5 Health And Wellness Trends That Will Be Everywhere In 2026

New Year's resolutions have a consistent focus on the betterment of oneself, especially one's body. However, all too often, crash diets and TikTok health trends that are riskier than you may realize are the go-tos for people looking to make a change. 

Just like every other part of culture, the health and wellness space sees a proliferation of trends and fads with every new year that passes. Where 2025 saw Pilates become a hot topic, 2026 welcomes in more unique and personal approaches to health and fitness that just might break the cycle of impossible influencer-inspired wellness fads. 

From new advances in fitness tech to individualized wellness plans, the 2026 predictions are shaping up to bring the individual to the center of health instead of creating a blanket solution that forgets schedule forgiveness, personal well-being, and mental health. Not to mention the strides in diet planning that have kicked unsustainable eating to the curb, encouraging maintainable and positive goals for personal health.

The rise of the "For you page" on social media and algorithms that curate content for users' every interest and intrigue has generated an overall sense of individuality in day-to-day living. Following this trend of individuality, people can expect a rise in the use of personalized health and wellness plans. No longer will there be one-size-fits-all workout programs, diet plans, and wellness routines, but rather, greater attention will be paid to customizing these daily health tasks to better fit the individual and their schedule. 

Personalized wellness plans can be revolutionary for those looking to hop back into the world of health and create a better way of living for themselves. Uniform structures and rigid challenges — like that of the 75 Hard challenge — do not leave room for life changes, schedule falters, or health emergencies. The solution is a more personalized schedule, which could possibly make achieving personal health goals not only more consistent with day-to-day life but also more attainable.

The year 2025 already brought a huge focus to protein intake, but the introduction of fast-food protein suggests an even larger-scale promotion of the macronutrient. In September 2025, Starbucks rolled out a protein-focused international menu with drinks that offer a substitution of regular milk with protein milk. Dunkin' Donuts created protein drink options in the new year, announcing coffee, refresher, and matcha selections with added protein on January 7, 2026. And, it's expected, with PepsiCo's plans to make protein-centric foods a part of their arsenal of products, that protein options and alternatives will be offered at more and more businesses. 

With an overall flooding of the food market with "protein-maxxing" products from cereals to drinks to desserts to microwavable meals, the increase in protein focus is expected to see incredible growth in 2026. Unlike the initial targeted marketing toward active individuals and gym goers, in 2026, the protein craze could lump in not just those who work out but every individual who desires a healthier alternative to their favorite snacks and drinks. 

Wearable tech isn't anything new. With the introduction of Apple watches and step trackers, this type of technology has long been a part of the fitness world. However, technology took another huge step in 2025 with the mass introduction of artificial intelligence, seemingly taking control of every aspect of living, with chatbots, research tools, and image creation. AI is also expected to leak into the wellness world. 

Dissecting the use of AI in this field, managing editor of health at U.S. News and World Report, Greta Schuyler, mentioned a crossover between artificial intelligence and pre-existing health trackers while on the "Today Show." While wearable tech has been able to track fitness and report on the findings, AI will be able to take the process one step further, she explained, saying, "So AI is integrating that mountain of information and turning it into personalized tips and recommendations so you can manage your stress better, get better sleep, exercise more, even get personalized nutrition recommendations." Artificial intelligence would also be able to aid in health concerns, according to Schuyler. "Some of them will even, you know, alert you to potential health issues, like an irregular heartbeat of pre-diabetes," she said.

With growing interest in longevity and healthy aging, the wellness of the brain has entered the discussion with a heavy presence. In 2026, a major prediction is the mainstream care of brain health.  

This care includes mental exercises to strengthen brain activity, such as memory testing, as well as hand exercises that promote cognitive function in order to build a stronger mental foundation as we age. In addition to these practices, the promotion of supplements that aid in cognitive health has taken a prime spot in brain wellness conversations. 

Under the umbrella of brain wellness is mental health. Mental health took to the mainstream in a big way several years ago, but in 2026, its promotion will take another big step. From new daily practices to at-home care to professional care from a mental health professional, taking care of one's mental health will be a strong throughline of the new year. 

In 2026, using food as medicine does not mean dieting. In fact, the thought process consists of creating meals that maintain health, promote wellness, and offer nutrients that ultimately prevent illness. To provide one historical example of how proper nutrition prevents disease, the exclusion of vitamin C had a heavy impact on sailors who lacked adequate amounts of this vitamin. With the new year, drafting meal plans that ensure nutrient goals are being met could become a universal practice that prevents illness and offers a better solution than fad dieting and crash diets.

Another trend that points to this 2026 prediction? Meal prepping. Online, users have flooded social media platforms with their prepared food and cooking routines for making homemade dishes for every meal of the day. Meal prepping makes it easier than ever to have healthy, nutritious food available when you need it.