Top Bakery Trends 2026

Trends are what keeps the baking industry fresh and exciting. They can span categories, continents, consist of flavours, formats, or be driven by the environment businesses are operating in.  

Tapping into them can unlock opportunities for bakery businesses of all sizes and provide a wonderful breadth of choice for consumers. 

There have always been conflicting trends in bakery, but in 2026 consumers are really upping the ante in terms of their contradictory needs. This means businesses will have to balance a dichotomy of demands as some shoppers keep a close eye on the price of products while others look to splurge on smaller, more frequent occasions. Meanwhile, the divergence between health and indulgence continues amidst a conversation around ultra-processed foods (UPFs), closer scrutiny of ingredients lists, and an increased focus on macronutrients such as protein and fibre.

As such, keeping on top of the evolving consumer, political, and economic landscapes to bring meaningful products to market while maintaining decent profit margins is no easy feat.  

That’s why British Baker has produced the Top Bakery Trends report to help you understand the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector in 2026 and beyond. We’ve spoken to experts from across the industry to get to grips with consumer shopping habits, legislative changes, new product development, and much, much more. So, grab a cuppa and dive in!