Review of June 2024 Flavour Trends

In January 2024, the flavor trends prominently featured a focus on health and wellness. Consumers showed a growing preference for flavors with functional benefits, such as turmeric, ginger, and matcha, reflecting a broader interest in holistic health. Additionally, there was a significant influence from global cuisines, particularly Asian and African flavors, with ingredients like yuzu, miso, and berbere gaining popularity. This period also saw a strong nostalgic trend, with classic comfort flavors like burnt caramel and spiced vanilla being reinvented to provide a sense of familiarity and indulgence.

Moving into February, the trend towards botanicals and floral notes became more pronounced. Flavors such as elderflower, rose, and lavender started to pair more frequently with fruits, creating a complex balance of sweetness and aromatic sophistication. There was also an ongoing emphasis on sustainable and clean label ingredients, aligning with consumer demands for transparency and natural sourcing. Spicy and umami-rich flavors continued to rise, with gochujang, black garlic, and smoked paprika leading the way, showcasing a desire for bold and adventurous taste experiences.

By March, the introduction of exotic fruits marked a significant trend shift. Lesser-known fruits like lulo, rambutan, and sea buckthorn were combined with more familiar ones to encourage consumer trial and diversify flavor profiles. Hybrid flavors gained traction, with innovative combinations such as mango jalapeño and blueberry lavender BBQ sauce highlighting the trend towards blending diverse and unexpected taste profiles. Functional beverages also maintained their momentum, with flavors like lemon coffee and hibiscus tea becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits.

April saw a strong focus on seasonal and limited edition flavors, reflecting the changing seasons with products like cherry blossom and honey mustard. The culinary cocktail trend continued to grow, blending kitchen and bar elements with flavors like saffron and orange blossom. There was also an increased use of vegetable-inspired flavors, demonstrating a shift towards more savory and earthy profiles such as roasted beet and orange sauce or turmeric tahini dressing.

In May, the combination of sweet and spicy elements continued to grow, with flavors like hibiscus jalapeño glaze and passionfruit habanero salsa leading the trend. Indulgent flavors were also being reinvented with a modern twist, as seen in flavors like smoked vanilla coffee and spiced gingerbread cake. A notable change was the move towards more precise regional labeling, enhancing authenticity with specific area identifications such as Yucatan or Appalachian.

June trends emphasized functional and holistic flavors, aligning with the ongoing wellness trend. Flavors that offered both taste and health benefits, such as ginger turmeric coconut cooking sauce, became more prominent. Nostalgic comfort flavors continued to evolve, with sophisticated takes on childhood favorites like peanut butter marshmallow and honeycomb. Botanical blends maintained their popularity, with refreshing and aromatic profiles like lemon verbena and elderflower dressing standing out.

Over the last six months, flavor trends have shown a clear evolution towards health-conscious, globally influenced, and innovative combinations. There has been a notable shift from purely exotic and indulgent flavors to those that offer functional benefits and a sense of comfort through familiar yet reimagined tastes. This period reflects a dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.

As the food and beverage industry evolves, consumer preferences continue to shift towards unique and innovative flavors. This June, several distinct flavor trends have emerged, reflecting a blend of traditional tastes with modern twists. These trends are driven by a variety of factors, including health consciousness, nostalgia, and a desire for bold, adventurous experiences. From the popular “swicy” (sweet and spicy) combinations to health-focused ingredients, these flavor trends highlight the dynamic nature of consumer tastes and the industry’s response to meet these demands.

Swicy (Sweet and Spicy) Flavors: The “swicy” trend, which combines sweet and spicy elements, continues to dominate across various food and beverage categories. This trend has expanded from snacks into beverages and main dishes, driven predominantly by younger consumers who seek bold and intense flavors. Notable examples include Coca-Cola’s Spiced flavor and Starbucks’ spicy lemonade drinks, available in varieties such as Spicy Dragonfruit, Spicy Pineapple, and Spicy Strawberry. Hot honey is another popular ingredient, featured in products like DiGiorno Thin & Crispy Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with Mike’s Hot Honey and California Pizza Kitchen’s Hot Honey Croissant Crust Pizza.

