Downers Grove, IL — Fresh Thyme Market has released its annual food trends forecast, identifying global flavors, functional nutrition, customization, convenience, and small treats among the trends expected to influence grocery shoppers in 2027.
Developed in partnership with consumer packaged goods data and insights provider SPINS, the forecast examines emerging consumer behaviors, changing wellness priorities, and grocery innovations the companies expect to shape shopping in the year ahead.
“Grocery shoppers are redefining wellness on their own terms,” says Cecily Martinez, registered dietitian at Fresh Thyme Market. “People want fresh, organic and better-for-you foods that deliver meaningful benefits without adding more complexity to their lives.”
Martinez adds that consumers are showing growing interest in nutrient-dense foods, functional ingredients, and globally inspired recipes that bring enjoyment and purpose to everyday eating.
Fresh Thyme Market’s 2027 trends include:
- Global Flavor Mashups: Brands are combining ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles from multiple culinary traditions as consumers continue to seek bold flavors and new ways to explore global cuisines.
- The Brain Food Era: Interest in cognitive wellness is expected to drive demand for foods and supplements featuring omega-3s, antioxidants, mushrooms, creatine, and other functional ingredients.
- Bite-Sized Joys: Consumers are seeking premium snacks, mini desserts, specialty beverages, and other small treats that provide everyday moments of enjoyment rather than being reserved for special occasions.
- Fiber First: Fiber is expected to gain greater attention as consumers consider its role in digestive health, satiety, balanced nutrition, and overall wellness.
- Sprinkle Culture: Sauces, seasonings, crunchy toppings, and other add-ons are giving consumers more opportunities to customize the flavor, texture, and nutrition of familiar meals.
- More In Every Bite: Busy schedules, evolving eating habits, wellness goals, and the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications are contributing to demand for convenient foods that deliver protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients in smaller portions.
- Fresh From The Fridge: Refrigerated sections are expected to become a bigger destination for snacking as consumers seek fresher options including protein-packed bites, dips, chilled beverages, and snackable produce.
- Elevated Meal Shortcuts: Prepared proteins and vegetables, meal kits, and ready-to-heat entrées are expected to provide consumers with convenient ways to put meals on the table with less time and effort.
- The Resourceful Kitchen: Consumers are looking for greater versatility from their food purchases, including products that can help extend freshness, reduce waste, and be used across multiple meals.
- Frozen Passport: Globally inspired frozen meals and flavors are expected to give consumers convenient ways to experiment with international cuisines at home.
Fresh Thyme Market also identified The Ocean Pantry as a bonus trend. The retailer expects growing interest in ocean-sourced foods, including tinned seafood, seaweed snacks, kelp-based ingredients, and algae-powered products, driven in part by consumer interest in protein, omega-3s, responsible sourcing, and sustainability.
