6 Key Consumer Trends to Watch in 2026

As technology, culture, and identity continue to collide, 2026 marks a pivotal moment of rebalancing. Consumers are reclaiming control — over their emotions, bodies, relationships, communities, and choices — in response to years of digital overload, economic strain, and social fragmentation. From empathetic gender dynamics to renewed desires for physical ownership, authentic community, bodily presence, and autonomy from big tech, people are redefining what it means to live well and feel human in an increasingly automated world. 

These shifts call for innovation that feels grounded, human, and purposeful. As consumers seek authenticity and agency, brands across CPG, retail, and dining must evolve by designing experiences that honor emotion, texture, and trust, rather than speed or novelty alone. Brands that respond with authenticity, transparency, and tangible benefit will not only stay relevant but will also help consumers rebuild a sense of balance, belonging, and agency in 2026 and beyond. 

In this webinar, we will unpack the key consumer trends shaping 2026 and reveal how brands can turn cultural change into meaningful innovation and growth.