Newsweek and BrandSpark International announce the 18th annual 2026 Best New Product Awards winners spotlighting the new products that stand out to Americans

Best New Product Winners across Food and Beverage, Beauty, Health and Personal Care, and Household, Pet and Kids products.

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BrandSpark International and Newsweek are proud to announce the winners of the 18th annual 2026 Best New Product Awards™, America's most credible consumer-voted awards for new products. This year, more than 10,000 Americans participated in a nationwide survey, evaluating products across 112 categories. Spanning Food, Beverage, and Beauty to Household Care, Pet, and Kids products, the winners represent some of the most exciting and innovative new product launches for categories consumers use every day, chosen by real American shoppers who have purchased, tried, and loved them.

"With so many options on store shelves today, it can be overwhelming for consumers to know which products to try," says Kim Diamond, Vice-President of Best New Product Awards Inc. "The Best New Product Awards simplify that decision by spotlighting the products that stand out to Americans. The Best New Product Awards serve as a trusted guide to discovering new products that genuinely deliver on their promises. Each year, we see brands proudly leverage their Best New Product Awards wins across packaging, social media, in-store promotions, and e-commerce to drive awareness and purchase."

Robert Levy, President of BrandSpark International says "Consumers recognize and trust the Best New Product Awards logo because it's backed by real shopper insights and rigorous research from BrandSpark. That credibility is what helps winning brands break through on shelf, and drive sales. Most consumers aren't even aware of most new products that launch each year, and this award helps consumers learn about ones that are truly worth trying. It is the only new product award that is backed by iconic media brand Newsweek and the only new product award that supports all new products as soon as they submit their new product entry."

The 2026 Best New Product Awards winners will be honored at an exclusive industry celebration on April 23rd in Manhattan, NYC. This invitation-only event will bring together top brand leaders, innovators and industry executives to recognize the most outstanding new product launches in the U.S. market. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, celebrate their achievements, and gain national visibility as their winning products are showcased in partnership with Newsweek.

The 2026 Best New Product Awards winners are listed below. To learn more about the program and this year's winners, visit: www.BestNewProductAwards.com.

Some key takeaways from the Best New Product Awards and BrandSpark American Shopper Study:

American shoppers want the best products they can afford. Overall, 8 in 10 Americans report they like trying new products, representing a large and receptive audience for product innovation. However, U.S. shoppers continue to approach purchases of new products with heightened scrutiny, carefully weighing price against perceived improvement. With cost-of-living increases, 7 in 10 say they've taken steps to manage spending. Still, value — not simply the lowest price — remains the real goal, with the majority agreeing they focus on good value rather than the cheapest option.

Americans continue to believe in the power of innovation to deliver value: 2 in 3 are willing to pay a little more for a new product if they expect it to be better than their current option. Consumers are not simply trading down; they are trading carefully. New products must clearly demonstrate why they are worth choosing, and often why their premium is justified.

Meaningful innovation justifies a premium

Interest in product innovation is reflected in Americans' behaviour: 3 in 5 actively look for new products while shopping. Innovation remains a powerful differentiator when it promises clear, tangible benefits. At the same time, 50% say there are too many new products to keep up with. For brands, this means innovation must be easy to spot, easy to understand, and easy to justify — underscoring the role of the Best New Product Awards program.

Trust and credibility still matter in guiding choice

As Americans continue to seek reassurance that a product's claims will translate into real-world performance, independently validated recognition remains an important influence on purchase decisions. Consumer-voted awards are viewed as a credible shortcut for identifying which new products to try in a crowded marketplace. 80% say awards are trustworthy when determined by real consumers who've used the products, which is true for the Best New Product Awards.

THE 2026 BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARDS WINNERS REFLECT EVOLVING CONSUMER PRIORITIES:

Innovation that delivers functional improvement

Shoppers are not simply seeking lower prices, but better performance. In household, personal care, and home technology categories, proven efficacy is among the most influential product claims. The most appealing innovations promise clear solutions and superior results. Winners such as Shark StainForce Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, and Dawn Platinum PowerSuds Dish Soap demonstrate how functional improvements can justify trade-ups, even in a value-conscious environment.

Everyday foods made more craveable

Taste continues to be a powerful driver of trial, with 78% saying it is the most important consideration when choosing food products. The highest consumer appeal scores are earned by foods promising indulgent flavors, familiar comfort, and sensory reward. Winners such as ALDI-Exclusive Specially Selected Garlic Provola & Roasted Vegetable Flatbread, STOUFFER'S Supreme Shells & Cheese, Reese's OREO Cookie, and SOUR PATCH KIDS Strips highlight how craveable, flavor-forward innovation remains a key way to capture attention and trial.

Convenience designed for modern lifestyles

69% of Americans say they look for products that will make their life easier, including those that simplify everyday routines. Convenience resonates most when it enhances the experience without compromising quality. Winners like Ben's Original Single-Serve Rice Cups, Swiffer Sweep & Mop Deluxe 2-in-1 Kit, and Petlibro Air Smart Feeder reflect continued demand for time-saving, intuitive solutions across food, home, and pet care.

Health-forward choices without compromise

Health remains a strong motivator, with 2 in 3 believing that smart nutritional and wellness choices give them greater control over their future health. Best New Product Awards winners supporting health-focused lifestyles include Chobani 20G Protein Greek Yogurt, Oikos Protein Shake, Neuriva Memory 3D, and OLLY Period Hero. These products achieve strong appeal by combining functional health benefits with great taste, accessibility, and everyday usability.

Conscious choices that still deliver on quality

As Americans balance curiosity with caution, alignment with personal values helps innovation breakthrough. Teledoc Health and Luna In-Home Physical Therapy offer services that reduce barriers and improve affordability of quality healthcare, resonating with the needs and values of Americans. In consumer products, winners such as Khloud Popcorn and Goodles Deluxe Mac & Cheese are better-for-you choices that increase sustainability while offering great taste and meeting dietary needs.

2026 BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARDS LIST OF WINNERS*

About Newsweek: Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 92-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. 

About BrandSpark International and Best New Product Awards Inc.
Founded in 2001, BrandSpark International is a research and consulting firm dedicated to providing brands with the actionable insights necessary to refine strategic brand positioning, build consumer trust, and enhance the success of new product launches. Best New Product Awards Inc. runs leading credential programs Best New Product Awards, BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, and the newly-launched Worth it! Awards.

*Permission from Best New Product Awards Inc. is required to reference the Best New Product Awards win or use the Best New Product Awards logo or winning claims.

For interview requests or more information on the Awards, please contact:
Kim Diamond, VP, Best New Product Awards, [email protected]

For more information regarding BrandSpark's extensive shopper and trust insights, please contact: Philip Scrutton, VP Shopper Insights, BrandSpark International, [email protected]

SOURCE Best New Product Awards Inc.