Flavor and fragrance company IFF announced the publication of its Dairy Trends Report 2026, outlining insights into the evolving landscape of dairy and alternative dairy. The report identifies five trends driving market change and product innovation.
“We’re witnessing the end of the ‘health versus happiness’ trade-off in the diary aisle,” said Richard Neish, director of CI trend intelligence at IFF Taste. “The consumer’s desire for holistic well-being now extends beyond personal health to that of the planet. This shift toward ethical consumption means a product’s purpose and its impact on surrounding ecosystems are just as crucial as its nutritional benefits. The brands that will lead the future are those that prove a product can be a treat for the soul, precisely because it’s rooted in transparent, sustainable practices.”
2026 Dairy Trends
Considered Consumption: Consumers are spending more intentionally and seek products that deliver multifunctional benefits and align with their social and environmental values.
Wholistic Health: Consumers are adopting a 360-degree view of health, one that includes managing energy, sleep, stress and mood. With the rise of weight-loss drugs such as GLP-1s, dairy has a unique opportunity to provide compact, nutrient-dense options.
Joyful Harmony: Consumers are seeking “emotional nourishment” through indulgence, play and nostalgia. Cheese, in particular, is emerging as an indulgent, premium snack and mood lifter.
Regenerative Resilience: The industry standard is shifting from minimizing harm to regeneration, or actively restoring ecosystems.
Human + AI: As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into product development, the dairy industry is navigating a delicate balance between technological efficiency and human authenticity.
