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…
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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
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where we are now
In the next two years
In five years and beyond
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
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
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key takeaways
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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