AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods Market unveiled their top food trends for 2027 in the retailer’s annual Trends predictions report. Whole Foods Market predicts 2027 will be the year of terroir (seeking a “taste of place” and product origin), Japanese comfort food, food as skincare, and a rise in bitter flavors. These and more are set to influence the food landscape, showing up in restaurants, grocery aisles, and home kitchens.

The Whole Foods Market Trends Council – a collective of Whole Foods Market team members ranging from foragers and buyers to culinary experts – develops these trend predictions each year through a combination of deep industry experience, keen observation of consumer preferences, and long-standing relationships with emerging and established brands.

“Since we opened our doors, Whole Foods Market has led the industry in seeking and stocking the latest innovations in food and beverage," said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, VP of Worldwide Grocery Stores Private Brands & Marketing and Whole Foods Market's Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer, in a press release. “From being an early prognosticator of fermented foods to highlighting essential movements like regenerative agriculture, we've been on the forefront of what's new and next. We're excited to bring even more innovation to our shelves in the coming year and continue to find emerging trends that will impact the way we eat for years to come."

"This year's predictions reflect a real shift in how people are eating — a curiosity about origin, a willingness to try bitter and unexpected flavors, and a meaningful return to simpler, whole-food ingredients," said Cathy Strange, Ambassador of Food Culture for Whole Foods Market and member of the Trends Council. "Our Trends Council spends the year in the field, from farmer's markets to trade shows to neighborhood restaurants, and the 2027 list captures just how quickly these ideas are moving from emerging concepts into everyday kitchens."

Whole Foods Market’s top food trend predictions for 2027 include:

Terroir’s New Territory

Terroir refers to the soil, climate and geography that shape a product’s taste and character, and that idea is gaining ground far beyond the wine aisle. Growing interest in provenance and Protected Designations of Origin are drawing customers to the distinct flavors of regional honey, single-estate chocolate and named-source grains. Brands like Jacobsen Salt Co. and Counter Culture Coffee are helping to normalize origin-specific storytelling, while Row 7 Seed Co.’s tinned produce highlights vegetables grown on specific regional farms, preserving a sense of place from field to finished product. The concept has even expanded into categories like seafood through the rise of “merroir,” which highlights how the ocean environment influences flavor. Whole Foods Market is increasingly emphasizing regional identity through offerings like single-estate extra-virgin olive oils, Parmigiano Reggiano sourced from select farms in Parma, Italy, and exclusive products like Principe San Daniele prosciutto, a traditionally aged product sourced from the only Certified Humane farm in Italy.

Try the Trend: Jacobsen Salt Co. salts (product of Oregon; available in select stores), Row 7 Seed Co.’s tinned vegetables (sourced from single organic farms across the U.S.; launching in 2027), Parmigiano Reggiano (product of Italy), Principe San Daniele Prosciutto (product of Italy), Whole Foods Market single-origin coffees (products of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya), Seggiano vinegars (product of Italy), Damya Extra Virgin Olive Oil (product of Tunisia), Whole Foods Market Steelhead Trout (product of Norway), Heydoh Single-Origin Soy Sauce (part of Whole Foods Market’s 2026 LEAP Early Growth Cohort), Whole Foods Market Transparent Trade Peruvian 70% Dark Chocolate (launching fall 2026).

Beautrition

Glowing skin is becoming an inside job. “Beauty from within” is gaining momentum as consumers are turning to ingredients rich in collagen, antioxidants, healthy fats and hydration to support skin health. Collagen jelly sticks, skin glaze gummies, olive oil shots and “drink your sunscreen” products are emerging in the beauty and wellness market, blurring the lines between snack, supplement and skin care. Both content creators and wellness media continue to drive momentum around nutrient-dense, skin-supportive foods like carrots, cabbage, cucumber and tinned fish. Sardines and oysters are gaining attention as skin-supportive foods, with sardines offering omega-3s and vitamin D, and oysters providing zinc and copper to support hydration, collagen production and a healthy skin barrier. This trend is also extending to food-inspired aesthetics (from “glazed donut skin” to “strawberry girl makeup”) and products made with edible ingredients (like lip plumpers enhanced with cinnamon and cayenne).

