International Taste Solutions (ITS) has teamed up with Innova to offer an insight into emerging flavour trends for the year ahead.
The main flavour trends on the radar that will emerge during 2019/20 are:
Very berry
Berry flavours are on trend as they’re highly nutritional and healthy, work well in endless applications and are attractive to the eye, which makes them Instagramable and shareable on any digital platform. This includes classics such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, but also more exotic varies like açai berries and goji berries.
Tropical temptation
Consumers dream of being on vacation all year round and what flavours could be better to bring us on holidays than tropical flavours? They are ideal, especially in the summer season, when ITS said we will see passion fruit, mango, guava, jackfruit and papaya in drinks, bakery, snacks and sports nutrition applications.
Green is go
The healthy trend is here to stay and its colour is definitely green. Green veggies, green fruits and anything naturally green fits in here, even herbs and spices. Their natural appeal will make the product a success, whether it is a shake, a cereal bar or a yogurt. Cucumber, kiwi, spinach, avocado are all set to benefit, but also green tea, or basil are welcome.
Room for mushroom
Following with the natural and healthy market move, earthy flavours are on the rise too. Mushroom flavours make us recall the pleasure of sniffing the earthy air that rises up after it rains. Shiitake, truffle or porcini flavours will be increasingly seen in delicatessen breads and buns, savoury biscuits or crisps.
Citrus is back
Lemon, and especially lime, are on trend. And so are tangerine, orange and mandarin. ITS said they are seeing citrus in many different applications, which will increase even more during 2019-20. Yogurt, milk shakes, bars, sports nutrition gels and powders, and even crisps will include citrus flavours.
Travel the world
Consumers want to travel the world through food. The amount of restaurants offering world cuisines is increasing everywhere and supermarkets are listing more and more options on world food. During the next two years, Italian spices and flavours will continue to grow, alongside Indian flavours and curries and Chinese meals and spices.
Mediterranean flavours
Mediterranean flavours from Italy or Spain like rosemary, basil or garlic have been in the market for a long time now. The next two years, though, will see a different range of Mediterranean flavourings being launched. This time, it will be flavourings from the Eastern Mediterranean. ITS said we will see pistachio, olive oil, watermelon, date or mint will be used in bread, biscuits, drinks, cereals and dairy.
Warming spices
The aim to renew product ranges and to surprise the audience brings brands to launch seasonal products, which are very welcome by consumers. The Winter season is ideal for warming spices like pumpkin spice, orange spice, gingerbread or apple spice. ITS said we will see them in hot drinks, cereal bars, biscuits, dairy and sports nutrition amongst others.
Sensory explosion
Consumers are looking for new, exciting experiences, even when they eat. Following with this trend, ITS said we will see more products aiming for a temperature or texture shock. Hot spices combined with sour flavours, popping candy or extreme combinations will be seen within this category.
