FLAVOR
2025/26 Flavor & Trend Forecast
December 11, 2024 | TRENDS
Emerging food and beverage trends reveal a strong dichotomy as consumers strive to balance health with indulgence. This shift reflects a more personalized approach to wellness and purpose-driven ingredients addressing diverse health goals. At the same time, consumers are embracing indulgent, feel-good products for comfort, while a growing appetite for culinary exploration fuels interest in global flavors and elevated taste experiences. Here is a sneak peek into the top trends shaping the future of flavor in the years ahead.
Liquid Wellness
The next wave of functional beverages will spotlight purpose-driven ingredients targeting specific wellness goals, such as cognitive support, enhanced hydration, and skin health. Brands like Flojo and Kin Euphorics feature performance-enhancing botanicals for mental well-being, while Gatorade has launched an advanced natural electrolyte blend for all-day hydration. Reflecting a growing focus on self-care, Koko & Karma Coconut Water is infused with marine collagen to promote skin vitality and beauty from within.
Trendsetters: Flojo, Kin Euphorics, Gatorade, Koko & Karma, No Cap Soda
Feel Good Food
Consumers are embracing small indulgences to uplift mood and find comfort in everyday moments. In response, brands are modernizing nostalgic favorites by reimagining traditional sweets, such as Little Bite’s introduction of Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Muffins in a playful snack format. Brands like Ounce, known for their craft cookies, cater to ingredient-conscious consumers with contemporary flavors like matcha and carrot cardamom. Indulgent flavors are also merging with functional ingredients, as seen in Be Happy Chocolate Bar, infused with goji berries and lion’s mane mushroom for a nutritious treat.
Trendsetters: Little Bites, Ounce Cookies, Eat Gold Organics, Tantos, Jeni’s Ice Cream
Craft Gourmand
A renewed enthusiasm for cooking is fueling a wave of innovative, high-quality product launches, as the growing “craft gourmand” trend inspires consumers to use premium ingredients to elevate everyday meals with restaurant-inspired creations. For example, Porta’s Brick Oven Mushroom & Fontina Pizza showcases authentic Italian ingredients, Shaman Raman introduced adaptogenic superfood ramen, and Bob Evans’ Queso Macaroni & Cheese blends comfort food with Tex-Mex inspiration, appealing to consumers seeking variety and adventurous flavors.
Trendsetters: PORTA, Shaman Raman, Bob Evans, SPAM, Kraft Heinz
Taste the Trend
Black Raspberry Lemonade
A refreshingly sweet blend of candy lemon and juicy berry, enhanced by a floral finish. Natural, Non-GM
Marshmallow
Sweet, subtle vanilla, and sugar notes embody indulgence and nostalgic charm. Natural, Non-GM
Bourbon
Warming fusel and brown notes pair with pungent alcohol to balance sweetness and complexity. Natural
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Flavorchem and Orchidia specialize in the creation and manufacturing of flavor, color, and ingredient solutions.