June 9, 2026 – A range of macro factors, from climate change to geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty for consumers globally. Therefore, consumers are anxious about the world around them, and managing stress is becoming increasingly important. Technology is another important factor that is shaping consumer food trends and how consumers in Latin America live their lives. Moreover, they are also taking a more proactive approach to health and are more mindful than ever of their purchases. Innova’s report “Consumer Trends 2026 for Food & Beverage: Latin America Edition” explores the top food and beverage trends in 2026 that have emerged as a result of these factors and uncover how brands can innovate to better target Latin American consumers.
How Is “Relaxed Sociability” Driving F&B Trends?
The desire for flexible and healthier lifestyles is driving the movement towards more relaxed social occasions and spaces. 61% of consumers say they socialize casually, and naturally, this extends to the locations where people are engaging with one another. For example, the home has grown as an important social space, alongside restaurants, nature, and parks. Budget plays a role in this, as more relaxed or at-home occasions fit the needs and food trends that resonate with cost-conscious consumers. Nearly half of Latin American consumers also say enjoying food together is a key source of connection when they socialize, and when it comes to drink brands, there is ample opportunity to enhance at-home social occasions through unexpected flavor combinations and celebrity-backed options that enhance talkability.
Healthier lifestyles are another aspect impacting the social landscape for Latin American consumers, as health and socializing are becoming increasingly integrated. Gen Z in Latin America is more likely to pursue health when socializing compared to older generations, highlighting an opportunity for brands. Wellness communities are one manifestation of this trend, as well as the rise of natural or non-alcoholic beverage trends that promote healthier kinds of stimulation. Daytime occasions are also increasingly preferred, with locations like restaurants and coffee shops growing importance.
What Does The “Time for Me” Trend Mean For Latin America Food Trends?
Latin American consumers are choosing to spend more time alone, focusing on self-care and restorative activities that leave them feeling mentally and physically recharged. This is largely driven by the trend towards single-person households. Solitude is also shedding its negative connotations and is more positively associated with health and well-being. In fact, 40% of Latin American consumers say that spending time alone helps when they are stressed. Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to say so than their older counterparts.
Activities like cooking can be rewarding solo activities, so brands who offer cooking inspiration can win with consumers. Additionally, Latin American consumers associate specific sensory characteristics, such as crispy, crunchy, and creamy, with indulgence, so leveraging these textures can cater to consumers’ “me-time” moments. Evening wind-down moments are another area of opportunity for brands. The number four reason for consuming soft drinks in Latin America is to relax, and while alcohol and hot drinks also feature in this occasion, there is strong potential for soft drink growth. Salty snacks are another category to watch, as Latin American consumers say they consume these snacks when watching TV, an activity linked to stress relief among 38% of consumers.
Why Is The “Vitality and Longevity” Trend So Significant To Latin American Consumers?
Latin American consumers are more focused than ever on what they can do to optimize their health for the future. Attitudes toward aging are changing, especially as Latin America is experiencing rapid aging compared to other regions globally. Consumers over 50 are set to become a more significant economic force, and consumers, as a whole, are more aware of their health needs than ever. There is also more awareness of unhealthy habits and prevention, with technology playing a large role in how consumers are able to monitor their health. This has an impact on health and wellness food trends.
In Latin America, consumers’ top physical health concerns in regard to longevity are weight, sleep, and gut health. However, older and younger consumers have distinct health priorities that brands can leverage. For both Gen Z and Millennials in Latin America, preventing disease is the top aspect of healthy aging they are looking to target, while Gen X and Boomers care about maintaining mobility. When it comes to health and longevity solutions, 27% of Latin American consumers are turning to supplements to help them age well. Ingredients rooted in traditional practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are also resonating with consumers.
How Is The “My Tech Mate” Trend Linked To Consumer Lifestyles?
In Latin America, consumers are embracing new technologies, with technology becoming integral to shopping, entertainment, work, study, and health. Higher-income and younger groups are more engaged with the use of technology in daily tasks, including meal preparation and while eating. Though consumers have concerns, they are also generally positive about AI, with the top use of AI platforms being to learn new things. This is significant, as AI is enabling greater levels of personalization, inspiring food and beverage ideas, and simplifying the food ordering process.
For brands, this means using technology to drive engagement by enabling consumers to become involved with a brand, from product development to communication. Technology can also be leveraged to create simple shortcuts for consumers, creating convenient solutions. For instance, the iFood food delivery app in Brazil improves how restaurants are able to target users, by recommending specific dishes. Hyper-personalization through technology also enables brands to ride the tech trend and create experiences tailored to individual preferences or health needs.
How Can Brands Cater To The “Simplified Life” Trend In A Way That Resonates In The Latin American Market?
Faced with stress and complexity, consumers are looking for ways to simplify their lives to achieve a balanced lifestyle. Over half of consumers in Latin America have tried to better manage stress for their mental health, and 26% are looking to simplify their lives to improve mental well-being. Taking time away from screens to disconnect or detox is a popular strategy, and Gen Z food preferences reflect this, as this group uses food and drink to unplug. New technologies are also emerging to help reduce the noise of screen time, from distraction free smart phone experiences to technology that blocks distracting apps.
Consumers also turn to nature for health and mental benefits, a trend that brands are capitalizing on to capture the benefits of nature or tap into healthy, outdoor lifestyles. Consumers can also feel stressed about their food and beverage choices, so brands that are able to simplify mealtime decisions or menus will be successful. For example, ready-to-cook meal kits or recipe apps can reduce choice anxiety or stress with meal preparation. Moreover, brands can simplify daily nutrition for consumers by adding health benefits or nutrients to everyday meals or beverage options.
This article is based on Innova’s Consumer Trends 2026 for Food & Beverage: Latin America Edition report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to learn more.