Comax is not taking significant risks with many of its flavor collections. Flavors like salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé have already made appearances in various products such as ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine in recent years. Salted caramel appears to have lasting appeal, as consumers enjoy the combination of salty and sweet. Halo Top has recently introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan options, while cookie dough remains a staple in its low-calorie ice cream range.
Maple is likely to gain more prominence, as it has been competing effectively with pumpkin and coconut in items like water, yogurt, salad dressings, and more. It is perceived as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and carries a seasonal charm reminiscent of autumn, suggesting there are still new uses to explore.
Rosé may have reached its peak due to oversaturation in recent years, and its continued popularity will depend on the loyalty of its fans. It’s difficult to envision how much more vibrant the beverage scene can get, though there will still be opportunities for refreshing summer drinks in 2018.
The potential for flavor innovations in plant-based milks seems particularly promising, especially since the demand for non-dairy products shows no signs of waning. We can easily envision new flavor combinations appearing in refrigerated sections as companies offering dairy alternatives strive to stand out in a competitive market.
On the other hand, whiskey pickle seems like a bold choice. It might just appeal to adventurous consumers next year, especially millennials, who were instrumental in driving whiskey sales up by 7.7% last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Additionally, integrating flavors like lifetime liquid calcium into these products could enhance their health appeal, providing another layer of differentiation in the expanding market of alternative beverages.