‘Maxxing Out, Diversity In’: The 2026 food trend moving us past diet obsession

Global Market Intelligence and Research agency, Mintel has named “Maxxing Out, Diversity In” as the number one global food and drink trend for 2026, predicting a shift from extreme eating towards more balanced and inclusive diets that celebrate variety.

The report suggests consumers are moving on from the viral trend of ‘maxxing’, where people focus heavily on hitting specific targets such as protein or fibre intake, and instead turning to diverse diets that prioritise a wide range of ingredients, flavours and cultural influences.

According to Registered Nutritionist and Recipe Development Manager, Lily Keeling at recipe box delivery service Green Chef, this shift is a welcome one. She believes variety is one of the most powerful tools for improving health, expanding our taste preferences and reconnecting people with the joy of food.

“It’s easy to get caught up in chasing trends or fad diets, but the truth is that food isn’t meant to be one dimensional,” says Lily.

“When we focus too much on a single nutrient, we can lose sight of the bigger picture that eating a varied diet naturally gives us everything we need, without the pressure of counting grams or following strict rules.”

She adds, “Of course, if you enjoy that approach, it’s fine but it can make eating feel rigid instead of rewarding.”

Why diversity matters

Lily explains that embracing diversity in food is about more than just flavour. When done properly, a mix of cuisines and ingredients can support gut health, support your immune system, and keep meals interesting enough that you actually want to stick with them.

“Our bodies thrive on balance,” she adds. “Different cuisines bring different nutrients. Mediterranean meals with olive oil, fish, and vegetables are great for heart health, and Indian-inspired dishes with lentils and chickpeas can give a satisfying boost of protein and fibre. Lighter Asian-style meals with rice, vegetables, and eggs are an easy way to keep things varied throughout the week.”

Lily continues, “These are just a few examples, but there’s a whole world of cuisines to explore, and finding what you enjoy is just as important as the variety itself.”

The Mintel report predicts that by 2030, consumers will actively seek diversity in their meals, moving away from the traditional Western idea of a plate built around meat, vegetables and starch, and instead combining a richer variety of grains, vegetables and proteins. Lily agrees this evolution is already happening in home cooking.

“We are seeing more people experiment with ingredients they might never have used before, like bulgur wheat, seaweed or tofu. Cooking kits like Green Chef make that easier by introducing people to new global flavours each week, including dishes they might not have tried otherwise, without needing to research recipes or figure out ingredients themselves,” she says.

Breaking routine through flavour

Green Chef UK data also supports the shift towards culinary diversity. The company has seen growing demand for dishes inspired by global cuisines, including recipes such as Chilean inspired pork loin and parsnips puré, yellow Thai inspired cod curry, and West African paradise spice prawns.

“Trying new cuisines keeps cooking enjoyable,” says Lily. “It is not about ditching what you love, it’s about broadening your options. If you enjoy a British roast, try a Moroccan tagine. If you often eat lasagne, go for a Greek moussaka. Every cuisine has something unique to offer, and they often overlap more than you think.”

Beyond taste, Lily notes that eating from a range of cuisines can also foster connection and understanding.

She says, “Food is one of the easiest ways to experience other cultures. Cooking a Thai curry or a Lebanese mezze at home can give you an appreciation of how ingredients and techniques shape everyday meals and reflect the traditions behind them.”

“Lots of people love ordering these dishes when eating out but might never think to cook them at home,” she explains. “Even if they’re not exactly like the restaurant version, trying some yourself can open up your routine and make everyday meals more exciting.”