Taste Solutions

Global cuisines continue to pique consumers’ interest because of the unique flavors and ingredients that deliver a sense of adventure and connection. In fact, 63% of consumers said this year that they are open to trying new cuisines, according to Innova Market Insights.

Ice cream is a powerful treat. It’s an experiential food tied to emotion, memory, and tradition. For manufacturers, seasonal ice cream flavors amplify the opportunity to leverage these connections.

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of daily wellness has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. As people look for ways to enhance their well-being, the health and wellness industry has exploded, offering a range of products that promise to support physical, mental, and emotional health.

In recent years, consumer demand for immunity-boosting ingredients has surged, especially in the world of nutritional beverages. From juices and smoothies to protein shakes and enhanced waters, brands are infusing their products with functional ingredients designed to support immune health.  

In the last decade, demand for beverages that offer an energy boost has skyrocketed as we continue to look for ways to increase our productivity and make every moment count. Energy drinks were once a niche product that have evolved into a thriving market segment catering to a diverse range of consumers.

The flavors of the fall season evoke warmth and comfort, blending rich and earthy tones with a hint of sweetness. From the satisfying crunch of roasted nuts to the tangy-sweet allure of spiced cider, these flavors create a tapestry that celebrates the harvest and invites us to savor the changing seasons.

In recent years, the nutrition market has seen a significant shift in focus from purely physical health to a more holistic approach that includes mental and emotional well-being. One fascinating aspect of this evolution is the growing recognition of how flavors can impact mood.

In today’s fast-paced world, people often seek ways to escape their daily routines and stress. Experiential dining offers a break from reality and has captivated consumers by creating lasting impressions by engaging all your senses with interactive elements and themed concepts.

Innova Market Insights dubbed “Indulge in Imagination” as one of the top trends of 2024, and we are certainly seeing the impact of this across product launches. Fantasy flavors are not a new concept in the US market – in fact, we’ve been tracking it pre-pandemic.

Sticker shock at the grocery store has yet to wear off and shrinkflation only added fuel to the fire. But rather than rid ourselves of simple pleasures, more than half of consumers continue to buy snacks to relieve stress during economic uncertainty.

There is something special about summer that makes it the perfect season for indulgence. The long days, warm evenings, and endless opportunities for fun and adventure contribute to new memories. And nothing encapsulates the essence of summer quite like a scoop of ice cream.

Summer introduces harmonious flavors that awaken the senses and tantalize the palate. Refreshing tropical fruits, tangy citrus and familiar favorites take center stage to create a vibrant portfolio of flavors. Enjoy summer delights as these flavors dance, celebrating life under the sun.

Fruit blends and cocktail profiles have topped RTD alcohol launches in recent years, with flavors like citrus and margarita becoming staples in almost every brand. While we’ve seen some expansion into lemonades, punch, and tea, superfruits rank as the second fastest-growing flavor category within the segment (Innova New Products Database). 

Okonomiyaki sauce is trending on social media because it’s easy to make, packs a punch of umami and brings home Japanese street food. The sauce tastes similar to Worcestershire or Tonkatsu sauce and is popular because of its sweet, smoky flavor and versatility.

In the world of food and drink trends, one vibrant ingredient is capturing the attention of food enthusiasts worldwide: Ube. This stunning purple yam is making waves not only for its color but also for its delightful flavor and versatility in culinary creations.

Nearly half of consumers say it’s most important for them to have natural vanilla flavor on the label when buying sweet treats, but when it comes to taste, 46% prefer pure vanilla extract, according to a new survey conducted by Synergy Flavors.

Consumers today are prioritizing emotional well-being to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. The need for effective ways to support our emotional health has led to a growing interest in functional beverages to nourish our minds and bodies.  

Hydration is essential for every life form to survive, and while there are competing reports on how much water should be drunk for optimal health, consumers today are actively seeking more ways to quench their thirst.

In the dairy alternatives segment, we expect to see a greater focus on ingredients and health claims this year. Taste and cost concerns will continue as consumers want cheaper options in this inflated market.

Make some room tequila and whiskey, vodka is going mainstream! This year, we expect all three of these spirits to play a significant role in the alcohol segment and vodka to come into the spotlight with its appealing neutral base.

The competitive beverage market continues to drive innovation and the tea segment is no exception. From perfecting sweetness to enhancing your mood, tea is going to make its way into more drinking occasions and dayparts this year. 

The sweet goods category will continue to see growth as consumers reach for things that make them happy. Nostalgic flavors like birthday cake, cookie dough, cookies & cream and s’mores remain appealing because they bring joy.

