The Fiber-Rich Foods Revolution: Why Fiber Is the New Protein in 2026

After years of protein obsession dominating nutrition conversations, 2026 marks a seismic shift: fiber is finally receiving the attention it deserves. From "fibermaxxing" TikTok trends to major food corporations reformulating products, dietary fiber is emerging as the defining health trend of 2026, potentially eclipsing the protein craze that dominated 2025.dbbnwa+2

The Numbers Behind the Fiber Revolution

The data reveals an explosive surge in consumer interest and market growth:

Staggering Growth Statistics

Consumer Engagement:

• 149% increase in page views for high-fiber beverages from summer 2024 to 2025[eatingwell]​

• 22% of U.S. shoppers now consider high fiber content one of the top three factors when purchasing food, up from 17% in 2021[cnbc]​

• 54% of consumers express interest in high-fiber foods and beverages, rising to 60% among Gen Z[cnbc]​

• 42% of consumers believe a "high fiber" label is a crucial indicator of product healthiness[cnbc]​

Market Projections:

• Global dietary fiber market valued at $13.6 billion in 2025[vegnews]​

• Expected to soar to $36 billion over the next 10 years[vegnews]​

• High fiber food market growing from $42.32 billion in 2024 to $105.07 billion by 2034[towardsfnb]​

• 9.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during forecast period[towardsfnb]​

Why Fiber Is Finally Having Its Moment

Addressing a Critical Nutritional Gap

Stephanie Mattucci, principal strategist at food research firm Mintel, explains that fiber is gaining visibility because it addresses a genuine nutritional gap in American diets: most adults fall far short of recommended daily intake levels.[dbbnwa]​

While one in three Americans has consciously increased their protein intake in the last year, research suggests most aren't actually deficient in protein. However, the majority of Americans are struggling to get enough fiber—creating a massive opportunity for brands and consumers alike.[vegnews]​

The Social Media Catalyst: "Fibermaxxing"

The concept of "fibermaxxing" has gained explosive traction on social media, with thousands of posts focusing on maximizing fiber consumption through whole foods like fruits and legumes.uclahealth+2

"Fiber is finally receiving the attention it deserves, which is fantastic because it is a necessary nutrient for individuals," stated Mattucci.[cnbc]​

This social media movement—led predominantly by Gen Z—is translating into real market influence as manufacturers and retailers respond with new products and clearer fiber claims.athletechnews+1

Beyond Digestive Health

Consumers are increasingly recognizing fiber's benefits extend far beyond digestive regularity:[dbbnwa]​

Comprehensive Health Benefits:

• Gut health and microbiome supportathletechnews+1

• Satiety and weight managementdbbnwa+1

• Blood sugar control[dbbnwa]​

• Heart health and cholesterol reductionvegnews+1

• Lower risk of colon cancer[vegnews]​

• Blood pressure regulation[vegnews]​

• Longevity benefits[athletechnews]​

Corporate America Takes Notice

PepsiCo Leads the Charge

During an October earnings call, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta made a bold prediction: "I believe fiber will become the next protein".[cnbc]​

"Consumers are beginning to recognize that fiber is a vital benefit they need. It's actually a shortfall in the diets of U.S. consumers, and that will be elevated," Laguarta asserted.[cnbc]​

PepsiCo's 2026 Fiber Launches:

• Smartfood Fiber Pop - containing grams of fiber per serving[cnbc]​

• SunChips Fiber - featuring fiber-rich ingredients like whole grains and black beans[cnbc]​

The company is actively exploring consumer interest across its entire beverage and food portfolio, with R&D teams tracking trends to align with evolving preferences.[cnbc]​

Industry-Wide Movement

Major players are signaling that fiber represents a significant growth opportunity:[dbbnwa]​

• Whole Foods Market recognizes fiber as one of its leading trends for 2026vegnews+1

• Olipop and other prebiotic soda brands are expanding with recipes designed for gut health[cnbc]​

• Floura bars and Granola Bags are offering fiber-rich snack alternatives[cnbc]​

• Brands are shifting toward fiber-forward callouts on packaging and marketing campaigns[athletechnews]​

Trending Fiber Sources for 2026

1. Chia Seeds and Flaxseeds

These omega-3 rich superfoods are appearing everywhere from smoothies to baked goods.bbcgoodfood+1

Why They're Trending:

• Easy to incorporate into existing routines[bbcgoodfood]​

• Nutritional powerhouses beyond just fiber

• Versatile and shelf-stable

• Premium positioning appealing to health-conscious consumers[towardsfnb]​

2. Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas)

Called "The Year of the Bean" by nutritionists, legumes solve multiple diet trends simultaneously.[bbcgoodfood]​

Benefits:

• High protein AND high fiber[bbcgoodfood]​

• Plant-based[bbcgoodfood]​

• Sustainable/lower carbon footprint[bbcgoodfood]​

• Budget-friendly[bbcgoodfood]​

• Anti-ultra-processed foods[bbcgoodfood]​

Popular Varieties:

