Back in 2016, we flagged 17 early food trend signals to watch.
10 years later, all but one have gone mainstream.
The takeaway? The next big thing rarely comes out of nowhere.
What trends are we watching for 2036?
Explore "Ideas in Food 2027": hartman-group.com/reports/12…
C-stores are pushing further into grocery, expanding fresh food, private-label products and everyday essentials.
Past 30-day c-store visitation rose from 36% in 2017 to 56% in 2025, according to Hartman Group’s "Food Sourcing in America 2025."
Read more: massmarketretailers.com/c-st…
How does a 114-year-old brand stay relevant?
Oreo offers a compelling playbook: keep the iconic core intact while giving consumers new reasons to engage through limited-edition flavors, cultural collaborations and consumer-led campaigns.
hartman-group.com/articles/1…
A broader view of consumer culture, all in one place.
The 2026 Syndicated Report Bundle brings fresh insights across categories, consumers and occasions to help you plan with greater context for 2027 and beyond.
hartman-group.com/bundles
Meals 2026 is now available.
Meals are changing. Flexibility is the new routine.
Watch the video for key insights on how evolving meal behaviors are shaping consumer expectations and opportunities for brands. hartman-group.com/reports/92…
More information isn’t always better. The right consumer intelligence can help teams spot trends, answer business questions, and turn insights into action.
Learn how Hartman Retainer Services can support your ongoing strategy and consumer insights needs. hartman-group.com/documents/…
AI agents are reshaping how consumers discover and choose snacks and beverages.
According to Accenture’s Talk to My AI Agent research, consumers are increasingly open to switching brands based on AI recommendations.
ow.ly/O6V750ZMLqf
Inflammation has become a major wellness buzzword, but how much is science vs. hype?
Food is the second most-used remedy, behind supplements and herbal remedies.
Read the article: ow.ly/UUxx50ZO0Ql
Perspective changes everything.
A health & wellness trend can mean something very different depending on where a consumer is within the World of Health and Wellness.
Explore Hartman Group’s World of Health & Wellness Model. ow.ly/r83050ZKYoo
What do consumers really see on a product label?
Our research highlights 3 things that matter:
• Ingredient lists signal processing
• Claims must be specific + relevant
• Honesty builds trust
Explore "Claims & Cues 2026": ow.ly/NLzI50ZIlZb
Gen X is influential—but often overlooked.
Their influence extends from children and young adults to aging parents.
Our new white paper explores how food & beverage brands can better understand and connect with Gen X. ow.ly/4L7050ZGaNT
Beef cereal. Battery-flavored chips. Ketchup smoothies.
A recent @BakeryAndSnacks article explores some of the year’s weirdest food launches. Hartman Group research shows consumers embrace novelty and playful eating—but taste still matters.
ow.ly/gzCP50ZFi5y
What drives trust, loyalty & brand choice in today’s complex marketplace?
Our Q4 study, Brand Landscape 2027: Trust and Value, explores consumer expectations across national brands, private brands & emerging challengers.
Now available for pre-order: ow.ly/FeoP50ZBwjr
Meals are no longer structuring the day. The day is structuring the meal.
Our latest Meals 2026 insight explores how consumers are fitting eating occasions around work, school, exercise, socializing and more—favoring rhythm over routine.
Read the article: hartman-group.com/articles/1…
The line between snacks and meals is blurring. 45% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials build meals from snack foods weekly. Explore how convenience and flexibility are reshaping eating decisions with Snacking 2026 + Meals 2026. ow.ly/wiiI50Zwlwr
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Consumer behavior is evolving fast. Our syndicated research connects the signals to reveal what’s next for consumers, culture, and the marketplace.
Build a custom bundle to stay ahead of what’s next: hartman-group.com/bundles
The viral tanghulu trend illustrates how texture can be just as powerful as flavor at driving trial and engagement—and global food traditions offer a rich source of inspiration for these innovation opportunities.
More snacking insights here: ow.ly/oWzT50ZnUMR
Restaurant meals are becoming a bigger part of daily routines. Our research found that 27% of adult meal occasions include restaurant-sourced food or beverages.
Read the full article to discover what’s driving this shift: hartman-group.com/articles/1…
Nestlé's elimination of artificial colors underscores that clean label is now a baseline expectation for most consumers. Companies that adapt quickly to evolving consumer expectations and regulatory scrutiny are likely to gain a competitive advantage. ow.ly/fLQL50ZlGci
GLP-1s are reshaping more than diets—they’re reshaping CPG demand.
In this 5-minute video briefing, Senior Vice President Shelley Balanko shares key findings on shifting behaviors, emerging adopters, and category implications across CPG.
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