Navigating Today’s Changing Foodscape: Trends, Trust and What Comes Next
Wednesday, May 6 | 9:00AM – 10:00AM
The food industry is entering a period of unprecedented scrutiny and transformation. Consumers, policymakers and health professionals are questioning not just what we eat, but how our food is made. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), ingredient lists, labeling transparency and corporate responsibility are no longer niche concerns -- they are central to purchasing decisions and brand trust.
At the same time, food culture continues to evolve at record speed. Global flavor exchange, digital acceleration and social platforms like TikTok are reshaping demand, introducing consumers to bolder flavors, unexpected textures and immersive food experiences. Indulgence is still alive and well -- but it must now coexist with ingredient integrity, nutritional credibility and clear value.
The convergence of the MAHA and Food as Medicine movements, climate concerns and shifting regulatory attention toward processing and additives is redefining “healthy.” Meanwhile, GLP-1 medications are influencing appetite and product development strategies -- accelerating demand for nutrient density, protein quality and functional benefits in smaller formats.
In this dynamic, insight-driven session, Janet Helm, MS, RDN will explore the key food, flavor and wellness trends shaping 2026 and beyond.
Session Speaker
Janet Helm, MS, RDN
Food at the Helm
Janet Helm is a registered dietitian with 20+ years PR agency experience helping food and beverage brands and agricultural commodity boards intersect with food culture and tell their story.
As an experienced food and nutrition strategist and marketer, Janet recently started her own consultancy Food at the Helm. She is a sought-after speaker on food trends at national conferences and has discussed the latest nutrition topics in the media, including segments on Good Morning America, Today and CNN.
Janet is a recipient of the Media Excellence Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a former media spokesperson for the Academy.
She is also a contributor to U.S. News & World Report and Today’s Dietitian – addressing new scientific research, food trends and nutrition controversies.