Report on Flavor Trends – FoodIngredientsFirst
What demands are you seeing from your clients in relation to flavors trends?
As the health and wellness trend continues, we’ve seen an influx in fruit and botanical flavors that mask or complement various functional ingredients. Respectfully, we’ve also seen a more prominent focus on the inclusion or more natural flavors and ingredients as consumers become more aware of what ingredients go into the products they consume.
Messina Truttman
Beck Flavors, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
What are the biggest areas/drivers influencing the flavors sector as a whole?
Timeliness. Given the pandemic, many manufacturers have been in a holding pattern over the past year when it comes to new product innovation. During that time, consumer interests have also shifted drastically as health, functionality, sustainability, global influences and unique brand stories have become areas of high importance. This year as innovation picks back up, we already see many of these trends playing a huge part in how we create and develop flavors. We need to stay on top of these priority shifts in an effort to create innovative flavors that are in line with the expectations of the consumer.
Messina Truttman
Beck Flavors, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Which applications are getting a flavor boost in terms of innovation?
Due to the increased health awareness of consumers, we are seeing a lot more “better for you” type beverages and sparkling waters than we have ever seen before. Our flavors play an important part in these beverages since there is a need to mask the off notes from added vitamins and minerals to ensure the finished product is as tasty and enjoyable as possible.
Adam Berge
Beck Flavors, Applications Technologist
Are there any new flavors/blends/combinations that you expect to see trending and why?
We have developed a variety of new combinations here at Beck – from Blood Orange Yuzu, and Blackberry Sage to Black Pepper Vanilla and Calamansi Grapefruit, we are always excited to experiment with new innovative flavor blends that can work well across a variety of applications. Some fun flavor combinations we have been creating for summertime have included Cucumber Hibiscus, Citrus and Rosemary, and Lemonade and Lavender. Some are much more unique than others, but you won’t know how the flavors will pair together unless you try it.
Adam Berge
Beck Flavor,s Applications Technologist
What do you think consumers specifically are looking for when it comes to flavors? Is there any knock-on effects of the pandemic that you shaping the flavors sector?
Health and wellness will most likely be a trend we see continuing for some time. From clean label, natural ingredients, plant-based alternatives, and functional additives, the focus of the industry is to make consumers feel good about what they’re eating or drinking. This is also true when it comes to flavors. Flavor combinations that can complement “better for you” products like Blueberry Acai, Blackberry Citrus, Cranberry Pomegranate, or Mango Kiwi will become more prominent across various offerings.
Messina Truttman
Beck Flavors, Vice President of Sales & Marketing