The Year of Fiber: What to Expect at Expo West 2026 with Comet

Feb 15, 2026

Taylor Davis, a market and product trends expert at Comet, and Hannah Ackermann, a clinical RD focused on prebiotic fiber, dive into why fiber is exploding across CPG. They highlight the rise of prebiotic sodas, mocktails and unexpected categories like jams and bone broth. They also discuss consumer format preferences and how arabinose-based fiber is easy to formulate and gentle on digestion.

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INSIGHT

Prebiotic Sodas Sparked A Broader Market

Prebiotic sodas put prebiotics on the map and sparked category growth.
New fibers beyond inulin (like Zoss) are showing different tolerability and benefits.

INSIGHT

Consumers May Prefer Specific Fiber Types

Consumers will likely develop preferred fiber types similar to protein preferences.
Brands should expect demand for different fibers based on individual tolerability and effects.

INSIGHT

Health Needs Drive Fiber Interest

Digestive issues are common and drive interest in fiber and gut health.
Fiber's satiety and long-term colon health benefits make it appealing beyond just digestion.

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In this mini episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Hannah Ackermann and Taylor Davis from Comet to explore the fiber and gut health trends taking over CPG—and what brands should expect to see at Expo West 2026.

If last year was the year of protein, this year is shaping up to be the year of fiber. From prebiotic sodas to functional jams and bone broth, fiber is showing up in categories we never imagined.

Hannah and Taylor break down why consumers are suddenly obsessed with gut health, how the "Poppy effect" is influencing product innovation, and why people are starting to have preferred fiber types—just like they do with protein.

Listen in as they cover:

Why fiber is becoming the next big functional ingredient
The rise of prebiotic sodas and how brands like Poppy changed the game
Why different fibers (like resistant starch vs. inulin vs. arabinose) matter
Consumer insights: two-thirds want fiber in baked goods and bars, not powders
The connection between Dry January, mocktails, and functional beverages
Where all that volume from alcohol reduction is really going
Emerging categories: prebiotic jams, bone broth, and spreads
How to differentiate your brand with the right prebiotic fiber
Why arabinose-based fiber is gentle, fully soluble, and easy to formulate with
Where to find Comet at Expo West (booth N1746 in Hot Products!)

Whether you're formulating a new product or just want to stay ahead of CPG trends, this episode will help you understand why fiber is everywhere—and how to use it strategically in your brand.

Comet will be at Expo West booth N1746 with samples of Be Pop, a sparkling prebiotic beverage made with natural honey and arabinose fiber. Stop by to try it and connect with their applications team.

Episode links:

Want to learn more? Visit comet-bio.com

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/comet-bio/

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Episode music by Super Fantastics