The nutraceutical industry is entering one of its most transformative eras yet. With consumers demanding more personalized, science‑backed, and lifestyle‑aligned wellness solutions, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for innovation. According to recent industry forecasts, the global dietary supplements market is projected to reach over $454 billion by 2034. This is a strong increase from its value of $192 billion in 2024, mostly driven by rising chronic health conditions and increasingly fast‑paced lifestyles.¹

At Lief Labs, we’re committed to helping brands stay ahead of the curve. Below, we break down the top nutraceutical trends set to define 2026, backed by the latest research and market insights.

1. Plant-Based Proteins Continue Their Dominance

Plant-based proteins remain one of the fastest-growing supplement categories heading into 2026. Multiple industry reports highlight plant proteins as a leading trend, driven by sustainability concerns, dietary preferences, and improved ingredient technologies.

Where innovation is happening:

• Growing demand for clean-label, allergen-friendly protein sources
• Expansion beyond pea and rice proteins into novel sources like fava, chickpea, and hemp
• New processing technologies, such as fermentation, are being used to reduce grittiness and improve amino acid profiles

Why it matters: Consumers want protein that aligns with their values—environmental, ethical, and health-conscious. Brands that innovate with taste, texture, and amino acid profiles will win big.

2. Nootropics for Cognitive Performance & Mental Clarity

Cognitive health is becoming a daily priority for consumers of all ages. As work and life demands intensify, consumers are turning to nootropics to support focus, memory, and stress resilience.

Where innovation is happening:

• Multi-benefit blends targeting focus + mood + stress
• Stimulant-free formulas for all-day clarity
• Ready-to-mix powders and functional beverages
• Increased interest in adaptogens, mushrooms, and clinically studied cognitive enhancers, such as citicoline, L‑theanine, phosphatidylserine
• Growth in formats like ready-to-mix powders, capsules, and functional beverages

Why it matters: Mental performance is now considered as essential as physical health. Expect more formulations targeting productivity, mood, and long-term brain health.

3. Sports Nutrition Evolves Beyond Athletes

Sports nutrition is no longer just for bodybuilders or elite athletes. It is now “everyday performance nutrition,” with consumers seeking products that support energy, endurance, and recovery.

What’s driving the trend:

• Growth of recreational fitness and outdoor activities
• Increased interest in metabolic health, hydration, electrolyte blends, and pre-workouts
• Demand for clean-label, sugar-free, stimulant-free option

Why it matters: The “active lifestyle” consumer is now the mainstream consumer. Brands that prioritize clean formulations and multifunctional benefits will stand out.

4. Gut Health Remains a Powerhouse Category

Gut health remains one of the most influential wellness trends, with consumers increasingly aware of the microbiome’s role in immunity, digestion, mood, and metabolic health.

Key Ingredients to consider: In health, “biotics” are nutrients (prebiotics), live bacteria (probiotics), or compounds (postbiotics/synbiotics) that modulate the gut microbiome.

• Growth in prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and strain-specific probiotics
• Increased interest in gut-brain axis formulations

Why it matters: Consumers are moving beyond generic probiotics and seeking targeted, clinically validated solutions.

5. Women’s Health Supplements Surge in Demand

Women’s health is experiencing a renaissance, with brands finally addressing life-stage-specific needs. The growing number of older women is driving market demand, as age‑related needs, including bone strength, hormonal regulation, and overall wellness, boost interest in targeted supplements. Research shows hormonal imbalance is widespread, affecting about 80% of women at some point, often starting during their reproductive years.²

Key focus areas:

• Increased focus on hormonal balance, fertility, menopause, and metabolic health
• Demand for clean-label, evidence-based formulations
• Hormone-friendly adaptogens

Why it matters: Women are driving supplement purchasing decisions, and they expect products tailored to their biology—not one-size-fits-all solutions.

