Floral, global, local, and innovative: these are the flavour trends we’ll be enjoying in 2025, according to the food and beverage industry
Just like fashion and interior design, food and beverage flavours are driven by trends. Innova Market Insights, a global leader in market research, has published its annual report identifying the key megatrends that will shape the industry in 2025.
Floral Fascination: Floral flavours are blooming across the food and beverage industry, driven by a growing desire for wellness and sustainability. Botanical products have gained significant traction, backed by 53% of consumers. The Camellia flower leads the segment, followed by peach blossom and honeysuckle. Other botanical stars on the rise include chamomile, passionflower, and reishi mushrooms, which are rich in beta-glucans, plus a variety of herbs and spices.
Fantasy Flavours: Demand for fantasy flavours has surged 23%, reflecting the diverse range of tastes, textures, and aromas that can be created thanks to new technologies. This trend involves combining ingredients in unexpected ways, like adding colourants to beer or fortifying soft drinks, to create unique flavour and sensory experiences for the taste buds.
Global Fusion: As the world becomes more interconnected through globalisation, 43% of consumers are seeking to explore flavours from other cultures, eager to try new and unique taste sensations. Oriental and exotic flavours, like versatile ramen, tapioca beverages, and fiery, are particularly popular, and leading this global trend.
Local Delights: Half of all consumers lick their lips over the flavours of dishes inspired by street food, often incorporating regional ingredients from around the world. This trend is driven by a desire for convenient, sustainable, and locally sourced (Km 0) products which minimise food miles and offer fresh, flavourful and preservative-free goodness.
Bold Flavours: Consumers are embracing bold and unconventional flavour combinations, with 50% seeking out intense, exciting flavours across the board, from drinks to snacks and beyond, as these bold pairings are perceived as energising.
