Seafood is Better - skyscraper - both - 05.21

Performance Dairy Convenience and Consistency - banner - both - 04.24

Compostable Fiber Hinged Trays - banner - both - 08.26

Compostable Fiber Containers - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Pizza Town Operator Rebate - banner - OE - 09.28 - 12.31.26

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Meats - Unparalleled Flavor - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Family Recipes - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner with chef - both - 04.23

Basic American Crispy Craveable Operator banner ad - 12.17

Dart Foam to Fiber - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - banner - both - 03.19

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

Ready to Eat Frozen Vegetables - banner - both - 03.23

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets banner - both - 05.18

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - banner - both - 04.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Banner Ad - 1 - MM - Recipes - Operator - supersized

Hormel - Bacon 1 - You've Never Seen Bacon Like This - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Sugar Foods ecoStick Dispensers Beverage Station - skyscraper - both -10.16

Cargill - Truvia Serve America's Best-Selling Stevia Sweetener - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - banner - both - 04.20

Essity - Clean Dry Hands - banner - OE - 03.17

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Products - Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - banner - both - 02.20

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Campbells Pacific Rose Chai Pistachio Milk - both - banner - 02.26

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Campbells Culinary Reserve Thai Curry - both - skyscraper - 02.26

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - skyscraper - both - 07.18

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - banner - both - 04.18

Tyson Cortona Pepperoni - skyscraper OE 1.23

Find Fresh Inspiration - skyscraper - both - 08.22

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - banner - both - 11.19

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - skyscraper - both - 11.19

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - banner - both - 05.18

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper - both - 04.23

Nestle Stouffers Can Your Classics Do This Recipe Ideas - banner - both - 01.20

Nestle Minors Slow-Simmered Stock - Free Sample - banner - both - 02.20

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

General Mills - Pillsbury Takeout and Delivery Tips - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Compostable Fiber Hinged Trays - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Mini Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - banner - both - 09.23

Why Dart Paper - banner - both - 08.26

Why Dart Foam - banner - both - 08.26

Cargill - Truvia Serve Americas Best Selling Stevia Sweetener - banner - both - 03.19

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - skyscraper - both - 11.22

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - banner - both - 07.21

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - banner - both - 01.20

Why Dart Foam - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - skyscraper - both - 11.20

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - banner - both - 04.17

Wild Alaska Keta Salmon - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Reel in Greater Appeal - both - banner - 10.22

Compostable Fiber Dinnerware - banner - both - 08.26

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - banner - both - 07.21

Tyson - Bonici - Crave Chorizo - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Nestle Stouffer's Comfort Foods Beyond Compare - video - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Certified Cage-Free Egg Bites - Portable, Protein-Packed Breakfast - banner - both - 09.23

Basic American Shred Competition operator banner ad - 12.17

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Campbells Masterbrand SnackCore Crackers - both - skyscraper - 02.26

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

Grab 'n Go! Anytime. Every Time - banner - both - 07.23

Why Dart Fiber - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Simplot - Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Sugar Food Traina California Dried Fruits - banner - OE - 10.19

Cooper Shreds Have Now Arrived - banner - 02.24

Golden Tiger Vegetable Spring Roll - Elevate Dishes with Vibrant Flavor - OE - banner

Simplot RoastWorks - banner - both - 01.20

Campbells V8 Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry - both - skycraper - 02.26

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Why Dart PET & RPET - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Simplot RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Entree Redi Wild Alaska Pollock - banner - both - 08.25

Compostable Fiber Dinnerware - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Great Bacon in Half the Time - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - banner - both - 01.20

Tyson - Jimmy Dean - Loaded with Flavor - banner - both - 04.21

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Now Serving Flame-Seared Perfection - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Banner Ad - 3 - OE - Operator - supersized

Campbells Culinary Reserve Thai Curry - both - banner - 02.26

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - banner - both - 04.19

Why Dart Fiber - banner - both - 08.26

Savor Imports - banner - both - 06.24

Going Green - skyscraper - both - 08.26

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocados - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Seafood is Better - banner - both - 05.21

Campbells V8 Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry - both - banner - 02.26

Nestle Stouffers White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Skyscraper Ad - MM -  Beat - Operator

