend, Fresh Thyme Market Rotisserie Chicken, Cucina & Amore Pesto Alla Genovese Basil

10. Frozen Passport: The freezer aisle will become a stop on shopping trips. Globally inspired meals, authentic flavors, and high-quality solutions will give shoppers an effortless way to embrace grocery innovations and do more experimenting with international cuisine from the comfort of their home. Frozen foods will make it easier than ever to discover innovative flavor profiles, and get restaurant-quality food, without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.

    Global adventures from your freezer: Laoban Sesame Chicken Bao Buns, Saffron Road Chicken Pad Thai, Deep Indian Kitchen Butter Chicken With Rice

11. Bonus Trend! The Ocean Pantry: Ocean-sourced foods make waves across everyday eating occasions. Tinned seafood, seaweed snacks, kelp-based ingredients, and algae-powered products will gain momentum as consumers explore curated sources of protein, omega-3s and other key nutrients. Growing interest in responsible sourcing and sustainability will fuel curiosity around marine foods, expanding their role in everyday eating occasions.

    A new wave of nutrition: Nordic Naturals Algae Omega Supplement, Safe Catch Elite Pure Wild Tuna, Fresh Thyme Organic Spirulina Superfood Powder

About Fresh Thyme Market
Fresh Thyme Market is a Midwest-based grocer with a mission to foster healthier communities by offering a strong variety of fresh, organic, and better-for-you food, vitamins, and body care products. The grocery retailer was born from a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, and it does so by focusing on three core pillars: quality, experience, and community. Every day Fresh Thyme works to be a trusted resource in Midwest communities, bringing people access to real food at affordable prices while offering an immersive, intuitive shopping experience that is tailored to local needs. To learn more, visit freshthyme.com.

About SPINS
SPINS is a leading CPG growth engine built on unparalleled product knowledge and industry expertise, committed to decoding consumer choice, engaging shoppers, and powering discovery. Through its commercial platforms, SPINS helps brands, retailers, and partners turn complex marketplace data into decision-grade intelligence and growth opportunities across the physical, digital, and agentic shelves. For more information, visit SPINS.com

Media Contact:
Phase 3 Marketing & Communications
FreshThyme@Phase3mc.com
Brand Photography HERE

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresh-thyme-market-reveals-2027-food-forecast-302887606.html

SOURCE Fresh Thyme