America’s favorite after-dinner snack could be moving out of its rut this year with new textures and ease of consumption. From new flavors and superfoods to licensing deals, ice cream is about to get exciting.

Alternative protein will continue to evolve in 2024 to find its identity. The segment has seen many changes over the past few years, but it still needs to become more affordable and better for you.

The holiday season is in full swing and as meal preparations are underway, we hope our Holiday Flavor Plate can help give you some inspiration.

The streets will be filled this Halloween with witches, ghosts and goblins running door-to-door to collect as much candy as their pillowcases will hold. Confection is the top category for Halloween-themed food and beverage launches.

Consumer need states drive purchase behavior and thereby flavor trends. Health, weight management and fitness are the top need states that have consumers reaching for salad dressing. But flavor trends in the category show that dressings and vinaigrettes may also be filling consumers’ needs for indulgence and Edible Escapism.

The “ber” months as they have been fondly labeled on social media were welcomed with excited anticipation this year. September through December (the “ber” months), social media is abuzz with food and drink that captures the essence of fall and winter or the taste of the holidays.

Inflation and shrinkflation are taking a toll on consumers’ wallets. The price continues to climb for everyday goods as the weight or size gets smaller, making us all more conscious of our spending habits.

Earlier this year, we identified Botanical Bounce Back as a trend to watch in non-alcoholic drinks, citing wellness as a key factor in continuing to see this flavor category flourish.

Whey protein has become one of the most popular and recognized supplements in the nutrition segment because of its reported health and wellness benefits. It’s a staple in the fitness community, but whey protein is not only used by dedicated athletes today.

The US flavored alcoholic beverage (FAB) retail market has continued to climb in value, with Innova Market Insights forecasting an 18% CAGR from 2021-2023, bringing the value to just under $18 billion. Surpassing other countries in terms of growth and dollar value, the US often leads in new product innovation globally.

When it comes to experiencing culinary delights, street food has become an integral part of American gastronomy. Street food not only tantalizes our taste buds but also offers a glimpse into diverse cultures and flavors.

Everyone’s a Gamer is one of the Next Wave macro trends we will be debuting at IFT, which runs July 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Next Wave is a future-looking trendspotting tool Synergy Flavors created to enable innovation teams to get ahead of macro changes in consumer behavior.

Breakfast Expanded is one of the Next Wave macro trends we will be debuting at IFT, which runs July 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Next Wave is a future-looking trendspotting tool Synergy Flavors created to enable innovation teams to get ahead of macro changes in consumer behavior.

Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” three-year-old thoroughbreds will compete Saturday in “the run for the roses,” during the 149th Kentucky Derby.

Consumer trend analysis is not a new concept in the food and beverage industry. What is groundbreaking is being ahead of the game in predicting behavior changes and analyzing the effects the trends might have in food and beverage.  

When it comes to barbecue, regional rivalries are thicker than the sauce. Competitions are fierce and winners become legends, even if it’s only for the season. But the secret to great barbecue is in the sauce, which varies greatly depending on the region.

The dairy and dairy alternatives segment is unique in that you will find consumers buying a combination of both products throughout different categories.

Dry January has ended, but the traction this challenge gains each year has inspired alcohol brands to make sure even those opting out of alcohol can still enjoy their products.  

Health, wellness and fitness trends are here to stay. Thanks to the pandemic, consumers are focusing on better-for-you food and activities year-round, rather than just at the start of each year.

As the winter season nears its end, we enter innovation season for soups and seasonings. We expect to see sweet heat linger while exotic flavors from the Caribbean and India enter the scene.

As is tradition in the food industry, we are kicking off the new year with our predictions of the most influential trends in several segments in the food, beverage and nutrition industry. Up first is alternative protein.

The winter season officially starts in just a few weeks and the colder it gets, the more consumers are drawn to warm, sweet and spicy food and drink. Sweet and spicy sauces can enhance plain dishes and 66% of Americans say they are interested in these flavors, according to Mintel.

Soup is poised to make its grand re-entrance into consumers’ pantries as we turn to comfort food for warmth when the temperature falls and nourishment during cold and flu season.

Consumers continue to demand greater transparency into what is in the food and drink they consume, making them feel more in control of their health and wellness than ever before. This is especially important today as uncertainty about the world around us drives consumer need for a sense of authority over our lives.

Food and drink have a powerful effect on a person’s lifestyle. What we consume is used to replenish our energy and improve our functionality but can also be used as a source of comfort and security. And the food and drink choices consumers make are often linked back to whether they live a healthy lifestyle. 

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages and the second-most traded commodity globally, with more than 2.25 billion cups consumed daily. In the United States, more than 400 million cups are consumed every day.

