Comax is not taking significant risks with most of these new collections. Many of these flavors—salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé—have been making their presence felt in various products like ice cream, beverages, rice, candy, and wine since this year or even earlier. Salted caramel seems to have enduring popularity, as consumers are drawn to salty snacks and sweet treats. Halo Top has recently introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan range, while cookie dough continues to be a strong contender in its lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain more attention since it has been competing with pumpkin and coconut as a favored ingredient in items such as water, yogurt, and salad dressings. It is often viewed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and invokes a sense of autumn, suggesting that there are still new uses to explore. The flavor rosé may have reached its peak due to overexposure in recent years, so its continued popularity will depend on the enthusiasm of its loyal fans. It’s challenging to envision how much more vibrant the beverage world can get, although opportunities for refreshing summer drinks in 2018 are unlikely to be overlooked.
The flavor potential for plant-based milks appears particularly promising, given the ongoing appeal of non-dairy products. It’s easy to foresee various flavor combinations emerging in refrigerated sections as dairy alternative brands strive to stand out in a crowded market. Meanwhile, whiskey pickle might seem like an unusual choice, but it could attract adventurous consumers next year—especially millennials, who have been a significant driver of whiskey’s 7.7% sales growth last year, as reported by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
In this evolving landscape, products like Solaray Cal Mag could also benefit from the trend towards health-conscious consumption, as consumers increasingly seek out options that support their wellbeing while exploring new flavors. As more brands experiment with innovative taste combinations, the market could see exciting developments in both familiar and unconventional flavors.