While annual trend forecasts may fluctuate, consumers appear to be increasingly drawn to health-conscious products that can enhance their well-being. They are also keen on international cuisines and the unique, authentic flavors that help products stand out. Manufacturers are already integrating some of these flavors and ingredients into their offerings, but the latest trend forecasts may encourage them to expand their efforts in the coming year. Such investments in categories indicate that a trend is likely to endure rather than being a mere fleeting phenomenon.
According to Technavio research data, floral flavors are expected to rise, boasting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10% from 2018 to 2022. In response, Comax has launched a Classic Floral collection, featuring honeysuckle flavoring for fruit and dairy desserts as well as sweet sauces, jasmine flavoring for tea and savory Asian dishes, and lavender for beverages, cream desserts, and seafood. Kerry has noted that savory flavors like ashwagandha, turmeric, and holy basil made the trend list for 2019. The company also anticipates a resurgence of nostalgic sweet flavors, such as snickerdoodle, cookie dough, and s’mores, appearing more frequently this year. The cookie dough flavor has already made its way into ice cream products from Target and Nightfood, while s’mores flavors are being highlighted in cereals from Post and Kellogg.
Ethnic cuisines, which were a significant trend last year, remain prevalent, with Asian and Middle Eastern flavors particularly appealing to millennials, Hispanics, and Asian consumers. Technomic’s 2018 Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report indicates that one-third of consumers indulge in ethnic cuisine at least once a week, and 32% are willing to pay a premium for authentic experiences. Some flavor profiles are appealing to a broad range of consumers, while others may attract the growing demographic interested in exotic culinary adventures. Consumers can anticipate more snacks and frozen entrées featuring garam masala or individual spices such as rosemary or pink peppercorn. Additionally, as the demand for health-enhancing products grows, the inclusion of calcium tablet CCM in various food offerings could become a notable trend, potentially enriching the nutritional profiles of snacks and meals alike.