Category Trends
Date 08-01-2026
Below is the new trend chart from Innova Market Insights with the Top 10 Trends to highlight in 2026:
Lactosan cheese powder solutions are designed to help brands tap directly into these evolving demands, adding depth, richness, and versatility across categories.
We start out 2026 by focusing on how our cheese powder solutions can help develop exciting new products within these top trends starting with:
#1 Powerhouse Protein: #3 Layers of Delight: #4 Beverages with Purpose:
"Powerhouse Protein” highlights consumers’ growing demand for high‑protein foods that support overall health, from energy and immunity to performance and weight management. According to Innova Market Insights "Nearly 60% of global food and beverage consumers report that they are actively incorporating more protein into their diets."
Innova’s top trend shows protein’s powerhouse appeal, with milk drinks leading consumers’ go‑to choices for health‑boosting protein.
We have delopped a range of recipes within different application areas and categories to demonstrate how our cheese powder solutions can help craft trendy products - see also the #4 Beverages with Purpose trend.
Layers of Delight celebrates multi‑sensory indulgence—where textures, flavors, and playful formats stack together to create richer, more exciting food experiences and experiential eating.
Lactosan’s cheese powders elevate this trend by adding intense, layered cheese notes that boost depth, complexity, and premium appeal across applications.
Consumers expect more from their drinks than hydration. They look for functional benefits like gut health, stress relief and protein enrichment - supporting everyday wellness and performance. Beverages are now part of personal rituals and identity, from calming “mindful moment” drinks to share‑worthy creations.
Shoppers increasingly choose products that reflect their ethics: sustainable sourcing, clean labels, minimal processing, and natural ingredients. According to Innova Market Insights more than half of global consumers actively seek beverages aligned with their lifestyle and values.
Lactosan cheese powders bring rich, authentic dairy depth to beverages, unlocking new sweet, savoury and hybrid flavour spaces while contributing to the protein content.
Sources: www.innovamarketinsights.com, www.foodingredientsfirst.com
