Independent natural food retailers have always been at the forefront of the natural product trends. Their agility, resourcefulness, and strong commitment to stocking and supporting brands on the cutting edge of natural foods have made them incubators of innovation for decades.
To mark 20 years of empowering independent retailers, and in partnership with leading retail data provider SPINS, the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is excited to share its perspective on the industry trends that will impact and influence independent natural food stores in 2026. From elevated global flavors to natural sweeteners, these trends are sure to reach the shelves of independent retailers and beyond in the coming year.
Here’s a look at the natural food trends set to define 2026.
Unprocessed is the New Premium
Recent policy suggestions from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services indicate a return to traditional, minimally processed ingredients. In particular, saturated fats and seed oils seem to be on the outs, with beef tallow becoming more prevalent in food and even beauty products. Expect an increase in tallow-based brands in the new year, evolving further into organ meats like liver and heart. Also anticipate a ‘boomerang effect’ that will cause heart health supplements such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids (+3%) and Niacin/B3 (+59%) to peak as high cholesterol levels follow.
Hero Brands: Masa Chips, Pluck Seasoning, Solaray Niacin
Sweet Simplicity is In
Another effect of the clean ingredient trend is a focus on natural sweeteners with easily recognizable ingredients. Within food categories like ice cream, common sweeteners like stevia saw a -17% decrease YoY at INFRA, while alternatives like honey saw an +170% increase. Beverage categories show a similar trend, with the soda category seeing a -10% decrease for erythritol while new alternatives like dates and maple syrup are just starting to emerge. Keep an eye on cane sugar, which will likely begin to replace high fructose corn syrup in the conventional retail space.
Hero Brands: Ice Cream for Bears, Fresh Fizz Date Cola, Bear Maple Farms Sparkling Tonic
Climate-Friendly Caffeine
Across categories, once reliable crops have seen poor yields due to blight and drought, and the resulting price hikes have ushered in a need for alternatives. Volatile weather in the world’s coffee belt has opened the door for a wider adoption of caffeine alternatives like yerba mate (+3%) and matcha (+30%). Look for further exploration into alternatives in 2026, including paraxanthine, a metabolite of caffeine that gives a smoother energy boost with fewer jitters, and yaupon, the only caffeine plant native to the United States and therefore free from tariffs.
Hero Brands: Weird Tea Yerba Mate, Enfinity Paraxanthine, Rambler Yaupon Energy
Global Flavors, Elevated
Global flavors have only expanded in the first half of this decade, and as we enter the back half of the 2020s, these globally inspired brands are ready to level up. Brands that debuted with niche product types (i.e. dumplings) are expanding beyond their core offerings to include new product types. Similarly, globally inspired condiments have shifted from simple function to become a new social marker, complete with eye-catching labels and niche, trendy flavors. These “Status Sauces” will carry a higher price point but retain a dedicated consumer following ready to hop onto the latest trend.
Hero Brands: Laoban Scallion Pancakes, Heydoh Soy Sauce, Bachan’s Sweet Honey Japanese Barbe cue Sauce
Indigenous Influence
While Southeast Asian flavors have enjoyed the spotlight in recent years, INFRA predicts a market now ready to embrace flavors and ingredients of the Indigenous Peoples of North America. 2025 saw the first-ever Indigenous Trade Show held in Washington state, and national culinary figures like Chef Sean Sherman are using their platform to popularize ingredients like sumac, lemongrass, and piñon nut to a much larger audience. Count on more penetration across food categories as well as personal care categories supported by consumers seeking cleaner, return-to-nature options.
Hero Brands: Passamaquoddy Maple Syrup, Sakari Farms Piñon Pine Salve, Ghia Le Spritz Sumac & Chill
Bountiful Botanicals
As consumers seek refreshing tastes with natural sourcing, botanical flavors are poised to break free from traditional teas and into a variety of categories. Beverage categories like Kombucha are an easy outlet for flavors like jasmine (+15%), and soda has welcomed botanicals such as lavender (+179%) and cardamom (+35%), but what gives this trend real legs is the expansion into less expected spaces like Ice Cream and Yogurt – where hibiscus has shown INFRA-specific growth of +47% and +25%, respectively. Expect further botanical expansion into categories like Performance Nutrition and Energy, while tapping into emerging flavors like cedar and pandan.
Hero Brands: Corpse Reviver Botanical Electrolyte Beverage, La Fermiére Hibiscus Raspberry Yogurt, Lucky Ox Pandan Coconut Sparkler
About INFRA
INFRA is a cooperative of independent natural food and wellness retailers serving hundreds of communities across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. INFRA offers retailers the purchasing power, operational excellence, and peer support they need to thrive in today’s competitive grocery landscape. By simplifying day-to-day operations, INFRA empowers retailers to focus on what truly matters—making healthy, sustainable food accessible to all. As a certified B Corporation, INFRA is committed to meeting a high standard of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Learn more here.
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