6. Hydration & Electrolyte Innovation

Hydration products are booming thanks to the rise of fitness culture, outdoor recreation, and wellness-focused lifestyles. The category is evolving from simple electrolyte replacement to a more holistic category supporting energy, recovery, and daily wellness.

Where innovation is happening:

• Growth in sugar-free electrolyte powders, trace mineral blends, and functional hydration beverages
• Increased interest in clean-label, low-osmolarity formulas

Why it matters: Hydration is no longer just about replenishing fluids. It’s about optimizing performance, recovery, and daily wellness.

7. Longevity & Healthy Aging Go Mainstream

Longevity is shifting from niche biohacking circles into mainstream consumer interest as “Population aging is one of the most significant global demographic changes of the 21st century, driven by increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates.” ³ It is estimated that there will be more than 2.1 billion people aged 60 and over by 2050, representing over 21% of the global population.³

Key ingredients trends:

• NMN alternatives and NAD+ pathway support ingredients
• Antioxidants
• Mitochondrial support compounds
• Cellular, collagen, and joint health blends

Why it matters: Consumers want to live longer and better. Longevity supplements are becoming a core part of daily wellness routines with increased demand for clinically validated transparent formulations.

Learn more about NMN.

8. Delivery Formats Shift: Powders & Capsules Rise, Gummies Decline

Consumer preferences are shifting toward more functional, efficient delivery systems. Powders and capsules are expected to grow significantly in 2026, while gummies are projected to decline due to sugar concerns and formulation limitations.

Formats gaining traction:

• Powders for areas likehydration, protein, and nootropics
• Capsules for longevity, gut health, and women’s health
• Stick packs and effervescents

Why it matters: Brands that innovate with convenient, low-sugar, high-bioavailability formats will capture consumer attention. Consumers want convenience without compromising efficacy, which powders and capsules deliver on both.

What This Means for Brands in 2026

The nutraceutical landscape is evolving rapidly. To stay competitive, brands should:

• Prioritize science-backed ingredients and transparent sourcing
• Innovate with clean-label, low-sugar, and multifunctional formulations
• Explore emerging delivery formats that enhance user experience
• Lean into personalization and lifestyle-specific solutions
• Partner with experienced CDMOs like Lief Labs to accelerate innovation

Final Thoughts

As the supplement industry heads into 2026 with faster innovation cycles and rising consumer expectations, brands need more than a reliable manufacturer — they need a collaborative development partner. Lief Labs brings that balance of scientific rigor and creative problem‑solving through a deeply experienced R&D and Product Development team. From early‑stage concepting to formulation breakthroughs and rapid prototyping, the team helps brands turn trend‑driven ideas into market‑ready products that stand out for both quality and credibility.

“Our approach to ingredient innovation starts with function. We evaluate how each ingredient performs in real formulations, from solubility and taste to consistency during manufacturing.”

At Lief Labs, we’re here to help you bring the next generation of wellness products to life—from concept to commercialization. If you’re exploring new product ideas or looking to elevate your next formulation, our team would love to connect. Reach out to start a conversation about how we can support your brand’s growth.

Sources

1. https ://www.polarismarketresearch.com, Polaris Market Research. “Dietary Supplements Market Size, Growth & Share Report 2032.” Polaris, www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/dietary-supplements-market.
2. Mariam Faizullabhoy. Womens Health Supplements Market – By Product (Vitamins & Minerals, Proteins & Amino Acids, Probiotics), Supplement Type (OTC, Prescription), Form (Tablet & Capsule, Powder), Age Group, Consumer Group (Prenatal, Postmenopausal), Distribution Channel – Global Forecast 2024 – 2032. Global Market Insights Inc. March 2024 .
   https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/womens-health-supplements-market
3. Gianfredi, Vincenza et al. “Aging, longevity, and healthy aging: the public health approach.” Aging clinical and experimental research vol. 37,1 125. 17 Apr. 2025, doi:10.1007/s40520-025-03021-8