{"id":15919,"date":"2023-11-17T04:36:37","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T10:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.partstown.com\/about-us\/?p=15919"},"modified":"2025-12-29T10:00:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T16:00:13","slug":"grocery-store-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.partstown.com\/about-us\/grocery-store-trends","title":{"rendered":"Top Grocery Store Trends for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grocery stores have become one of the fastest growing markets in the commercial foodservice space. With more supply and demand, many grocery stores are actively working to stay ahead of the curve by exploring cutting-edge trends to suit our ever-changing world. From improved sustainability to advancements in AI, these new trends run the gamut.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below are some of the top-most trends sweeping the grocery store game for 2026 and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainable Solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the hottest topics in the commercial foodservice space this year is sustainability: how to be more sustainable, how to cut down on waste and how to make your business all around environmentally-friendly. And it\u2019s not just the foodservice industry that\u2019s thinking greener; according to a 2021 study conducted by the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (CCRRC), 7 out of 10 shoppers actively try to reduce their environmental impact, and 2 out of 3 shoppers will make conscious efforts to recycle.
\nAdditionally, the study also states that shoppers are willing to pay 4% more at food retailers like grocery stores that are environmentally and community-conscious. So, what are some of the ways a grocery store can go green for 2026?<\/p>\n

\"Customer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Responsibly-Sourced Goods<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve covered before <\/span>how restaurants can sustainably source<\/a> their ingredients<\/span>, but this practice isn\u2019t limited to just this area of commercial foodservice. In fact, one of the biggest trends hitting the grocery store industry for 2026 is to offer more consciously-sourced products to customers. Since people are becoming more curious about where their food is coming from, providing them with the information along with the goods is not only sustainable but responsible as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s partnering with a local farm for fresh seasonal produce, stocking shelves with honey sourced from your area or switching to responsibly-sourced seafood goods, incorporating sustainable products can provide many benefits to your store, partners and customers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bulk Shopping<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

While not a new trend per se, bulk shopping has been growing more popular as more people bring awareness to it. And with fluctuating high grocery prices making shopping trips more expensive at the consumer level, the practice of bulk shopping can ease those spending woes. Not only that, but bulk shopping can make purchasing and stocking easier for stores and staff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also known as bulk refill shopping, this practice ditches traditional grocery packaging for large bins that customers can fill their own containers with. Most popular with dry goods, spices, cooking oils and coffee, it\u2019s an exceptionally sustainable way for customers to shop. On the store level, bulk refill bins offer decreased waste, can reduce store labor costs and generate more sales at a lesser cost to shoppers, according to <\/span>King Retail Solutions<\/span><\/a>. All in all, there are a great many benefits to bulk shopping for grocers and shoppers alike. By offering refill stations in the New Year, you can also tout yourself as a sustainably-conscious store in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gut-Health and Fiber-First Foods: Meeting Consumer Wellness Demands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The showdown between protein and fiber is happening in 2026. With the rise of GLP-1 dietary information and the public becoming more colon-conscious, fiber is the focus for healthy eating and shopping. According to <\/span>Datassential\u2019s 2026 Trends Report<\/span><\/a>, \u201cfiber is poised to overtake protein as the next big health trend,\u201d driven by growing interest in gut health and consumers prioritizing fiber-rich foods. What does this mean for grocery stores? Probiotic and gut-friendly marketing items might fly off the shelf and fiber-rich prepared foods will be in-demand. <\/span><\/p>\n

Smart Carts and Real-Time AI: The Future of Grocery Shopping<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Grocery stores will see even more AI in 2026 compared to previous years. Here are some of the AI and smart tech that we think you\u2019ll be seeing in your grocery store soon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mobile<\/em><\/p>\n