2026 Flavor Forecast

Posted: January 26, 2026
Author: Rachael Jarzembowski, Marketing Manager

Full of Function, Flair & Fire

Unlike most consumers, I have a front row seat in the flavor development process as part of the innovation team at Wixon. This gives me a unique perspective on trends impacting the food and beverage space. While at the same time, I’m like most consumers (64%), who according to Datassential, are looking forward to new food and beverage trends in 2026. Even more so, as the desire is stronger among Gen Z (77%) and Millennials (72%) – my own cohort¹. Bottom line, I’m fascinated with uncovering new tastes on the horizon and finding out where their flavors originated, and I get to do it for a living. So, let’s take a look at trends we expect to drive innovation throughout the coming year.

One note though, before we begin, it’s important to be aware that enduring trends don’t change overnight. Instead, they steadily evolve, shaped by a range of factors, and becoming more defined over time. With this understanding, I’d like to introduce you to three macro flavor trends we believe will play a major role in food and beverage innovation in the months to come.

It’s no surprise that when choosing food and drinks, taste remains the most important factor for consumers (72%) per Mintel research. As taste and flavor continue to be paramount for consumers, food and beverage innovation must prioritize them as well.

Trend #1: Nature’s Pantry                                        

We named our first trend, Nature’s Pantry, because it highlights the rise of “feel-good” flavors that not only deliver on taste but align with consumers’ growing desire for naturalness and functional flavors. It’s a trend driven by consumers seeking food and beverage options that support their personal health and wellness goals, and where they can apply their increasing knowledge and interest in the potential benefits of these flavors and ingredients.

Defining flavors in Nature’s Pantry include florals, herbals, and botanicals – a wide variety that can be used in endless innovation across categories, both sweet and savory. Incorporating herbal, floral, and botanical ingredients and flavors into food and beverage offerings not only provides flavor but can also impart aromatic/fragrant qualities and color.

Some flavors are more familiar, like peppermint and sage, while others, like lavender, have come to the forefront only during the past several years. Today, lavender can be found in a variety of applications, ranging from desserts and beverages to cheeses, protein entrees, and health and wellness products. Other herbal, floral, and botanical flavors gaining traction are saffron, lemongrass, and matcha. Beyond those, flavors used in various global cuisines, with regionally specific origins are only now beginning to come into the market’s consciousness. Examples include Peruvian wild violet, as well as black mint, and juniper, which are commonly used in Northern European, Scandinavian, and indigenous American cuisines.

According to Innova Market Insights, nearly three in five consumers perceive food and beverages with herbal, floral, and botanical flavors as being good for their health.These flavors and ingredients carry a positive perception that extends beyond their functional benefits, creating a sense of healthfulness for consumers. This “health halo” presents an opportunity to pair them with more indulgent flavors or applications, helping indulgence seem a bit less guilty. Imagine black mint + chocolate, dark chocolate + ginger, juniper + limoncello, or blackberry lemongrass lemonade. The versatility and complementary nature of herbal, floral, and botanical flavors and ingredients also enable creative flavor combinations that resonate with consumers across sweet and savory applications.

Beyond the inherent perception of “healthfulness” associated with these flavors, they also lend a sense of freshness and added depth to flavor profiles. Herbal, floral, and botanical flavors offer a compelling way to generate added consumer interest within seasonal and limited-time-offerings (LTOs). Here they can provide novelty and excitement. Consumers are more willing and more likely to experiment with new and unexpected flavors when they are introduced in seasonal or LTOs. In fact, 43% of consumers say they would be more likely to visit retail venues if they offered seasonal or LTOs, according to Datassential.  

Some Nature’s Pantry flavor inspiration:

• Black mint chimichurri
• Juniper + rosemary
• Peppermint + ginger
• Lemongrass + thyme
• Tarragon + Dijon

Trend #2: Culinary Flair

In 2026, food and beverage flavors will be richer, more expressive, and thoughtfully layered—not excessively, but through meaningful detail. Consumers are seeking experiences where texture, aroma, and flavor come together to heighten their enjoyment.

This brings us to our second macro trend—Culinary Flair. It reflects a growing appetite for elevated taste experiences defined by layered, descriptive, and indulgent profiles, that are enhanced by chef-inspired flavors. According to Innova Market Insights, 60% of consumers globally say they want to explore new things when they try to indulge. When it comes to indulgence, consumers are drawn to products that combine familiar sensations with novel flavors, which give them an elevated eating experience.

