Insights informed by Mintel’s 2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions

As food and beverage manufacturers plan for the years ahead, many are asking the same questions: Which trends matter? How do we respond without overcomplicating formulation? And how do ingredient partners fit into this evolving landscape?

Drawing on insights from Mintel’s 2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions, we answer some of the most common questions manufacturers ask, and explain how SK Chemtrade supports practical, future-ready product development.

According to Mintel, the most significant shifts shaping food and drink innovation are not about extremes, but balance. Consumers are moving away from rigid nutritional rules and instead embracing dietary diversity, emotional reassurance, sensory satisfaction and resourceful sustainability.

Rather than chasing single claims, successful products are expected to:

• Deliver multiple benefits in one formulation
• Feel familiar, trustworthy and grounded
• Use ingredients more efficiently
• Offer enjoyable sensory experiences

For manufacturers, this means innovation must be intentional, not reactive.

SK Chemtrade acts as an ingredient partner, not just a supplier. By understanding both global consumer insights and local manufacturing realities, SK Chemtrade helps manufacturers translate trends into technically sound, scalable formulations.

This includes:

• Access to a broad portfolio of functional ingredients
• Guidance on ingredient selection and application
• Support for formulation efficiency, stability and compliance
• Practical solutions aligned to market demand

By bridging insight and execution, SK Chemtrade enables manufacturers to innovate with confidence.

Mintel reports that consumers are moving away from “maxxing” individual nutrients (such as protein or fibre alone) toward inclusive nutrition that supports overall wellbeing.

This shift reflects:

• fatigue with restrictive diets
• a desire for flexibility
• increased awareness of gut health and balance

SK Chemtrade’s role: Ingredient diversity requires careful formulation to maintain taste, texture and shelf stability. SK Chemtrade supports manufacturers with functional ingredients that deliver multiple benefits without complexity, helping brands meet nutritional expectations without compromising product performance.

Mintel highlights a growing consumer desire for trust, heritage and familiarity, particularly during periods of economic and global uncertainty.

Consumers increasingly gravitate toward:

• traditional ingredients
• proven processing methods
• transparent sourcing and origin stories

This trend, often referred to as “retro rejuvenation”, shows that innovation does not always mean reinvention.

SK Chemtrade’s role: Working with traditional formulations often requires modern ingredient solutions to meet today’s regulatory, shelf-life and efficiency requirements. SK Chemtrade helps manufacturers modernise without losing authenticity.

Sensory experience is becoming a core functional requirement. Mintel notes that texture, aroma and mouthfeel are increasingly used to support:

• satisfaction and indulgence
• inclusivity for ageing consumers
• comfort for neurodiverse individuals
• stability for GLP-1 users.

Functional ingredients that influence texture, mouthfeel and stability are essential for delivering consistent sensory performance. SK Chemtrade supports manufacturers in designing products that feel as good as they taste.

Mintel reports a shift from sustainability as a message to resourcefulness as a practice – using ingredients efficiently, reducing waste and improving shelf life.

Consumers respect brands that:

• minimise unnecessary complexity
• reduce resource use
• demonstrate practical environmental responsibility

Ingredient efficiency plays a critical role in sustainable formulation. SK Chemtrade helps manufacturers identify solutions that reduce waste, improve yield and support long-term commercial viability.

Manufacturers face increasing pressure to innovate faster, comply with regulations and meet evolving consumer expectations, all while controlling costs.

SK Chemtrade offers:

• technical ingredient expertise
• market-informed guidance
• support across development and scale-up
• long-term partnership, not one-off supply.

By combining global insight with practical formulation support, SK Chemtrade helps manufacturers build products that are relevant, resilient and ready for the future.

Mintel’s 2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions reinforce a clear message: the future belongs to brands that balance innovation with credibility. Ingredient choice will play a defining role in how successfully manufacturers respond to this shift.

SK Chemtrade remains committed to supporting food and beverage manufacturers with informed, reliable ingredient solutions – helping turn insight into impact.

*Source: Mintel, 2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions