FLAVOR
The Top Flavors to Inspire Your Next Wellness Product
February 14, 2024 | TRENDS
Flavors play an influential role in shaping consumers’ perceptions of health, presenting brands increased opportunity to build stronger connections between the two. Flavors with perceived wellness attributes that enhance energy, hydration, and mood are in high demand and will drive several food and beverage trends this year. As consumers commit to upholding health-focused resolutions, let’s look at on-trend products that highlight flavor and function.
Recharge
Energy support is the top functional claim found in global food, beverage, and nutraceutical launches over the last 4 years with brands diversifying added benefits and flavor variety. Tropical fruits have gained prominence throughout the energy market due to their distinct flavors, bright hues, and the craving for unique taste sensations. Flavors like pomegranate, pineapple, guava, papaya, and dragon fruit deliver a sweetness and vibrancy that promotes energy and alertness.
Trendsetters: Zevia, The Secret Nature of Fruit, Celsius, Pitaya Foods, Uncle Bud’s
Refresh
According to Datassential, 80% of U.S. consumers are interested in functional beverages that deliver targeted health benefits including hydration. Consumers link citrus flavors like yuzu, lemon, blood orange, and grapefruit to refreshment, perceiving them as abundant in vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits with elevated water content, such as watermelon, elderberry, strawberry, and cantaloupe, are emerging in new wellness products due to their connection with hydration.
Trendsetters: Gatorade, Prime, OHMG, White Claw, Plexus
Relax
An increased focus on mental health has ignited fresh possibilities to innovate with flavors perceived to enhance mood, brain function, and assist in managing stress levels. Consumers striving to make self-care a priority are embracing calming flavors that promote relaxation including lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and berry blends. Comforting flavors like honey, chocolate, mint, and banana feed into uplifting mood and may reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.
Trendsetters: hiyo, Nature’s Bounty, heywell, Elemental, Numi
Taste the Trend
Pineapple
A flavor fit for the tropics with sweet,
juicy, fruity, and ripe notes.
Natural, Non-GM
Lemon Lime
A classic citrus combination featuring a balanced blend of fresh lemon and peely lime.
Natural, Non-GM
Yuzu Lemonade
An adventurous hybrid flavor with notes of lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, and orange.
Natural, Non-GM
Coming Soon!
Exciting things are on the horizon! Embark on a wellness journey with our upcoming flavor collection, Bloom, blossoming this April! While you wait, experience our library of signature flavor collections here!
Whether you are embarking on a new project or looking to reformulate an existing beverage, we’d love to work with you!
Let’s Get Started
Flavorchem and Orchidia specialize in the creation and manufacturing of flavor, color, and ingredient solutions.