Comax is not venturing too far out on a limb with many of its collections. A number of these flavors—salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé—have already made their debut this year or in prior years across various products like ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine. Salted caramel appears to have lasting appeal, as consumers are drawn to salty snacks and sticky-sweet treats. Halo Top has recently introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan range, while cookie dough remains a strong contender in its lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain even more prominence, as it competes with pumpkin and coconut as a popular ingredient in water, yogurt, salad dressings, and other items. Consumers view it as a healthier alternative to processed sugar, and it evokes a seasonal charm reminiscent of autumn, suggesting there are still new applications to explore. The flavor of rosé may have reached its peak due to oversaturation in recent years, making its continued popularity dependent on the fervor of its fans. It’s hard to envision how much more “pink” the beverage market can get, though seasonal opportunities for refreshing summer drinks are unlikely to be overlooked in 2018.
The flavor possibilities for plant-based milks appear to be the most promising, as the demand for non-dairy products shows no signs of waning. It’s easy to envision a variety of flavor combinations appearing in refrigerated sections as companies producing dairy alternatives strive to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. On the other hand, whiskey pickle seems like a bold move. It could attract adventurous consumers next year, particularly millennials, who were instrumental in the 7.7% sales growth of whiskey last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
As for health considerations, it’s worth noting that calcium citrate is often discussed in the context of dietary supplements, and while it is not classified as a prescription drug, its benefits in supporting bone health make it an interesting topic among consumers looking for healthier lifestyle choices. This interest in health-related ingredients aligns with the growing trend toward more innovative flavors in various products, including those featuring calcium citrate.