The fibre trend is breaking through: insights into drivers and future implications for public health policy and food innovation

Abstract Despite decades of dietary guidance, UK daily fibre intakes remain suboptimal, with adults averaging around 16 g/day—more than 10 g below recommended levels; with only 4% meeting dietary fibre guidelines. It is well recognised that inadequate fibre consumption contributes to elevated risk of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and increased healthcare costs. A recent convergence of scientific, cultural, and policy factors has renewed attention on fibre as a central element of health promotion and food innovation. Rising plant-based eating, advances in gut microbiome research, and improvements in fibrefood technologies have created a unique translational opportunity. This review explores why fibre intake has historically lagged behind recommendations, the mechanisms and health impacts of soluble and insoluble fibre, the benefits of whole-grain consumption, and how policy and reformulation strategies could help to bridge substantial population-level gaps. Overall, it seems that the tide may finally be turning for fibre; now is a critical moment for actionable dietary, food industry, and public health measures to help close the gaping fibre gap.