One thing’s for sure: If the McDonald’s CEO’s predictions pan out in the year ahead, your gut may finally be lovin’ it.
Golden Arches boss Chris Kempczinski revealed the food trends he expects to dominate in 2026, and given his recent track record, it’s worth paying attention.
“I think I went three for three,” Kempczinski said in an Instagram reel shared this week, referring to his bets on protein, artificial intelligence and sauces in 2025. He added that he feels “confident” about what’s next.
“For 2026, my predictions, take it to the bank, number one: Fiber is going to be big,” he said.
If that prophecy comes true, health experts say Americans would be better off for it.
“Lack of fiber is one of the defining problems with fast food, and it’s a big reason people associate it with bloating, constipation, reflux and weight gain,” Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a certified nutritionist and gut health expert, told The Post.
Most fast food meals, he explained, are built around refined, low-fiber ingredients, added sugars and industrial seed oils — a triple threat that spikes blood sugar, fuels inflammation and slows digestion.
“Shifting toward fiber-rich options would be a major upgrade, helping people feel fuller, digest better, stabilize blood sugar and support weight loss,” Gioffre said.
He said food companies should focus on what people actually want: fiber-packed, slow-digesting carbs like quinoa, wild rice, sweet potatoes, winter squash, root vegetables and beans.
Even small touches like adding chia or flax — in puddings or seed-based snacks instead of sugary desserts — could make a big difference.
And let’s be honest: Americans could seriously use it.
“Fewer than 5% of Americans get the recommended 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, which helps explain why an estimated 42 million Americans struggle with chronic constipation and nearly 25 million experience acid reflux every single day,” Gioffre said.
When fiber is low, digestion slows, stool hardens, pressure builds, and food sits in the gut longer, where it ferments, causing bloating, gas and reflux.
Many people reach for laxatives as a quick fix, but Gioffre warned that can backfire, since those drugs force the gut to contract and can create dependency over time.
“Fiber works in a completely different way by hydrating and softening stool, gently supporting motility, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, stabilizing blood sugar, lowering inflammation and strengthening the intestinal lining,” he said.
The Post reached out to McDonald’s for comment on the company’s plans — and whether they include more fiber-rich options — for 2026.
In the meantime, you don’t have to wait for fast food chains to catch up to Kempczinski’s forecast to start boosting your fiber intake — even at the drive-thru.
“If you’re going to hit fast food like McDonald’s or Wendy’s, the goal is simple: Look for plants, beans, and real food while staying away from white buns and fried options,” Gioffre advised.
At McDonald’s, he said oatmeal is one of the better options, delivering about four grams of fiber. Tossing in some apple slices can bump that up by another three or four grams.
At Wendy’s, Gioffre called chili a “big win” thanks to its beans, with six to 10 grams of fiber per serving. Pair it with a side salad, and he said your gut will thank you.
And if there’s a potato with skin on the menu, grab it. That’s another four grams of fiber right there.
“Even when eating fast food, adding just five to 10 grams of fiber can dramatically improve digestion, blood sugar control and weight loss,” Gioffre said.
Still, there’s a catch: More isn’t always better — at least not right away.
“One of the most common mistakes I see is people adding too much, too fast, especially when it comes to prebiotic fibers,” Gioffre said.
Prebiotics — found in foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, green bananas, legumes and certain root vegetables — feed gut bacteria.
While that’s great in a healthy gut, things can go sideways if you have an unhealthy buildup of harmful bacteria, yeast or parasites.
“That can lead to more bloating, gas, cramping, reflux, or feeling worse instead of better,” Gioffre said. “It’s not that fiber is bad, it’s that the gut environment isn’t ready for it yet.”
His advice: Calm the gut first.
That means cutting irritating foods, lowering inflammation, improving sleep, managing stress and fixing any existing microbial imbalances.
“Once inflammation is down and digestion is working better, fiber can be added back in gradually and comfortably,” Gioffre said. “When done this way, fiber becomes one of the most powerful tools for improving digestion and supporting long-term metabolic and gut health.”
As for Kempczinski’s other 2026 predictions? Keep your eyes peeled for fast food that mixes sweet and spicy flavors and a wave of “beverage innovation” coming soon to a drive-thru near you.
