Flavor Insights
January is a month full of new goals, resolutions, and motivations that have consumers reaching for better-for-you foods & beverages. 2025 is shaping up to be no different as consumers look to achieve a healthy lifestyle. However, with Brown Sugar being crowned 2025’s “Flavor of the Year”, how can we pass up all the sweet treats that feature this ingredient?!
Luckily, flavor innovation and technology makes it easy to mimic the decadent flavor profiles of fan-favorite desserts into healthier CPG products that don’t contain as much added sugar, calories, or fat. This trend marries indulgence with health, allowing consumers to enjoy the best of both worlds. In this article, our team of flavor experts unpack how using natural flavors, extracts, and essences can transform the landscape of healthy eating.
The Rise of Dessert-Inspired Flavors
As consumers become more health-conscious, they seek out products that not only meet their nutritional needs but also satisfy their taste buds. Dessert-inspired flavors offer a nostalgic and comforting experience, making healthy choices more appealing. From protein bars to hummus, these flavors are popping up in a variety of new products launched this past year:
- Blue Diamond: Frosted Brownie Almonds & Snickerdoodle Almonds
- Cedar’s Foods: Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Hummus
- Macarooz: Gluten-free upcycled sugar cookie flavored macarons
- FITCrunch: Chocolate Banana
- Atkin’s: Caramel Apple Pie Nutrition Bar
Our Thoughts on 2025’s Flavor of the Year
The news about the flavor and color of the year broke mid-December and was quickly adopted by the Food & Beverage Industry. Brown Sugar was crowned the Flavor of the Year alongside “Mocha Mousse” as the Color of the year… Is 2025 the year of brown?!
The report pins the projected popularity of Brown Sugar this coming year on its ability to be reimagined into versatile applications across sweet AND savory categories. Brown sugar also offers a complex balance of deep caramel/molasses notes with a hint of warm spice that lends itself well to both comfort foods AND innovative fusion trends.
While both Brown Sugar and the calming neutral brown of the color “Mocha Mousse” can offer consumers a sense of comfort, familiarity, nostalgia, etc., our team of flavor professionals have observed a contrasting trend recently with an uptick in demand for vibrant colors and bold flavors. 59% of consumers recognize that a visually appealing presentation improves overall taste perception. Because of this, we predict that unexpected, exotic flavors will also soar in 2025, driven by social media exposure. A few of our favorite bold flavor offerings include:
- Ube
- Boysenberry
- Blood Orange
- Calabrian Chili
- Dragonfruit
Other Popular Dessert-Inspired Flavors
In addition to Brown Sugar, we’ve identified the most classic dessert-inspired flavors that will likely never go out of style:
- Chocolate Brownie: A classic favorite, chocolate brownie flavor brings the rich, decadent taste of a beloved dessert to protein shakes and bars. It’s a perfect way to indulge without the guilt.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: This flavor adds a creamy, sweet touch to everything from yogurt to plant-based milk. It’s a versatile flavor that pairs well with many ingredients.
- Lemon Tart: The zesty and refreshing taste of lemon tart is making its way into sparkling waters and energy drinks. It’s a great way to enjoy a citrusy treat while staying hydrated.
- Cinnamon Roll: The warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon roll is being used in oatmeal and granola products. It’s a comforting way to start the day with a hint of sweetness.
- Strawberry Shortcake: This fruity and creamy flavor is perfect for smoothies and protein powders. It brings the taste of summer desserts to your daily routine.
Benefits of Dessert-Inspired Flavors
- Satisfying Cravings: These flavors help satisfy sweet cravings without the added sugars and calories of traditional desserts.
- Enhanced Enjoyment: They make healthy eating more enjoyable, encouraging people to stick to their dietary goals.
- Nostalgic Appeal: The familiar tastes of favorite desserts can evoke positive memories and emotions, making healthy products more appealing.
The integration of dessert-inspired flavors into “better-for-you” food and beverage products is a trend that’s here to stay. It offers a delicious solution for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. As this trend continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative flavors hit the market.
Flavor Insights
As the holiday season approaches, eggnog is one flavor that never fails to consistently make a festive comeback. This creamy, spiced beverage has been a holiday staple for centuries, but recent trends show that eggnog is evolving beyond its traditional roots. 2024 has been the year of embracing nostalgic flavors by using them in new & exciting ways.
Whether it be a novel flavor combination, an unexpected application, or modern format, eggnog possibilities are endless! Our team of flavor experts at Jogue look forward to helping you find the perfect eggnog solution this holiday season.
History of Eggnog
Eggnog’s origins can be traced back to medieval Britain, where it began as a hot, milky ale called posset. Over time, it evolved into the rich, egg-based drink we know today, becoming especially popular in America during the 18th century. Traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks, eggnog is often spiked with spirits like rum, brandy, or bourbon to add a festive kick.
