2026
10
The Future of Flavours 2026
2026-02-06T14:02:08+00:00
REP70851D6E_12A6_4AAF_851D_6E12A60AAF21
2195
188372
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Report
en_GB
The world of flavours is extraordinarily rich; the challenge lies in transforming that richness into accessible, exciting products that inspire consumers. Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Principal Analyst, Mintel Food & Drink…
Global
Food
Drinks
simple

The Future of Flavours 2026

"The world of flavours is extraordinarily rich; the challenge lies in transforming that richness into accessible, exciting products that inspire consumers."

Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Principal Analyst, Mintel Food & Drink

Regina Maiseviciute-Haydon, Principal Analyst, Mintel Food & Drink

Discover the most important future trends in flavours with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the flavours industry over the next five years.

Upcoming global trends in flavours are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.

Emerging Flavour Industry Trends Featured in the Report

  • Maintaining flavour amidst clean label demand
  • Social media and multisensory experiences
  • Zero-waste indulgence
  • Cross-industry partnerships

Purchase the full report for a complete breakdown of the trends shaping the future of the flavours industry. Alongside Mintel’s pick of the most innovative and inspirational flavours introduced to the global market. Understanding the future of flavours has never been so easy.

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    • Where we are now
    • In the next two years
    • In five years and beyond
  2. IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Maintaining flavour amidst clean label demand
    • Taste remains king
    • Clean-label opportunities for food & drink flavour profiles
    • Examples of regulatory scrutiny around flavours and colours
    • Companies are innovating with healthier, safer flavour solutions
    • The pivot from synthetic to natural flavours is happening, but may be challenging
    • Strategies to further advance the 'clean-label' concept with natural, sustainable, consumer-focused flavour solutions
    • Social media and multisensory experiences
    • How social media shapes consumers' relationships with the food & drink industry
    • Maintaining a strong social media presence is crucial for brands aiming to engage younger consumers
    • Graph 1: social media platforms used in the last three months, by age group, 2024
    • Amplifying flavours: how social media enhances multisensory experiences
    • Focus on texture and aroma
    • Viral crunch: how social media sparked the freeze-dried food frenzy
    • Make textures work harder
    • The layering of different textures offers brands multiple benefits
    • Further opportunities to elevate the role of texture in food & drink
    • Social media impact on food & drink aromas
    • Examples of how aroma can be showcased on social media
    • Brands can harness scent to convey wellness
    • Blurring experiential boundaries between product categories
    • Further opportunities to elevate aroma's role in food & drink
    • Market gaps for global flavours
    • Opportunities for global flavours to continue to shine
    • Global flavours are influencing food & drink across all categories, driving innovation and expanding consumer palates
    • Authentic storytelling can elevate and differentiate the use of emerging, lesser-known international flavours
    • Bridging the gap between health and taste with global flavours
    • Bridging the gap between health and taste through the bold appeal of global flavours
    • Traditional drinks from global cuisines poised for modern revival
  3. IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Upcycled ingredients: a niche trend with mainstream potential
    • Graph 2: new food & drink launches with an upcycled ingredients claim, 2020-25
    • Indulgence 2.0: redefining luxury with upcycled ingredients
    • Next-wave innovations utilising upcycled ingredients to elevate flavour profiles
    • To build trust, brands must confront and alleviate consumers' concerns about AI
    • Demystifying AI and technological advancements
    • Education in action
    • Consumers have an appetite for products born from cross-industry partnerships
    • Flavours and textures connect brands to passions
    • The sensory revolution: crafting immersive brand futures
  4. KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Key takeaways

What is a 'Future of' Report?

Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.

How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future

Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.

Expert Insights from Category Analysts

Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.

Powered by Robust Data

Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.

Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy

Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.

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