• Brown rice and lentils[towardsfnb]​

• Black beans[cnbc]​

• Chickpeas and garbanzo beans

3. Nuts and Seeds

Premium fiber sources gaining attention among consumers willing to invest in quality.[towardsfnb]​

Top Choices:

• Almonds[towardsfnb]​

• Chia seeds[towardsfnb]​

• Flaxseeds[towardsfnb]​

• Pistachios (complete protein bonus)[goodhousekeeping]​

These foods are high in fiber but also rich in essential nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants.[towardsfnb]​

4. Whole Grains

Traditional whole grains are experiencing a renaissance as healthy carbohydrates return to favor.athletechnews+1

Trending Options:

• Quinoa - complete protein and high fiber[bbcgoodfood]​

• Oats - growing popularity[vegnews]​

• Whole wheat products[towardsfnb]​

• Brown rice[towardsfnb]​

5. Fruits and Non-Starchy Vegetables

Whole food fiber sources are being championed by the fibermaxxing movement.dbbnwa+1

Popular Choices:

• Bananas and apples[towardsfnb]​

• Berries (blueberries, raspberries)[towardsfnb]​

• Broccoli and carrots[towardsfnb]​

• Avocados[towardsfnb]​

• Leafy greens

Fiber-Forward Product Innovation

New Product Categories Emerging

Just as protein powder, protein bars, and high-protein versions of traditional foods exploded in recent years, fiber is following the same trajectory:[athletechnews]​

Current and Predicted Products:

• Fiber pastas[vegnews]​

• Prebiotic beveragesathletechnews+1

• High-fiber breads[vegnews]​

• Fiber ice cream (predicted)[athletechnews]​

• Prebiotic skincare (predicted)[athletechnews]​

• Prebiotic toothpaste (predicted)[athletechnews]​

Fiber-Enhanced Snacks

The snack category is experiencing rapid innovation:

• Fiber-enriched popcorn[cnbc]​

• High-fiber chips with beans and whole grains[cnbc]​

• Granola and bars focused on fiber content[cnbc]​

The GLP-1 Connection

An unexpected driver of the fiber trend is the rise of GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) for weight loss.[llcc]​

Food companies are developing protein and fiber-packed products for GLP-1 users that maximize satiety without spiking blood sugar. This dual focus on protein AND fiber creates products that:[llcc]​

• Keep users feeling fuller longer

• Support digestive health (important as GLP-1 drugs can cause constipation)

• Provide nutrition in smaller portions

• Help maintain muscle mass during weight loss

The Return of Healthy Carbohydrates

Dr. Federica Amati predicts that public excitement about fiber will lead to "the return of healthy carbohydrates, and re-embracing the importance of including healthy carbohydrates in our diet".[athletechnews]​

This represents a significant shift after years of low-carb and keto diet dominance. Consumers are learning that not all carbs are created equal, and fiber-rich complex carbohydrates offer substantial health benefits.[athletechnews]​

Expert Predictions

Leading nutrition experts are unanimous in their assessments:

Dr. Tim Spector (ZOE co-founder):
"We're going to see an explosion of fiber" in the coming years.[athletechnews]​

Datassential Research:
Fiber is poised to become "the next significant health trend following the rise of protein".[cnbc]​

Cathy Strange (Whole Foods Market Trends Council):
"The 2026 list reflects how quickly ideas can move from emerging concepts to everyday favorites. It's exciting to see how these trends will shape conversations in kitchens, communities, and the broader food culture in the year ahead".[vegnews]​

Simple Ways to Join the Fiber Revolution

Nutritionists recommend "low-lift" approaches to increasing fiber intake:[bbcgoodfood]​

Morning:

• Add chia seeds or flaxseed to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal[bbcgoodfood]​

Lunch:

• Swap refined grains for fiber-rich lentils, quinoa, or brown rice[bbcgoodfood]​

Dinner:

• Load your plate with non-starchy vegetables[bbcgoodfood]​

• Choose whole grain sides over white rice or pasta

Snacks:

• Opt for nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, or high-fiber crackers

• Try prebiotic sodas or fiber-enriched snacks

The Bottom Line

The fiber revolution represents more than just another nutrition fad—it's addressing a genuine health crisis where most Americans consume far less fiber than recommended.dbbnwa+1

With massive market growth projections, corporate investment, social media momentum, and scientific backing, fiber is positioned to dominate health conversations throughout 2026 and beyond.dbbnwa+2

As Stephanie Mattucci notes, while monitoring fiber intake isn't new, it has traditionally been associated with older adults. The 2026 revolution is bringing fiber mainstream—making it cool, accessible, and essential for all ages.athletechnews+1

Brands that integrate high-fiber offerings with compelling health narratives could see stronger engagement and loyalty in the competitive wellness landscape. For consumers, the message is clear: fiber is finally getting its moment in the spotlight, and it's about time.dbbnwa+1