Protein, Fibre… What’s Next On Our Plates For 2026?
If 2025 was the year protein continued its reign and fibre finally began to enter the mainstream, what can we expect from 2026? Vogue spoke to leading experts to find out what’s next on our plates, because what we ingest can profoundly influence our health.
Green bananas and other satiety signalling foods
With around 1.5 million people in the UK now estimated to be taking GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, predicts growing interest in how to eat both on the drugs and when coming off them.
“Much has been said about protein and nutrient density during use,” she explains. “But when appetite returns, we need to support the body’s own appetite-regulating hormones.” They include leptin, GLP-1, peptide YY and cholecystokinin.
Fibre is critical. “It’s one of the primary ways the gut microbiome communicates with the endocrine cells responsible for appetite regulation – particularly prebiotic fibres that reach the distal colon and are fermented there.”
Foods rich in prebiotic fibre include green bananas, legumes, oats, barley, cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, kimchi and sauerkraut. These help signal satiety to the brain while producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which support gut barrier function, immune regulation and metabolic health.
“The more diversity we can achieve – through resistant starches, beta-glucans and partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) – the better,” says Rhian Stephenson, nutritionist and founder of Artah. In 2026, it won’t just be about more fibre, but about targeted fibre for energy, cravings and inflammation control.
Breakfast soup
Breakfast soup, anyone? Kat Chan, nutritionist and author of Substack’s Full Serving, champions it as one of the most grounding ways to start the day, particularly in colder months. “I love that it breaks the breakfast rules,” she says. “It’s cross-cultural, and there are no specific guidelines other than including protein, fat and fibre. A warm, protein-rich, hydrating bowl – with a broth base – stabilises blood sugar, supports digestion and helps people feel more settled going into the day.”
She adds everything from tofu and boiled eggs to leafy greens, seaweed, carrots, quinoa and noodles into hers. If you’re someone who hates drinking water, soups, broths and herbal teas are great ways to ensure you’re well hydrated and your skin is glowing.
Rocket, radicchio, chicory and other bitter foods
Bitter foods are an underrated digestive ally. “They stimulate stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which help break down proteins and fats more efficiently,” explains nutritionist and founder of R Health Club, Rosemary Ferguson. Chan notes they support gut motility, ease post-meal discomfort and support the liver. Radicchio, chicory, rocket and grapefruit all fit the bill. Supplement-wise, Ferguson notes that hops can also be beneficial.
Pomegranate
Keeping a pot of pomegranate seeds in your fridge may sound very Kardashian-Jenner (Kylie is a fan), but this fruit is rich in science-backed benefits.“We’ve known that pomegranates are antioxidant-rich for years,” says Dr Nirusha Kumaran, GP and longevity expert. “But now we’re beginning to understand their deeper biological effects.”