Fruity and Tropical Flavors: Fruity and tropical flavors continue to capture consumer interest, offering a taste of exotic paradise. Popular in candies and beverages, these flavors evoke a sense of adventure and escapism. Examples include mango gummies, lemon drops, and combinations like passion fruit & guava and pineapple & coconut. The introduction of watermelon gin liqueur by Paragon Brands highlights the appeal of light and fruity tastes, especially for summer. Watermelon has become the favorite summer fruit flavor for alcoholic beverages among 37% of Brits, surpassing strawberry and raspberry.

Berry and Herbal/Floral Flavors: Berry and herbal/floral flavors are gaining popularity for their sophisticated and refreshing profiles. These flavors are particularly trending in the drinks category before spreading to the food industry. Examples include blueberry basil, lemon lavender, peach rose, and orange blossom. These flavors are appreciated for their delicate and aromatic qualities, which are often perceived as healthier and more sustainable.

Innovative and Modern Flavor Combinations: Consumers are increasingly drawn to unique and modern flavor combinations that blend traditional ingredients with unexpected pairings. Fiery ginger gummies, lavender-dream chocolate truffles, and sea salt caramel bars are examples of how brands are innovating to create new taste experiences. This trend is part of a broader shift towards culinary innovation and exploration, reflecting consumers’ desire for novel and memorable flavors.

Nostalgic and Comforting Flavors: Nostalgic and comforting flavors remain popular as they evoke a sense of familiarity and emotional connection. Traditional combinations like chocolate and peanut butter, strawberry with vanilla, and caramel with sea salt continue to appeal to consumers seeking comfort and indulgence. The candy industry, for instance, blends these familiar flavors with innovative twists to cater to both nostalgic and adventurous palates.

Health-Conscious and Functional Ingredients: Health-conscious choices are becoming increasingly significant in flavor trends, with consumers seeking options that align with wellness and dietary preferences. Ingredients like acai berry, pomegranate-lime, and kefir are popular for their health benefits. Cocktails featuring functional ingredients, such as the Honeybee cocktail with bee pollen and the Electro Jungle Bird with kefir, highlight the trend towards balancing indulgence with health. These flavors not only offer unique tastes but also cater to the growing demand for healthier, functional foods and beverages.

Nut Flavors: Nut flavors are on the rise, often paired with savory or sweet elements to enhance their appeal. Almond, hazelnut, and pistachio are particularly popular, frequently combined with chocolate or sea salt for added depth and complexity. These flavors cater to consumers’ growing interest in earthy and rich taste profiles, providing a satisfying and indulgent experience.

Food-Infused and Inspired Cocktails: The trend of incorporating food ingredients into cocktails is gaining traction, offering unique and innovative drinks that blur the lines between food and beverage. Examples include roasted carrot vodka, snap pea schnapps, and croissant-infused vodka. These cocktails not only showcase creativity but also highlight the trend of cross-utilizing kitchen ingredients to create new flavor experiences. Restaurants like Nupo in Calgary and Joni Restaurant in Toronto are leading this trend with inventive concoctions.

Spicy Heat Flavors: Spicy heat flavors continue to grow in popularity, appealing to consumers who enjoy intense and bold tastes. Flamin’ Hot snacks, spicy nacho mac, and various hot sauces like mango habanero are examples of how brands are incorporating heat into their products. The demand for spicy foods reflects a broader trend towards adventurous eating, with a 9% increase in dollar sales for foods and beverages described as “spicy” year-over-year.

No-Alcohol Beverage Options: With a growing focus on health and wellness, non-alcoholic beverage options are increasingly gaining attention. Mocktails and alcohol-free preparations are becoming more popular, offering the flavors of traditional cocktails without the alcohol. Examples include the No-Groni and Raspberry Dragon Fruit No-Jito, which cater to consumers seeking sophisticated and flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives. This trend is driven by shifting consumer behaviors and the desire for healthier lifestyle choices.

The flavor trends for June 2024 highlight the evolving nature of consumer preferences, blending traditional tastes with innovative and health-conscious choices. From the bold and adventurous “swicy” flavors to the comforting nostalgia of chocolate and peanut butter, these trends reflect a dynamic industry that continuously adapts to meet the diverse tastes of its audience. As consumers seek more unique, healthy, and memorable experiences, the food and beverage industry is poised to deliver an exciting array of flavors that cater to these ever-changing demands.