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

From the low-fat and low-calorie trends of the &lsquo;80s and &lsquo;90s, the low-carb trends of the early 2000s to today&rsquo;s demand for functional foods, health trends are constantly evolving. The superstar of the recent functional food trend has undoubtedly been protein, which can now be found in nearly every product imaginable, from pasta to ice cream.
But now, consumers are turning their attention to another health need: fiber.
In fact, consumers are increasing their intake of fiber at nearly the same rates as protein. Over half of consumers (51%) say they are increasing their fiber intake, almost the same number that say they are increasing their protein intake (52%).1
Should consumers be increasing their fiber intake? And if so, how can operators meet the demand?
Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know to stay on top of the top health trend for 2026.
The case for fiber
Should we be eating more fiber? Yes.
While many health trends are widely argued about and disputed, study after study has found that very few people are consuming enough fiber. In fact, more than 90% of women and 97% of men don't meet federal guidelines for fiber intake.2
Yet the health benefits of fiber have long been clear. "The latest science suggests fiber is more consequential to our health than previously understood," reported the Wall Street Journal. "Found in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and other plant foods, it fills us up and aids digestion. It lowers cholesterol and helps keep blood-sugar levels stable.2
Plus, fiber helps with satiety, or staying full, which can in turn help with weight control.3
From fiber to fibermaxxing
Consumers haven&rsquo;t been getting enough fiber for years, so why are they interested now?
Part of the reason is that consumers have become increasingly interested in foods that support gut health in recent years, partly due to the focus on functional foods and new research that shows how important gut health is.
Over half (52%) of consumers say that increasing their consumption of foods and beverages specifically for gut health is important to them in 2026.1
Another reason is the rise of GLP-1s. Because fiber naturally increases the GLP-1 hormone in our bodies, it has sometimes been given nicknames like &ldquo;nature&rsquo;s Ozempic&reg;". Studies have shown that foods rich in fiber not only boost GLP-1 production, but the effect lasts for hours, keeping someone full for long after they eat, even until their next meal.4
All of this focus on the benefits of fiber have led to a related trend: fibermaxxing. While there is no single definition, the social media-friendly term generally refers to going all-in on fiber consumption, aiming to meet and usually exceed the recommended daily intake. While still a niche trend, about 1 in 5 Gen Z consumers (21%) says they know what it is, and over half (52%) of all consumers say they are interested in practicing fibermaxxing.1
Put it into action
For operators that want to meet consumer health demands for fiber, it&rsquo;s important to first showcase the menu options that already have fiber. That may sound obvious, but while 63% of operators say they already offer items that are high in fiber, only 22% actively promote these options.1 Signage, marketing, menu call-outs, and social media campaigns can all highlight the fiber options that are already on offer.
Fiber is a key trend across the industry, including for non-commercial operators. Consider these idea starters:
Colleges &amp; Universities: With Gen Z consumers being even more interested in fibermaxxing, the C&amp;U segment has a chance to get ahead of this trend. This segment has long been a launchpad for new trends. Consider trend-forward, boldly-flavored, fiber-rich options that resonate with a student population.
Recipe inspiration: The Modern Southwestern Veggie Wrap includes bold ingredients like flame-roasted corn and black beans, rich avocado, flavorful chipotle-lime dressing, and authentic cotija cheese for an on-trend, fiber-forward option students will love. <a href="https://www.simplotfood.com/recipe/modern-southwestern-veggie-wrap" target="_blank">View Recipe &raquo;</a>
Healthcare: The overlap between the fiber trend and the healthcare segment is obvious, considering the health benefits mentioned above. But healthy, fiber-forward options can also support healthcare workers and visitors who are looking for feel-good foods when they are feeling particularly stressed or anxious. In fact, studies have shown that eating fiber can regulate mood, reduce stress, and ease anxiety.5
Recipe inspiration: The Mood-Boost Bowl with Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms, and Ancient Grains is a colorful, feel-good option that includes flavorful options like Thai-style red quinoa with veggies and roasted maple sweet potatoes. <a href="https://www.simplotfood.com/recipe/mood-boost-bowl-with-sweet-potatoes-mushrooms-and-ancient-grains" target="_blank">View Recipe &raquo;</a>
Senior Living: The range of health benefits associated with fiber (digestive support, heart health, cholesterol management, even energy) are all important needs for senior living populations. The key, as always, is offering up these health-forward options in dishes and menu items that are still tasty and enticing, with many residents seeking out the food and health trends they&rsquo;ve seen at retail and on social media.
Recipe inspiration: Sweet Potato Risotto with Couscous and Taleggio is an upscale menu item packed with plenty of veggies, including roasted sweet potatoes alongside red quinoa, giving senior living residents a plant-forward yet comforting fiber-rich menu option. <a href="https://www.simplotfood.com/recipe/sweet-potato-risotto-with-couscous-and-taleggio" target="_blank">View Recipe &raquo;</a>
The data is clear: meeting increasing consumer demand for fiber should be a key goal for the future. Having a range of fiber-forward ingredients can make it easy to develop a range of new and exciting fiber options.
Content courtesy of Simplot Foods
1Fiber is the New Protein, Datassential, January 2026 2<a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/fiber-diet-americans-health-58cd8ca3?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqd1TsVVAish-x-fI-xYdRrhcOAIhakUKUROkUDxiEP8DxkJJZCh6ewbYb5iUgk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69a0b4c8&amp;gaa_sig=vCIhbdq3nARFIMty5venrpjZE2Qkyxkxmhz1q-PyAYj8U5DjJ1ZPCr_5aay6zfrrlrP97X7usFTW02zIUKDlPw%3D%3D" target="_blank">Americans Don't Eat Enough Fiber. Here's Why That Worries Nutrition Experts, Wall Street Journal, May 2025</a> 3<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948" target="_blank">Chart of High Fiber Foods, Mayo Clinic, December 2025</a> 4<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/19757/" target="_blank">Less Snacking, More Satisfaction: Some Foods Boost Levels of an Ozempic-Like Hormone, NPR, October 2023</a> 5<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/fiber-mental-health" target="_blank">Can Eating More Fiber Make You Happier? Vogue, September 2025</a>

