TRENOS SiGINT: Next-Gen Proteins 2026 - Mintel

JC Analyst - October, 2025

Signal:

Dietary Next-Gen Proteins are here where consumers are swapping rigid protein targets for diversity-first eating that blends plant, fungal and algal sources with fibre-rich, heritage-coded formats. MINTEL expects portfolio moves into mung bean, hemp, mycoprotein and microalgae, with APAC know-how seeding Western launches.

Human Factor:

People want food that works (energy, gut, mood) and comforts (nostalgia, ritual) without feeling clinical. Crunchy/creamy textures, fragrant brews and “grandma-smart” staples, all now being upgraded, make next-gen proteins feel personal, not prescriptive.

TRENOS Metrics Snapshot

Field	Value
Signal	Protein diversity goes mainstream
Data Point	Online conversations: Mung bean +44% (5,760); Hemp +16% (16,949); Chlorella mentions 1,048 (US snacking set). Fibre-rich +9%; “Improves mood” +30%.
TikTok Views	— (opportunity: shortform recipes + sensory ASMR for texture/aroma)
Retail Footprint	Private label “top-up” protein/fibre bars; cross-category ready-to-drink protein; ambient cans/pouches poised for centre-aisle revival.
Ingredient Format	Mycoprotein pieces; microalgae powders; seed/grain “sprinkles”; fibre-dense bars; fermented heritage staples.
Product Range	Snacks, RTD, bakery, instant meals, condiments (e.g., non-tomato sauces), kids’ “real veg” meals.
Consumer Segment	Flexitarians, GLP-1 users, older adults, neurodiverse eaters, parents seeking microbiome-friendly options.
Brand Origin	APAC playbooks (fibre/ferments) localised for EU/US; indigenous ingredients as provenance anchors.
Export Status	High: shelf-stable/ambient and powders simplify cross-border logistics and margins.
Trend Classification	Maxxing-out → Diversity-in; Retro Rejuvenation; Intentionally Sensory.
System Pressure Point	Climate and supply shocks → resilient crops, circular formats, and ambient logistics superiority.

Long Play Analysis - Next-Gen Proteins - Mintel

Portfolio design means build around ingredient diversity (fungal + algal + seeds + pulses) and format resilience (ambient, freeze-dried, fermented). Use APAC-inspired fibre and fermentation to differentiate taste, shelf life and gut benefits. Create “precision sprinkles” (seeds/spices/herbs) as daily add-ons, an easy entry to DEIts while protecting the cost of goods sold.

Go-to-market & pricing leading with function that feels fun, texture-forward snacks, fragrant brews, layered desserts, then ladder up claims (gut-brain, mood, satiety) with digestible science. Keep private-label collaborations close to capture price-sensitive shoppers; reserve premium SKUs for microalgae/myco merges and chef-led collabs. Centre-aisle storytelling (modern cans/pouches) is back; treat it like a destination, not a compromise.

Risk & resilience might see tomato and other crop volatility; diversify sauces/condiments (pumpkin, capsicum, pesto) and lean into resourceful/upcycled inputs. Target underserved groups, GLP-1 users, older adults, neurodiverse consumers, with inclusive textures, smaller portions and easy-use packs. This is not a fad cycle; it’s a systems shift where sensory design, heritage credibility and ingredient plurality compound into durable advantage.

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