The beverage industry is experiencing significant changes, driven by evolving consumer preferences and innovative flavor trends. These trends are heavily influenced by a desire for health-conscious options, unique taste experiences, and sustainable practices. This June, several key beverage trends have emerged, highlighting how flavors are shaping the market and reflecting the diverse interests of consumers.

Fortified Wines: Fortified wines are seeing a surge in popularity, projected to grow from $20.29 billion in 2023 to $32.58 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by consumer interest in unique and artisanal wine styles, with young consumers favoring diverse flavors and premium products. Innovations include fortified wine cocktails and mixology, heritage and vintage options, and new varietals and blends. Fortified wines are increasingly used in culinary tourism and experiential dining, contributing to their expanding market.

Unique Flavors in China’s Wine Market: China’s wine market is being driven by young consumers with distinct tastes. Trends include event-driven consumption, social media impact, health-conscious selections, and organic and specialized products. Unique flavors and innovative techniques are becoming popular, such as baijiu-infused tea and co-branding ventures with other industries. The market is also seeing a rise in celebrity-endorsed wines and wine discovery travel, reflecting a broader interest in diverse and novel wine experiences.

Soft Drink Innovations: Dr Pepper has overtaken Pepsi to become the second most popular soda in America, thanks to its unique blend of 23 flavors and new offerings like Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream. The rise of sweet and spicy flavors has also benefited the brand. Pepsi’s focus on other brands and zero-sugar lines may have contributed to its decline.

Creative Coffee Trends: Baristas are sharing insights on coffee drinks, highlighting preferences and avoidances. Notable trends include avoiding overly sweet holiday lattes and complex mochas, while favoring drinks where the coffee taste is prominent. Unique combinations like scallion coffee are gaining traction, reflecting a broader trend of experimenting with unconventional ingredients.

Functional and Health-Focused Beverages: Post-pandemic, there has been an increased demand for smoothies, enhanced beverages, and grab-and-go treats. Brands like Smoothie King and Jamba are focusing on clean ingredients and high-protein snacks, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Functional ingredients like bee pollen and kefir are being incorporated into cocktails, reflecting a trend towards balancing indulgence with health.

Culinary Cocktails and Vegan Drinks: Culinary cocktails inspired by food dishes are gaining popularity, such as the Moussaka cocktail and peanut butter and jelly cocktail. The vegan trend is expanding into the beverage sector, with plant-based options like Amarula Vegan Cream Liqueur. Exotic flavors and ingredients from Asia, like kaffir lime leaves and yuzu, are being incorporated into Western cocktails.

No-Alcohol and Low-Alcohol Options: The “sober curious” movement is driving the popularity of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. This trend is reflected in the rise of spritz options and low-alcohol products from major producers. Functional beverages with added health benefits are also in demand, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier choices.

Clean-Label and Sustainable Beverages: There is a growing demand for clean-label beverages with transparent ingredient sourcing. Consumers are seeking natural and familiar ingredients, such as clean-label lemonades and botanical rums. Sustainability is also a key focus, with initiatives like using 100% recycled plastic bottles and eco-friendly packaging gaining traction.

Plant-Based and Functional Milk Alternatives: The plant-based milk market is expanding rapidly, driven by consumer demand for dairy-like functionality and sustainability. Innovations in plant-based barista milk aim to mimic the texture and foam quality of dairy milk, using multi-ingredient systems to enhance performance. This trend reflects a broader shift towards plant-based and functional beverages.

Personalized and AI-Driven Beverage Development: AI and electronic tongues are transforming beverage development by enabling precise flavor formulation and customization. These technologies help create personalized drinks tailored to individual taste preferences and enhance sustainability by optimizing recipes and reducing waste. The ability to cater to localized tastes and develop sensory labels is expected to revolutionize the beverage industry.

The beverage trends for June 2024 showcase the industry’s dynamic nature, influenced by a blend of health consciousness, innovation, and sustainability. From fortified wines and unique soft drinks to functional and plant-based beverages, these trends highlight the diverse and evolving preferences of consumers. As the industry continues to innovate and adapt, we can expect even more exciting and unique flavors to emerge, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. These trends emphasize the importance of transparency, health benefits, and sustainability in shaping the future of the beverage market.