By integrating culinary cues into packaging copy, brands can bring flavor descriptions to life and build credibility and excitement among consumers, while enticing them to sample new and rewarding taste experiences. Using descriptive sensory language, evokes the taste, smell, and even the emotional response associated with a flavor. On pack callouts can help describe overall flavor notes, such as, charred red pepper, zesty lemon, buttery garlic, or fiery onion. Noting specific culinary techniques can communicate depth of flavor and quality, further elevating the consumption experience. Sharing a food or flavor’s origin story through preparation method cues, gives consumers a way to forge a deeper connection with a brand.  

Similarly, when combining elements of different cuisines and telling the story behind these flavor mash ups helps consumers understand the culinary logic and inspiration that went into a product, giving them an on-ramp to try new flavors. Pairing comfort flavors with more complex ones leads to combinations that can feel familiar, yet also adventurous and elevated. Chef-inspired flavors and preparation techniques bolster familiar formats and foods. Culinary-curious consumers appreciate layered flavors, because they offer complexity along with a sense of indulgence—something they wouldn’t attempt to make on their own, but that is inviting, nonetheless.

Culinary Flair inspired flavor examples:

• Blistered heirloom tomato + aged balsamic
• Buttery salted caramel
• Wood-fired pizza
• Torched rosemary + blood orange
• Pickled fennel
• Cinnamon anise-infused honey
• Brined blueberry + candied ginger
• Braised beef

Trend #3: Fiery Frontiers

The third in our trio of 2026 macro trends is Fiery Frontiers. It encompasses the influence of global cuisines while giving a nod to the quest for more challenging, spicier flavor experiences. The desire for new bold, intense flavor experiences is on the rise, with 66% of U.S. consumers saying they like or love spicy foods and flavors, according to Datassential research—evidence that consumers still want exotic, impactful flavor experiences.

While hot and spicy flavors continue to excite, dialing back extreme heat can broaden consumer appeal. Chilies can deliver more than heat—they can also add depth and complexity to a product’s flavor profile. The result? A more dynamic and nuanced flavor experience, fueled by novel pepper varieties and globally-inspired heat sources. Those gaining momentum include serrano, peri peri, and Thai chili peppers.

Global flavors and ingredients invite consumers to travel the world through food, tapping into people’s growing desire for meaningful stories and emotional connections to what they eat. Innova data backs this up, showing 65% of North American consumers say they are open to trying new global cuisines.

In our increasingly interconnected world, food and beverages become canvases for cultural expression and exploration—melding diverse provenances, perspectives, and experiences. As culinary traditions blend and intersect, they unlock playful, inventive flavor fusions that present in unexpected and creative ways.

These globally-inspired flavors deliver a rich multicultural experience, with “authentic” and adventurous taste profiles. From traditional Asian staples to emerging Latin American ingredients, such flavor fusions spark curiosity and cultural connection. Exploring regional cuisines and bold, spicy flavors can build deeper and more memorable taste experiences. Sharing the story behind a flavor or ingredient enables consumers not only to savor a new flavor but gives them an opportunity to connect with a unique piece of culture as well.

As specific sources of heat and regional varieties of chilies continue to trend in retail and on menus, showcasing these flavors gives products a point of differentiation and premiumization—becoming part of a compelling story that resonates with adventurous consumers.

Heat and spice levels can be customized to meet specific product goals.

Some Fiery Frontier flavor inspiration from our product development team:

• Mediterranean + Middle Eastern:
  • Aleppo Pepper + Preserved Lemon
  • Peri Peri + Charred Onion
• Latin American:
  • Manzano Chili, Cilantro + Lime
  • Jalapeno + Passionfruit Mezcal Margarita
• Asian:
  • Black Garlic + Gochujang
  • Green Papaya + Thai Chili
  • Lychee + Ginger

As part of our ongoing Wixon Innovates research initiative, our 2026 flavor trends are intended to spark inspiration and ideas, and to drive meaningful decisions, fueled by creativity and grounded in actual consumer and market insights. Contact us to start flavoring your next project – service@wixon.com.

^1. Source: Mintel asked of internet users aged 18+ who are responsible for food and drink shopping in household