Try the Trend: Kuli Kuli Sea Moss & Blue Spirulina Superfood Gummies, True Sea Moss Mango and Pineapple Sea Moss Gel, Rizo Radiance Collagen Teas (available in select stores), Kosterina Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shots (available in select stores), Purely Elizabeth Instant Superfood Oatmeal with Collagen, Vital Proteins Sparkling Collagen Water (launching fall 2026), Whole Foods Market’s Detox Blend (coming to the salad bar in January 2027), Whole Foods Market Fresh Oysters, FOND.

Ingredient Minimalism

When it comes to ingredient lists, less is becoming more. Fueled by viral “read your labels” social content and growing scrutiny around additives and ultra-processed foods (UPF), shoppers are embracing pared-down ingredient lists as a marker of quality. Manufacturers are responding by simplifying formulations, replacing once-lengthy ingredient lists with concise ones. A growing number of non-UPF apps and certification programs are also emerging to help consumers navigate store shelves. This broader industry trend has long been foundational to Whole Foods Market, where our Quality Standards currently ban more than 300 food ingredients.

Try the Trend: Vandy Crisps, Ella’s Flats Superfood Seed Crackers, Avaline Wine**, Daily Crunch Sprouted Nuts, Simple Mills Nut & Seed Trail Mix Bars (Non-UPF Verified), MALK Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Lovebird Cocoa O’s Grain-Free Cereal, RXBAR Protein Energy Bites, Whole Foods Market Pistachio Butter, Spindrift Tea (Non-UPF Verified), Teton Waters Ranch 100% Grass-Fed Beef Meatballs, HOL Health Club Bone Broth Protein Bars (part of Whole Foods Market’s 2026 LEAP Early Growth Cohort).

Zero Waste 2.0

While food waste reduction has been gaining traction for years, consumers are now embracing a broader zero-waste mindset, looking for ways to reduce waste across their daily lives. Rather than viewing sustainability as a series of individual actions, shoppers are embracing more circular systems that maximize resources and minimize what ends up in landfills. Upcycling has moved beyond the produce department, which led this trend, to become a source of product innovation in other categories. Wasted Pasta transforms unused bakery bread into dried pasta, Renewal Mill turns by-products such as oat pulp and okara into baking ingredients, Graza uses olive pomace in its Frizzle cooking oil and Whole Foods Market brand coffee spotlights cascara, the often-discarded fruit surrounding the coffee bean. To serve customers with zero-waste mindsets, retailers are investing in refill formats, bulk departments and circular collaborations. Examples include Whole Foods Market’s collaboration with Mill, food waste conversion technology that turns produce scraps into nutrient-rich chicken feed, as well as Too Good To Go and Enjoy Today, programs that offer customers deep discounts on products nearing expiration to help keep food out of landfills.

Try the Trend: Wasted Pasta (available in select stores), UpCircle Face Scrub with Coffee + Rosehip Oil, waste Cocktails** (available in CA), Fancypants Baking Co. Cookies (available in MA), Barnana Plantain Chips, Blue Stripes Cacao Superfruit Gummies, Graza Frizzle High Heat Cooking Oil, Lundberg Family Farms Organic Upcycled Jasmine White Rice.

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Inserra Supermarkets Inc., a family-owned and operated New Jersey-based company, announced the grand opening of the new ShopRite of Hudson Exchange Place, a state-of-the-art, 85,000-square-foot supermarket that offers a fresh, modern shopping experience. Located on the second floor of Everton, a new 60-story residential tower at 99 Provost St., the store opened its doors at 7:00 a.m. with giveaways and hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The store replaced the ShopRite of Metro Plaza at 400 Marin Boulevard.

Members of the Inserra family and their retail team greeted visitors, and local leaders joined the team for the ribbon-cutting at the new store, which is 20,000 square feet larger than the former location and marks a major addition to the Hudson Exchange development at Everton, taking shape in the heart of Jersey City. As part of the grand opening celebration, the ShopRite of Hudson Exchange Place hosted tasting stations from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Wednesday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 18, along with a Singing Mozzarella Chef on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“We are so excited to welcome customers to our new home at 99 Provost St. and continue serving the Jersey City community in a beautiful, modern and expanded space,” said Lawrence R. Inserra Jr., chairman and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets. “This new store reflects our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional shopping experience to the residents of Jersey City, with an even greater selection of fresh foods, prepared meals and convenient services. We look forward to serving both our longtime customers and welcoming new neighbors for years to come.”

