IFF’s 2026 Dairy Trends Report highlights shift toward nutrient-density and high protein

IFF has released its Dairy Trends Report 2026, spotlighting a major market shift toward “considered consumption” and holistic health. As younger consumers increasingly seek nutrient-rich, sustainable foods that support both personal wellness and planetary health, dairy and alternative dairy products are well positioned to meet these evolving expectations – even amid economic pressures.

Richard Neish, director of CI Trend Intelligence at IFF Taste, notes: “We’re seeing the end of the health-versus-happiness trade-off. Today’s consumers want products that nourish the body, uplift the spirit, and respect the planet. Purpose-driven, transparent brands will define the future of dairy.”

The report outlines five interconnected trends reshaping the category:

1. Considered consumption

Consumers are making more intentional choices, favouring products that deliver multifunctional benefits and align with ethical and environmental values. Dairy’s versatility makes it a strong candidate for gut-health support and protein supplementation – especially in markets like China and Brazil, where yogurt is increasingly seen as a functional food.

2. Wholistic health

Health is no longer just about nutrition – it’s about energy, sleep, stress, and mood. Functional dairy products with added protein, probiotics, and satiety-supporting ingredients are becoming baseline expectations. With the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, compact, nutrient-dense formats like high-protein yogurts and cottage cheese offer strategic opportunities to support appetite management and overall wellness.

3. Joyful harmony

Consumers are seeking emotional nourishment alongside physical health. Cheese is emerging as a premium snack with mood-boosting appeal, especially in China, where 45% of consumers say they eat cheese to feel better. Flavoured, whipped, and interactive formats are gaining traction as indulgent yet functional options.

4. Regenerative resilience

Sustainability is evolving into regeneration. Consumers want products that actively restore ecosystems and support local sourcing. In the UK, 37% of yogurt buyers want more transparency around ingredient origins, while Gen Z in the US is driving demand for sustainably produced cheese. Provenance and traceability are becoming key purchase drivers.

5. Human + AI

As AI becomes more embedded in product development, brands must balance technological efficiency with human authenticity. Consumers value craft, care, and ethical integration – especially in categories tied to health and tradition. Discreet use of AI can enhance innovation while reinforcing trust and intimacy.

IFF’s Panoptic Framework, a proprietary trend intelligence tool, underpins the report’s insights, helping manufacturers anticipate short-, mid-, and long-term shifts in consumer behaviour.

For brands in plant-based, high-protein, and functional dairy, reformulation must go beyond nutrition to deliver emotional, ethical, and experiential value.

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