Online grocery is accelerating into 2026 as retailers lean into functional beverages, agentic AI, and ever faster fulfillment to boost loyalty. The winners will be those who blend smarter tech with sharper product strategy to meet rising consumer expectations.
MenuData predicts four forces will shape 2026 menus, from texture‑obsessed consumers and nostalgia‑driven LTOs to the resurgence of animal fats and the growing influence of GLP‑1 users. For brands, these shifts signal major opportunities for innovation—and risks for those who fall behind.
When contamination strikes, having both General Liability and Product Recall Insurance can mean the difference between recovery and ruin. Smart food companies treat them as a dynamic duo – not a redundant expense. Sponsored by Coughlin Insurance Services
Instacart’s AI driven pricing tests are drawing FTC scrutiny and risking a consumer trust meltdown as shoppers balk at higher than expected costs. Experts warn that without transparency, retailers could push customers toward cheaper rivals and curbside alternatives.
The next phase of plant-based growth is beginning to take root. New SPINS data, global flavor innovation, and the growing influence of natural retailers suggest 2026 could be a pivotal year – if brands rethink value, positioning, and proof-of-concept strategies.
