Get ready for Probiota Americas 2026 — a three-day journey of innovation, inspiration, and deep insights! Next year’s event promises dynamic discussions, cutting-edge research, and thought-provoking sessions that will shape the future of probiotics, prebiotics, and the microbiome.

Introducing our 2026 Key Themes:

• Companion Animals

  Companion Animals Dog and cat owners are more attuned to their pets’ health and wellness than ever before, and the market offers an array of products to support the animal’s microbiome. Probiotics have been central to much of this innovation as companies expanded laterally from humans to their furry friends, but are we seeing growth for other microbiome modulators like prebiotics, postbiotics, and phages?
  This session will explore the science, the market, and the quality standards needed for success in the companion animal space.

  

• Gut microbes and environmental pollutants

  As concerns grow around PFAs and other forever chemicals in our environment, researchers are highlighting a potential way to reduce their build-up in our bodies: The microbiome.
  This session will explore the latest science supporting a role for microbiome modulators to decrease levels of PFAs, lead, and other environmental pollutants.

  

• Longevity and healthspan

  We’re all aging, some of us more gracefully and healthily than others, and a whole biohacker subculture is emerging that is aiming to live a very long time. The microbiome is increasingly implicated as a central player in healthy aging, particularly when we look at its impacts on immunosenescence and cognition, and the potential for prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to influence these end points.
  We’ll hear from experts on the cutting edge of this research and try to understand if and how our microbiomes may offer a way to boost healthspan.

  

• Phages and the virome

  The biodiversity of the human gut is significant, including bacteria and fungi, but the gut also contains hundreds of thousands of viruses called bacteriophages, which can modulate the gut microbiota by targeting undesirable bacteria. Recent studies have also revealed correlations between specific phages and health endpoints like cognitive function and memory in humans.
  Phage-based ingredients are still in their infancy but could become a powerful weapon in the arsenal for microbiome modulation for health and wellness.

  

• Prebiotics

  From classics like inulin and FOS to innovations with resistant starch and polyphenols, there’s a lot happening in the prebiotics space. And with the global prebiotics market expected to be worth US$ 21.2 billion by 2030, the sky’s the limit for the category.
  Innovation is creating opportunities to promote the growth of a diverse range of microorganisms – it’s not just about boosting Bifidobacteria anymore – but there are still several big knowledge gaps, particularly around mechanisms of action, and how prebiotic structure affects function. This session will explore the exciting horizons for prebiotics.

  

• Regulatory & compliance – Health Canada, FDA, Amazon

  There’s no way to know what the regulatory landscape will look like by February 2026: FDA is undergoing significant change and moving ahead with proposals to close self-GRAS, off-again on-again tariffs are shaking up supply chains and sourcing of inputs, and individual States are continuing to explore potential restrictions to certain classes of dietary supplements.
  North of the border, Health Canada has released new guidance around GMPs and paused the introduction of its NHP cost-recovery fees. There’s a lot to discuss! This session brings together regulatory experts from across the industry to share insights and advice.

  

• State of the Market (incl. Retailer insights)

  Sales of dietary supplement and NHP products remain strong as consumers embrace self-care, and microbiome modulators – probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics – are riding high as the science deepens and consumer understanding expands of how our guts are central to so many aspects of overall health.
  This session will dig into the market data and the key category trends. Discover how social media channels like TikTok are impacting the landscape and provide key insights from high-growth brands.

  

• Weight management

  The US weight management category has been turned on its head with the regulatory approval of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. The nutrition industry has pivoted to explore supporting the side effects of GLP-1 medication or searching for ‘natural alternatives’ that may also stimulate GLP-1 secretion. The link between the gut microbiota, metabolism and obesity offers an intriguing opportunity for brands, and some have already jumped into that space, with market data showing that products formulated with Akkermansia are already making GLP-1 claims.
  This session will explore the science for prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, the mechanisms of action, the knowledge gaps, and how brands are successfully navigating this space.

  

• Women’s Health

  While much scientific research has previously focused on men, female-specific health requirements are now becoming a huge talking point, as well as a big commercial opportunity. Whether it be related to hormone control, menopause symptoms, menstrual issues, conception or pregnancy, vaginal health, or more, there are some clear gaps in scientific knowledge and therefore for potential product development.
  This session will explore the opportunities for microbiome modulation for women’s health.