Prioritizing healthy eating and overall wellness remains a focus area for consumers. Nearly half of all consumers have changed the type of basic groceries they buy and 64% say they select more nutrient-dense foods since the pandemic began, according to Mintel’s Better for You Eating Trends.

One of the greatest things about being an adult is that no one can stop you from eating ice cream for breakfast if that’s what you want.

Every season has its own taste. During those frigid winter months, consumers turn to roasted and toasted flavors that remind them of sitting by a fire or peppermint and eggnog to enjoy Christmas in their cups.

Competition is heating up in the energy area among all types of beverages…not just energy drinks. From natural ingredients to specific use occasions, consumers turn to energy drinks to get an extra pep in their step while seeking the health benefits of added functional ingredients.

As the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, you undoubtedly participated in the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions. This probably included some sort of health pledge like vowing to quit all your bad habits, lose those extra pounds and be more mindful of what you put in your body.

To say the holidays looked a little different last year would be an understatement. After spending most of the year isolated from friends and family, we all wanted to reconnect and celebrate during the holidays. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, or it came with a lot of stress. 

Situated about 250 miles off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean is the world’s fourth-largest island: Madagascar. Home to various plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, the island’s rainforests, deserts, beaches and unique flora and fauna make it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Often unfairly described as simple or boring, vanilla is anything but plain. Not only is it considered to be the world’s favorite flavor because of its subtle yet intoxicatingly sweet, creamy and floral notes, but the process for producing vanilla is meticulous, unforgiving and exhilarating.  

Coffee and alcohol is not a new phenomenon. Consumers have been enjoying the combination for decades, if not centuries. The popular espresso martini was reportedly invented by Dick Bradsell in 1983, known at the time as the vodka espresso. Dating back even further to 1936, two lifelong friends wondered what would happen when you enrich alcohol with coffee. The result was Kahlua. 

How do you take your coffee? The possibilities are endless and what is considered “normal” depends on where in the world you live.  In the U.S., for example, the norm is to enjoy a drip coffee with milk and sugar, but in Finland they want hot coffee poured over chunks of cheese curds. 

From its undefined origin to the centuries-long debate over whether it’s healthy for you, coffee might be one of the most mysterious beverages in the world. No one quite knows how or when coffee was discovered, but there are plenty of legends about it, according to the National Coffee Association.

Almost 40 years ago, Folger’s debuted its catchy jingle that reminded us that the “Best Part of Waking Up…” was our home filled with the aroma of brewed coffee and a fresh cup to help us bring on the day.

As cliché as it may be in the real estate world, the smell of cookies or freshly baked bread do make a house feel like a home. Comfort food has the unique ability to give people the “warm and fuzzies” or a sense of security and relaxation, even in the most uncertain times. 

Exploring the world through food and drink was woven deeply into our routines prior to the pandemic. We relied on restaurants to taste cuisines from countries we dreamed of one day visiting and bartenders to pour artfully crafted beverages that when posted on Instagram would give others fear of missing out.  

It’s no secret that since the onset of the pandemic, consumers have become more invested in their health and overall wellness. But did you know they are also paying attention to their impact on the environment?   

Consumers’ understanding of community has been strengthened by COVID-19. As inherently social beings, we are craving human connection and interactions more than ever after the pandemic left us mostly isolated for more than a year.

Consumers have become more aware of what they are putting in their bodies and how it makes them feel. Eating well not only makes you feel better, but it also beautifies our bodies from the inside out. As a result, consumers are placing a greater emphasis on simple, clean labels and natural ingredients.  

Though the movement of plant-based products from health food stores to mainstream grocery stores has been gradual over the last few decades, a tidal shift is underway. No longer are the dairy aisles limited to soy and almond milks. Today one might find an oat-based beverage, one with added pea protein, or a blend of oat, hemp and kale.

The overarching theme of adopting the pace of nature is about slowing down and focusing on taking care of your mind, body and overall wellbeing, with a pace in harmony with nature.

Gone are the days of fad diets as more consumers recognize what they put in their bodies impacts how they feel. The concept of personalized nutrition has staying power for the long term and became especially important during the coronavirus pandemic when people began seeking ways to take better care of their bodies. 

It’s only really since the turn of the century that sports nutrition has made its way into mainstream consciousness. As recently as 2010, the U.S. nutrition market was valued at $4.85 billion, whereas today it sits at around $13.16 billion, an increase of 171%, according to Euromonitor, Market Sizes.

The past 15 months have been a rollercoaster of emotions that mostly parallel the seven stages of grief. First came shock and denial about how significantly the coronavirus pandemic would impact our lives. Depression followed as we mourned our old way of life and the havoc the virus caused throughout the world.