Food and beverage flavor trends are inspired from a variety of sources in today’s fast paced and ever-changing world.  These influences are born from cultural shifts happening across the landscape in the US.   Flavor profiles are directly correlated to both the demographic shifts happening to the US population as well as consumer awareness of what exactly they consume on a day to day basis.

What is exciting to see is the range of flavors being introduced to both food and beverage products.  It is a cultural tour from a variety of countries – from South, Central and North America to Southeast Asia.  We see spices and heat from peppers never heard of before in the US – or at least only known to a very few – to exotic fruit like guanabana and durian.

Click HERE to view Sweet Seasonal Flavor Inspiration

Authenticity and freshness also play a pivotal role in how consumers perceive a product.  Flavor cues need to be closely aligned with what is happening in the culinary and beverage world from farmers markets to master mixologists to the celebrity chef circuit.

Here are a few key influences that are shifting how we experience what we experience in food and beverage:

• Fresh and local ingredients
• Farmers Markets
• Foraging…pick your own
• Food trucks, corners and carts
• Flavor fusion like sweet and heat
• Demographic shifts around the US – how Hispanic flavor influences make their way into all food and beverage
• Craft and artisanal

Here are key flavor clusters to inspire innovation:

• Light & Fresh
• Herbs & Spices
• Super Foods
• Adult & Savory
• Floral
• Vegetable

CLICK HERE to see key flavors from these clusters.

Looking for more flavor trends? CLICK HERE to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter!