The Rise of Fiber in 2026: The Nutrient Driving At present’s Wellness Dialog

A brand new nationwide survey commissioned by Sunsweet Growers explores how Individuals take into consideration intestine well being, fiber, and feeling good. The information reveals intestine well being is a precedence, however individuals nonetheless aren’t positive the best way to get the fiber they want.

What’s fiber and why do we want it?

Fiber is a sort of carbohydrate present in plant meals that your physique can’t absolutely digest — however that’s really a very good factor. As an alternative of being damaged down, fiber strikes by way of the physique undigested, serving to issues run easily and preserving your starvation and blood sugar ranges stabilized. Fiber can assist you’re feeling fuller longer, assist wholesome blood sugar ranges, and even decrease ldl cholesterol.

There are two sorts of fiber — soluble and insoluble — and each are important to total well being. Soluble fiber slows digestion and can assist decrease ldl cholesterol, and it may be present in meals like oats, beans and apples. Insoluble fiber helps transfer meals by way of the digestive tract and promote regularity, and it may be present in meals like complete grains and darkish leafy greens. Many complete meals, like prunes, comprise each types of fiber.

Survey finds Individuals assume intestine well being is a core a part of wellness

In accordance with the Vitamin and Digestive Well being Survey, a web-based survey of 1,249 nationally consultant American adults fielded by YouGov on behalf of Sunsweet performed December 18-19, 2025, most Individuals see intestine well being as a core a part of on a regular basis wellness.

Findings embrace:

• Good digestion is rated as necessary by 95% of U.S. adults and sits on par with hydration (97%), vitamin consumption (92%), and vitality ranges (91%).
• 84% of U.S. adults imagine that intestine well being is at the very least considerably related to feeling good day after day.
• Mother and father are extra seemingly than non-parents to say having good digestion is essential to their total well-being (71% vs. 61%).

Malina Malkani, MS, RD, who has labored with Sunsweet, explains, “As each a pediatric dietitian and mother of three, I do know too nicely how disruptive digestive discomfort could be for households. Supporting digestive well being by way of enough fiber consumption isn’t nearly optimizing their intestine well being; it’s about serving to the entire household really feel good in order that household life runs extra easily.”

In accordance with the survey:

• Almost half of U.S. adults (44%) want it have been simpler to get extra fiber day after day, but a majority both don’t understand how a lot fiber they need to devour (37%) or underestimate the really useful quantity (20% choose fewer than 20 grams).
• When requested, “About what number of grams of fiber do you assume the common grownup wants per day?” respondents answered: Below 10 grams (4%); 10–19 grams (16%); 20–29 grams (26%); 30 grams or extra (17%); Don’t know (37%).

Easy habits are the best way to wellness

As Individuals more and more outline wellness by how they really feel, fiber sits on the middle of that shift. In case you’re able to embrace a fiber-rich food regimen, set your self up for fulfillment with small, manageable diet habits that match into actual life reasonably than large, restrictive overhauls.

“Small, easy shifts, made step by step and paired with loads of fluids to assist preserve issues transferring, could make a significant distinction in fiber consumption,” Malkani explains. “Selecting meals like prunes is a simple strategy to enhance your fiber consumption by including three grams per serving. You may also swap to complete grains over refined, add beans and greens to soups, stews, or dips, incorporate fruit into yogurt parfaits or oatmeal, and add floor nuts or seeds into smoothies, pancakes, or muffins.”

With a little bit intention and some good swaps, getting sufficient fiber can transfer from a problem to a behavior that helps long-term well being.

This story was produced by Sunsweet Growers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.