5 Consumer Insights Every Brand Can Act on in 2026

In the age of AI, tech, and growth, brands must evolve faster than ever to stay relevant. Today’s consumers aren’t just buying products; they’re buying experiences, stories, and trust. At RemCal Insights, we’ve put together 5 actionable consumer insights for 2026 that will help your brand empower and try to win loyalty in some meaningful ways.

1.   Authenticity is key 

We’re just as tired of that word as you are, but it remains core to the consumer experience. People crave human content and transparency around AI-generated materials. When it comes to AI-generated content, transparency is key to maintaining consumer trust. Studies show 42% of consumers trust brands more when AI use is clearly disclosed. Best practices include adding disclaimers like “this content was drafted using AI and refined by humans", ethical statements about AI policies, and visible badges indicating AI involvement. Brands such as Lush publicly share their ethical stance on AI, strengthening a culture of transparency and responsibility.

2. Building Metabolic Agility

Brands need to sense consumer preferences and pivot within weeks,  not years. Think of your organization like metabolism: constantly ingesting new data, processing it fast, and adapting in real time. For example, Glossier is one of the best examples of a fast response to new trends. By closely tracking changing customer preferences in skincare, they launched the "Super Glow" product line within weeks of spotting a rising interest in radiant, dewy skin. Their agile product development cycle lets them capitalize on trends very fast and be on trend. 

That same kind of metabolic agility is what we help unlock for our recent client. Through ongoing consumer panels, concept testing, and iterative feedback, we give their team real-time input so they can prototype, refine, and launch ideas faster, without guessing in the dark. Instead of waiting for an annual refresh, they are able to treat consumer insight as a living system, continually experimenting and adjusting creative, messaging, and design in step with what people actually want.

3. Design Brand Experiences as Interconnected Systems

Great brands don’t treat marketing, stores, and customer service as silos. They make

them work together as one system. Patagonia does this well.

Patagonia’s Worn Wear program helps clothes last longer by fixing and reselling them. This shows the brand really cares about the environment. In stores, employees don’t just repair clothes, they also show customers how to fix small problems themselves. That makes customers feel empowered and a part of the process.

What the company learns from these repairs is shared with the design team, who use it to make better, longer-lasting products. Patagonia also talks about these efforts in its marketing, tying everything back to its environmental values.

In the end, everything connects: selling, fixing, teaching, designing, and marketing all support each other.

4. Match Emotional Storytelling with Product Substance

Authenticity comes from the true alignment between story and product. Emotional resonance alone won’t keep trust without genuine product benefits. For instance, Allbirds pairs sincere storytelling about their commitment to natural materials with proven comfort and eco-friendly performance, minimizing carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable consumer habits. This balance built a truly loyal customer base who trust both the story and the shoe.

5. Tap Into Wellness, Self-Care & Longevity

Consumers seek products supporting holistic health and longevity, not just immediate benefits. Brands entering this space, whether skincare with adaptogens or tech tracking sleep, benefit from aligning their messaging with authentic wellness narratives. Oura Ring taps into consumer desires for longevity and self-care by offering wearable tech focused on sleep and recovery insights. Their marketing authentically highlights science-backed wellness benefits, not just gadgetry.

Why These 5 Consumer Insights Every Brand Can Act on in 2026 Matter

By putting these insights into practice, your brand can not only keep pace with 2026’s changing consumers but also gain lasting connections through trust, responsiveness, and genuine value.

Ready to turn insights into action?

The real change comes from adapting these insights authentically to your brand's story. Curious which of these 5 trends will best fit your brand growth? Book a free consultation with RemCal Insights today via Calendly, and let's map out your 2026 playbook.