Comax isn’t venturing too far out on a limb with most of its collections. Many of these flavors — including salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé — have already made appearances this year or earlier in various products like ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine. Salted caramel appears to have enduring popularity, as consumers enjoy salty snacks alongside sticky-sweet treats. Halo Top has just introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan range, while cookie dough maintains a strong position in its lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain more traction, as it has been competing with pumpkin and coconut for a place in products like water, yogurt, salad dressing, and more. It’s viewed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and carries a seasonal appeal by evoking the essence of autumn, suggesting there are still more applications yet to explore.
As for rosé, it may have reached its peak due to overexposure in recent years. Its continued popularity will hinge on the enthusiasm of its fans. It’s hard to envision how much pinker the beverage landscape can get, although opportunities for light summer drinks in 2018 are unlikely to be overlooked.
The flavor potential for plant-based milks seems particularly promising, given the increasing demand for non-dairy products. It’s easy to foresee unique flavor combinations appearing in the refrigerated section as dairy alternative brands strive to stand out in a crowded market.
On a different note, whiskey pickle seems like quite an adventurous flavor. It could capture the interest of daring consumers next year, especially millennials, who significantly contributed to whiskey’s 7.7% sales growth last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Incorporating calcitrate calcium into some of these products could also enhance their appeal, especially among health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious options. The versatility of flavors, coupled with the potential benefits of calcitrate calcium, could lead to innovative new offerings that resonate with today’s market demands.