January 6, 2026 – Across the global food and beverage market, oil is a staple that is integrated into the daily culinary routines of consumers. Nonetheless, as health priorities and taste preferences evolve, consumers’ expectations are also shifting to include versatile formats that address multifaceted needs. For instance, beyond flavor, sustainability and sourcing are also key factors that greatly impact how consumers are approaching oils on store shelves today. Innova’s “Overview in Oils- Global” report analyzes these influences and conveys how brands can alter their innovation strategies to address consumers’ needs.
Diverse Sources, Tailored Uses, and Innovative Processing
Across the global oil market, oil launches range from traditional staples to specialty fruits and novel alternatives that are increasingly tailored to specific uses. Core staples include sunflower or canola oils, while micro-algae blends represent next gen-gen offerings. Beyond diverse sources, clean and sustainable extraction methods enable brands to further differentiate their offerings. For instance, cold-pressed, enzymatic, and eco-friendly extraction methods can be used to position oils as natural, sustainability-driven innovations. Moreover, brands that customize oil formulations can address different culinary needs and enhance overall performance, as well as consumer satisfaction. Salad oils, stir fry sprays, and air fryer oils are a few of the numerous examples of tailored products that meet specific consumer demands.
Position Oils to Meet Demand for Health
Globally, more than 50% of consumers say light versions of products, such as reduced sugar, salt, fat, or calories, are healthier than the original. As such, brands are repositioning light alternatives to also emphasize added nutrients and other wellness benefits that meet consumers’ mounting expectations. Urban Platter’s Virgin Avocado Oil exemplifies this trend, as the product highlights skin and hair benefits alongside cholesterol-free and zero trans-fat claims.
Consumers are also open to trying foods produced with new technologies. In the global food and beverage market, the use of nutrient-preserving technologies is an oil trend that manufacturers are leveraging to preserve essential fatty acids that are crucial for the human body. Beyond showcasing advanced technologies, the promotion of these techniques communicates to consumers that they are receiving maximum health benefits from the oils they are purchasing. Consumers also seek oils that are fortified with vitamins, omegas, and other essential nutrients, so incorporating these ingredients supports the demand for targeted nutrition that supports health across life stages.
Provenance, Fortification, and Traditional Techniques
Oil trends indicate that brands who highlight sourcing origins bolster trust and quality perception of their products. 22% of global consumers examine ingredient sourcing to assess the quality of their food and beverage choices. Therefore, provenance, origin stories, and certifications play an important role in strengthening consumer trust beyond ingredients alone. Consumers also value traditional techniques, so the emphasis on traditional methods, as well as handcrafted or artisanal claims, resonate with consumers looking for authentic craftsmanship and products rooted in heritage.
Upgrade Oil Packaging
Adopting versatile container formats is another avenue to enhance products and user experience in the global oil market. Brands are evolving beyond typical glass or plastic bottle formats to include innovative packaging, from paper-based cartons to metallic tins and plastic pouches. Spray bottles, squeezable packs, and built-in measuring chambers also enable consumers to exert greater control in the kitchen, while also reducing overuse and promoting healthier cooking habits.
In the past year, 46% of consumers have reduced their use of single-use plastics. 43% have also chosen reusable or recyclable packaging as their method of practicing environmental responsibility. Thus, environmentally friendly, paper formats are on the rise to merge sustainability with everyday practicality.
Leverage Premium Flavors and Diverse Infusions
Global oil trends indicate that products positioned around premium flavor experiences will attract consumers by turning everyday staples into indulgent upgrades. Truffle-inspired flavors elevate classics, such as virgin olive and sunflower oils, adding a level of depth into daily culinary experiences. Botanical infusions also enhance oils and align with consumers’ beliefs that natural botanical flavors deliver taste and wellness benefits. In fact, 3 in 5 consumers associate foods with herbal or floral flavors as being good for their health. Finally, brands that showcase oils with diverse flavor profiles help capture consumers with adventurous palates, with spicy, citrus, and smoked choices offering versatile options.
What’s Next for Global Oil Trends?
Looking at the future of innovation in the global oil market, there are numerous opportunities to differentiate and garner consumer attention. Oils inspired by ethnic flavors will create avenues for brands to highlight cultural richness, cater to global flavor preferences, and inspire authentic cooking experiences at home. Oil trends indicate that specialty oils for high-heat air frying will emerge as an opportunity, as they balance, safety, efficiency, and quality performance in the home.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Oils- Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more