Consumers are turning their attention to another health need: fiber.

How to Capitalize on the Fiber Trend

The desire for nostalgia continues to influence consumer habits across industries: clothing trends, media consumption, and, of course, food. A whopping 68% of adults say that nostalgia factors into their purchases1, so it&rsquo;s important to bring comfort and familiarity into dishes that will truly resonate with guests.
It&rsquo;s not about simply reviving retro cuisine&mdash;it&rsquo;s about tapping into the emotional connections associated with certain flavors, techniques, and eras to create something fresh.
One way we&rsquo;re seeing this play out is through global mashups that introduce unexpected ingredients into mainstream menu items. A popular Houston-based diner demonstrates the fun of this approach with dishes like cheeseburger fried rice, char siu eggs Benedict, and Egg Foo Young gumbo with crawfish. If you&rsquo;re looking to try out the trend and already serve, say, mac and cheese on the menu, why not add some easy toppings to create a brand-new dish? Chorizo, diced bell pepper, and black beans transform the comfort classic into a Mexican-inspired recipe with wide appeal. Menu research shows that the term &ldquo;fusion&rdquo; is up 49% over the past four years2, indicating strong demand for dishes that balance the familiar with international twists.
Kitschy, whimsical dishes are another interesting way to tap into the power of nostalgia. One national family dining chain has found success offering frozen 1950s-style TV dinners for carryout, with such entr&eacute;es as meatloaf, shepherd&rsquo;s pie and pot roast packaged alongside broccoli, mashed potatoes and brownies in oven-ready aluminum trays. But, don&rsquo;t forget that &ldquo;nostalgia&rdquo; means different things to different patrons. While your Millennial customers might reminisce about their favorite discontinued snacks from the 90s, Gen Z sees Y2K culture as completely retro. The current dot cakes trend, for example, feels like a revival of the cupcake craze from the early 2000s.
Finally, consider ways to reinterpret nostalgic flavor profiles without creating exact replicas of historic dishes. For example, Datassential found that vodka sauce is up 202% on menus over the past four years.3 Rather than serving it over pasta, why not try it as a pizza or flatbread sauce? Top with crumbled sausage for a savory and hearty twist. Or get inspired by local cuisine. A burger joint in New York takes the iconic ingredients of a chopped cheese (ground beef, caramelized onion, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo), but serves them as loaded potato tots instead of a sandwich.
Today&rsquo;s nostalgic dishes create new experiences for patrons&mdash;but they don&rsquo;t have to strain your staff in the process. If you&rsquo;re looking to streamline operations without compromising innovation and excitement, fully cooked IQF meats can make the job a whole lot easier. Talk to your UniPro representative about versatile sausage, beef, and pork toppings from Burke that can bring nostalgic dishes to life.
Content courtesy of Burke Meats
1CivicScience, &ldquo;The Power of the Past: How Nostalgia Is Unlocking Resilient Wallets and New Market Opportunities in 2026,&rdquo; June 25, 2026
2Datassential, &ldquo;Fusion Culture Fuels Rise of Emerging Global Flavors,&rdquo; January 2026
3Datassential, &ldquo;The 2026 Food and Beverage Trends That Deserve a Second Look,&rdquo; 2026

The desire for nostalgia continues to influence consumer habits across industries: clothing trends, media consumption and, of course, food.

A Fresh Take on Tradition

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How to Capitalize on the Fiber Trend

A Fresh Take on Tradition