The supermarket features Inserra favorites, including Patsy’s Butcher Shop, known for its high-quality meats and custom cuts, and Antoinette’s Kitchen, which offers freshly prepared meals, a hot bar and soup bar. The new store also includes a Fresh Bake Shop, Produce Department, Seafood Department, Sushi Bar, and a full-service Deli. In addition, ShopRite’s popular Fresh to Table section offers convenient meal solutions, including grab-and-go, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-heat options. The new ShopRite also includes a refrigeration system that reduces its carbon footprint by half, according to Inserra Supermarkets, and the store incorporates EcoVision glass doors and EcoShine LED lighting throughout to reduce energy consumption by more than 80 percent. High-efficiency heating and air conditioning and water reclamation systems further reduce energy consumption, the company said, and additional energy-efficient equipment reinforces Inserra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

“Delivering more than 800 new residences alongside a flagship grocer and strong mix of neighborhood serving retail is an exciting milestone for Everton and for the continued growth of Jersey City,” said Frank Frallicciardi, senior vice president of development at BGRE. “The demand for thoughtfully designed housing, convenient retail and neighborhood amenities continues to demonstrate the strength of the Jersey City market. Everton was designed to meet that demand while contributing to the vibrancy and connectivity of the Jersey City community.”

“The Everton project is years in the making,” added Abe Naparstek, principal of G&S Investors. “After completing the VYV project in 2020, G&S Investors with our partners at BGRE, have been focused on the next phase of Hudson Exchange. This project delivers on our long-standing commitment that ShopRite, an essential amenity for downtown Jersey City, stays open for generations to come.”

ShopRite customers have access to a registered dietitian and nutrition counseling services at the new location. The store also features ticketless parking through a mobile app, with parking available on two parking decks, four passenger elevators, three escalators, and two cart movers, as well as Caper Carts.

The Inserra family and their Inserra Supermarkets are members of the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. The family currently operates 24 ShopRite stores in New Jersey and New York, as well as two Price Rite Marketplace stores and two Fresh Grocer stores.

Established in 1954 by Patsy Inserra, Inserra Supermarkets remains true to its roots as a family-owned grocery business committed to serving local communities, with third- and fourth-generation family members operating the stores and continuing the tradition of caring for and supporting local communities.

The new ShopRite of Hudson Exchange Place is open from 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.

NEWARK, DE - The Foundation for Fresh Produce is continuing its investment in health and wellness professionals through a series of fall events designed to strengthen connections, share practical insights, and inspire greater fruit and vegetable consumption. Now more than ever, consumers need to hear from trusted sources who can reinforce the importance of eating fruits and vegetables as the single most important thing they can do for their health.

Most recently, The Foundation welcomed 19 retail dietitians representing 18 retail organizations to its annual Retail Dietitian Immersion Event, held alongside the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS) in Orlando, FL, October 13-16, 2026. The momentum continues next week as The Foundation joins thousands of food and nutrition professionals at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), taking place October 24-27 in San Antonio, TX.

Together, these events reflect The Foundation's broader strategy to engage nutrition professionals across multiple points of influence, including retail, foodservice, public health, healthcare, media, and consumer communications, helping ensure fruits and vegetables remain central to conversations about health and wellbeing.

"Whether we're engaging retail dietitians at GPFS, connecting with nutrition communicators at FNCE, or providing educational resources year-round, our goal remains the same: equip trusted professionals with the tools, insights, and partnerships that help people eat more fruits and vegetables," said Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, and influencer and community manager at The Foundation for Fresh Produce, in the recent release.

Building Connections at GPFS

For more than a decade, The Foundation's Retail Dietitian Immersion Event has provided retail dietitians with direct access to produce industry leaders, emerging innovations, consumer insights, nutrition research, and networking opportunities. The program creates meaningful connections between produce companies and the professionals who help influence consumer purchasing decisions every day.

