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Tantalize the taste buds: Creative flavor trends

Sep 2018

Food and beverage manufacturers are getting creative with flavors. Bowls have emerged as smart carriers for mixing and matching flavors and textures, while ethnic tastes are on the rise, calling for spicy, smoked and hot flavors. Alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea NPD have also led to new levels of flavor sophistication. As consumers seek natural and minimally processed foods, products with floral, botanical, nut and vegetable traces emerge, often alongside honey and syrups for a hint of natural sweetness. 

1. Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl (Canada)
2. Coop Betty Bossi Seaweed Rice Balls with Spicy Ginger (Switzerland)
3. Vigala Cool Cheese Smoked Baby Mozzarella (Estonia).
4. Arla Keso Red Beetroot and Habanero Cottage Cheese (Sweden).
5. Skittles Sweet Heat Bite Size Candies (Canada)
6. Nabisco Oreo Thins Piña Colada Flavor Creme Sandwich Cookies (US)
7. Verkade White Chocolate with Crunchy Speculoos and Dark Coffee (Netherlands)
8. Whole Foods Market Honey Lavender Italian Gelato (US)
9. Finn Crisp Snacks Tomato and Rosemary (Finland)
10. Inspiral Salted Caramel Coconut Chips with Live Cultures (UK)

8/10

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Whole Foods Market Honey Lavender Italian Gelato (US). Honey and lavender Italian gelato in a 900ml plastic tub, held in a cardboard sleeve. Naturally flavored. Limited botanical edition. Suitable for vegetarians.

Innova Market Insights data indicates that there is a 2% growth in snack launches globally from 2019 to 2023. Snack Nuts & Seeds (21%) was the leading subcategory of snacks, but Finger Foods/Hors D’oeuvres was growing fastest with 8% growth from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, there was a notable surge in launches for plant-based snacks, which saw a 24% growth from 2019 to 2023.
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Innova Market Insights data indicates that the use of protein ingredients in food and beverage launches globally had a 3% average annual growth from 2019 to 2023, with Bakery being the leading category. Plant-based claims grew the fastest, with a notable increase of 27%. This surge has led to the rise of various plant proteins such as lentil protein, fava bean protein concentrate, field bean protein, and others.
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Innova Market Insights data indicates that there is a growth in low/no/reduced sodium claims in various food & beverage categories. Hot Drinks had a 24% average annual growth from 2021 to 2023. Categories Desserts & Ice Cream and Meat, Fish & Eggs are also on the growth path and show innovation potential.
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Innova Market Insights data indicates that organic claims are expanding into various food & beverage subcategories, painting a new landscape for the use of this claim. Organic flavored alcoholic beverages had a 35% average annual growth from 2019 to 2023. Other subcategories are also gaining ground, like wrapped chocolate pieces and others.
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Innova Market Insights data indicates there is a 2% average annual growth globally in cocoa ingredient use for food & beverage launches. Confectionery is a leader of these launches, with chocolate being the frontrunner, but there is fast growth of cocoa use in meat substitutes with 61% growth from October 2018 to September 2023.
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Consumers are rushing into the world of bold and exciting flavors. Innova Market Insights predicts that flower & botanical flavors will take the lead in food & beverage flavor innovation in 2024. Other flavor trends on the rise include nostalgic vibes, fantasy flavors, emphasis on local delights and a mix of sweet and sour influences.
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