Top flavour trends for 2019 revealed

Innova Market Insights’ latest research highlights some of the top flavour trends most likely to impact both the food and beverage industries over the coming year and beyond.

The search for something new, different and exciting is leading flavour developments in food and beverage, supported by an ongoing interest in natural, clean label and healthier options. The research reveals that the top trends of 2019 were driven by the concept of ‘New Discoveries’, as consumers move out of their comfort zones to explore new food experiences, with flavour playing a significant role.

The Innova Market Insights top flavour trends for 2019 are:

1. New discoveries

Two out of three US respondents in an Innova Market Insights survey agreed with a statement that they love to discover new flavours. Even among more traditional consumers, there is still a role for reinventing classic flavours with novel twists, alongside developing new and more unusual flavours and combinations.

2. Sensational concepts

Unusual flavour hybrids and stronger taste experiences (eg, hot, sweet and savoury) are emerging as dominant flavour profiles, with sour options also surging in popularity. Hybrid flavour solutions led by initiatives such as sushi pizza, spicy tuna roll corn dogs, pasta bacon tacos and ramen burgers are also dominating the foodservice sector, indicating consumer preference for remarkable and unusual flavours.

3. Sophisticated touch

Traditional flavours are being reinvented, as an ageing population drives the demand for more adult-oriented options. Coffee flavour is adapted to the Cold Brew Caramel Latte, giving way to more upmarket, added-value and on-trend options. Alongside coffee, other adult-oriented flavours include various types of alcohol, as well as smoked/roasted options.

4. Cultural celebration

Consumers are increasingly driven to diverse flavours inspired by foreign cuisines. Southeast Asian, East Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours are prevalent in traditional and familiar Western snacks, beverages and ready-to-eat meals. This demand for diverse alternatives focuses not just on flavour, but also recipes and even product/ingredients origins/provenance.

5. Fifth dimension

Umami is the fifth basic taste after sweet, sour, bitter and salty, but unlike the others, it’s hard to define. Often described as savoury, meaty deliciousness, it translates to the taste of glutamates on our tongue. Rising demand for exotic flavours and convenient home cooking is driving growth of launches with a umami claim. The recent focus on mindful food choices and the demand for clean and healthy products has driven the use of ingredients with a natural source of umami taste.

The other top trends identified by Innova Market Insights include:

• Bitter is Back
• Botanicals Branch Out
• Fruitful Favourites
• Functionally Flavourful
• Flavour Connections

The Flavour Trends for 2019 will be presented by Innova Market Insights on 10 July 2019.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Nickola_Che