This year's educational theme, "Produce That Connects: Culture, Value, Convenience & Trends," explored how evolving consumer expectations are shaping food purchasing decisions and what opportunities exist to elevate fruits and vegetables within those conversations.

Through customized education sessions, immersive experiences, networking opportunities, and pre-scheduled booth visits, participants gained insights into:

• Cultural food traditions and storytelling
• Consumer definitions of value beyond price
• Convenience solutions that support healthier eating habits
• Emerging consumer and retail trends
• Produce innovations and shopper engagement opportunities

The event also provided direct opportunities for dialogue between retailers and produce industry leaders, helping both groups better understand the needs, motivations, and challenges facing today's shopper.

“We were thrilled to sponsor this program for the first time, as it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with retail dietitians and introduce innovative products with exceptional nutritional value. Retail RDs play an important role in bridging the gap between nutrition and consumer choices, inspiring shoppers to discover new products and incorporate more fresh produce into their everyday lives,” said Alyna Cardenas, Marketing Manager at Malena Produce.

Registered Dietitians from the following retailers attended the 2026 event:

• Amazon/Whole Foods
• Big Y
• Coborn's
• Fresh Thyme
• Giant Food
• Harmon's Grocery
• H-E-B
• Inserra ShopRite
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Natural Grocers
• Redner's
• Stop & Shop
• United Supermarkets (Albertson’s)
• Wawa
• Wegmans
• Weis Markets
• Zallie ShopRite

Looking Ahead to FNCE

As conversations from GPFS continue, The Foundation is preparing to engage with nutrition professionals at FNCE, one of the world's largest gatherings of registered dietitians, nutrition communicators, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

Throughout FNCE, The Foundation will showcase resources designed to help nutrition professionals encourage fruit and vegetable consumption and strengthen their own nutrition communication efforts. Activations at Booth #730 include:

• Distributing fruits and vegetables, all day, every day
• Offering Have A Plant® swag, including an exclusive FNCE attendee Have A Plant® t-shirt, designed with RDs in mind
• Have A Plant® consumer-facing recipes, toolkits, and educational resources designed for consumers and health professionals
• Professional nutrition education materials and continuing education opportunities
• Opportunities to connect with Foundation representatives and partners

A Year-Round Commitment to Nutrition Professionals

GPFS and FNCE are two of many opportunities throughout the year where The Foundation invests in health and wellness professionals through continuing education, networking, professional development, and evidence-based nutrition resources. These efforts support The Foundation's mission to grow a healthier world by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and nurturing passionate produce champions.

For more information on The Foundation’s Have A Plant® programs or to engage with dietitians through events, visit www.freshproduce.com/foundation.

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt Growers has won the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show 'Best Sustainable Packaging' award in collaboration with Sinclair. The award-winning PLU label was featured in the IFPA GPFS product showcase and on the Sinclair booth.

The award recognizes Stemilt Growers' adoption of and transition to Sinclair T55, a certified compostable PLU label, across select apple programs. The achievement demonstrates how practical innovations can reduce packaging waste while maintaining the label-application performance expected by growers and retailers.

For decades, PLU labels have played an important role in produce identification and traceability. However, conventional fruit labels can create contamination challenges in commercial composting systems. Sinclair's T55 compostable PLU label was developed to address this issue and offers a certified compostable alternative designed to break down alongside organic waste at the end of its life.

Stemilt Growers' transition to T55 is another step in the company's broader sustainability journey. By introducing compostable labels on select apple varieties, Stemilt is helping advance a packaging solution that supports both environmental goals and operational requirements.

"Winning the Best Sustainable Packaging Award is a proud moment for our team. The adoption of compostable fruit labels demonstrates how meaningful changes, even on a small item like a produce label, can contribute to larger sustainability goals when implemented at scale," said Brianna Shales, Marketing Director, Stemilt Growers, in the recent release.

For Sinclair, the award underpins years of focused development to create a certified compostable labeling solution that integrates seamlessly into existing packing operations.

"We are delighted to support Stemilt Growers' packaging sustainability goals with Sinclair T55. This is a significant moment in North America, and we will continue working with the Stemilt team to demonstrate to our industry and shoppers the benefits of adopting a proven, minimal-packaging solution," said Duncan Jones, Senior Marketing Manager, Sinclair.