FLAVOR
The Top Botanical Trends Redefining Flavor Innovation
April 30, 2024 | TRENDS
The movement towards wellness and sustainability has propelled botanical ingredients to the forefront as the latest global flavor trend. According to Innova Market Insights, 53% of consumers globally say “food that has botanical flavors is often good for my health,” reflecting rising consumer interest in natural ingredients and products with perceived health benefits. Derived from flowers, plants, herbs, and fruits, these flavors offer consumers an elevated taste experience, adding a layer of depth and sophistication to products. Read on to explore the fastest growing botanical sub-segments shaping flavor innovation.
Floral
1 in 3 global consumers have looked for more floral flavors in food and beverage categories over the past year, per Innova Market Insights. Among botanical segments, floral flavors such as peach blossom, jasmine, rose, and honeysuckle witnessed the most rapid growth at 8.4% across global product launches. Caribou and Starbucks placed a spotlight on lavender in their spring menus, including items like the Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker and Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, respectively.
Trendsetters: Caribou Coffee; Starbucks; Petal; White Claw; Hop Tonic
Herbs & Spices
Herb and spice flavors have seen a 6.4% increase in new global food and beverage launches over the past five years. While commonly found in sauces, seasonings, and snacks, these botanical flavors are gaining traction in supplements, driven by their perceived health benefits. Ginger, known for aiding digestion and relieving nausea, is featured in Centrum’s Morning Sickness Relief Gummies and Kuli Kuli’s Gut Bliss Superfood Blend.
Trendsetters: Centrum; Kuli Kuli; Snak Club; Nutty and Fruity; Coca-Cola
Adaptogens
Adaptogenic botanicals, including herbs, roots, and mushrooms, are natural ingredients believed to help the body cope with stress and restore balance. “Adaptogen” searches within food and beverage social discussions have surged 12.72% over the past year, primarily driven by consumers seeking wellness solutions. Balanced Tiger, Elemental Superfood, and Odyssey Elixir spotlighted functional mushrooms reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps in their latest launches.
Trendsetters: Balanced Tiger; Elemental Superfood; Odyssey Elixir; Laird Superfood; Republic Of Tea
Taste the Trend
Cranberry Ginger
Dynamic balance of tart cranberry with a kick of spicy ginger. Natural, Non-GM
Grapefruit Bergamot
Zesty pairing of citrus grapefruit with the fragrant and orange nuances of bergamot. Natural, Non-GM
Lychee Rose
Union of delicate rose with the sweet, floral, and refreshing taste of lychee. Natural, Non-GM
Peach Lavender
Sweet essence of fresh peach with floral, herbal undertones of lavender. Natural, Non-GM
Pear Elderflower
Fusion of succulent pear with rich floral nuance of elderflower. Natural, Non-GM
Watermelon Mint
Vibrant blend of juicy nostalgic watermelon enhanced by a cooling mint sensation. Natural, Non-GM
Coming Soon!
Join us for a live webinar to learn how you can harness the latest trends in botanical ingredients for your next product launch. We’ll unlock valuable insights and exciting opportunities fueling better-for-you product innovation that inspired the launch of our exclusive flavor collection, Bloom. While you wait, sign-up for the webinar here!
Flavorchem and Orchidia specialize in the creation and manufacturing of flavor, color, and ingredient solutions.