Modern Twists on a Classic
While the classic eggnog recipe remains beloved, modern consumers are seeking new and innovative variations. Here are some of the latest trends in eggnog flavors:
- Pumpkin Spice Eggnog: Riding the wave of the pumpkin spice craze, this variation combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the creamy richness of eggnog. It’s a perfect blend for those who can’t get enough of fall flavors.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free Options: With the rise of plant-based diets, many brands are offering vegan eggnog made from almond, coconut, or oat milk. These versions often include traditional spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a cup of holiday cheer.
- Flavored Eggnogs: Beyond pumpkin spice, other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and even peppermint are making their way into eggnog. These variations cater to diverse palates and add a fun twist to the traditional drink. Dessert-inspired flavors have also been observed recently as consumer demand for small indulgences has increased. A few of our favorite examples include red velvet, carrot cake, and cookies n’ cream.
- Health-Conscious Choices: For those mindful of their calorie intake, low-fat and reduced-sugar eggnogs are becoming more popular. Brands like Bolthouse Farms offer lighter versions that still deliver on flavor without the guilt.
Eggnog in Unexpected Places
Eggnog’s versatility is also being showcased in various culinary creations. From eggnog-flavored ice cream and lattes to baked goods like cookies and cakes, this festive flavor is proving to be more than just a drink. Restaurants and cafes are incorporating eggnog into their seasonal menus, offering everything from eggnog pancakes to eggnog-infused cocktails.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that eggnog will continue to be a holiday favorite, but with exciting new twists. The trend towards innovative flavors and inclusive options ensures that eggnog remains relevant and beloved by all. Whether you prefer it spiked, vegan, or with a hint of pumpkin spice, we believe that there’s an eggnog out there for everyone!
Flavor Insights
Consumers are looking for easy, not ordinary. The desire for elegant culinary experiences that don’t require any extra time is driving the trend we have noticed in elegant savory flavor infusions this year. Especially with the holidays on the horizon, fragrant oils, herb-infused broths, and spiced spirits are more popular than ever.
Unexpected added flavors are a great way to transform any ordinary kitchen staple into something special to share with family and friends this season. Our team of flavor experts at Jogue have been working on projects related to elegant savory infused oils, broths, spirits, and more! In this report, we share a few of our favorite creations and offer infusion inspiration for 2025 products.
Cozy Comfort
The holidays always call for comforting flavors- we don’t make the rules! Our brain is wired to crave nostalgic sensations- taste being one of the most important. Flavors that are easy crowd-pleasers among all generations are sure to be as popular as ever this year.
One of our favorite tips to introduce new, global flavors into food and beverage products is to pair them with familiar, comforting flavors. For example, combining the robust, zesty flavors of galangal- a spice similar to ginger- with widely recognized herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and orange peel can work to expand culinary experiences while still offering the comforting flavors associated with the season. Comforting-yet-elevated flavor infusions include:
- Galangal Rosemary Infused Oil
- Garlic Lemongrass Infused Broth
- Truffle Infused Hot Sauce
- Cranberry Ginger Infused Vodka
- Lemon Basil Infused Oil
Spiced & Spicy
Complex spicy flavors & health-boosting spices are 2024 flavor trends that are here to stay for 2025. Spicy flavors are evolving beyond the simple heat of chili peppers while functional spices are perfect for those looking for foods that not only taste good but also offer health benefits.
We expect to see innovative combinations like spicy ice cream and gochujang-infused desserts hit grocery store shelves and restaurant menus in 2025. These adventurous pairings cater to consumers’ growing desire for unique and memorable culinary experiences. Within the past year, we have observed a huge spike in the popularity of novel pepper varieties- each one offering nuanced differences in flavor profile. The trend of mixing sweet and spicy, known as “swicy,” has also gained traction in the market since it makes spicy foods more approachable and enjoyable.
We also expect to see herbs & spices that have medicinal properties like turmeric, ginger, peppermint, chili pepper, ashwagandha, amla, and cinnamon become more widely used in food & beverage items in the upcoming year. A few of our favorite complex heat or functional flavor infusions include:
- Calabrian Chili Infused Oil
- Turmeric Infused Milk
- Ashwagandha Infused Coffee
- Black Lime Cayenne Chili Infused Broth
- Aleppo Chili Oil
References:
https://foodinstitute.com/focus/2024-trends-to-watch-bold-soups-spices-and-global-flavors/
https://www.kerry.com/insights/kerrydigest/2024/2025-food-beverage-taste-trends.html
https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/spicy-foods/
https://www.wasserstrom.com/blog/2024/01/23/trending-spices-2024/
Flavor Insights
The use of sweet & salty flavors such as Salted Caramel, Salted Maple and Salted Brown Butter threatens to overtake traditional fall favorites such as Cinnamon, Clove and Nutmeg.
The trend is clear. The irresistible combination of sweet and salty appeals to children and adults alike and stirs the same nostalgic feelings of the more traditional warm spices. This report highlights the trend and why sweet and salty flavors should be in your LTO offerings.
The Science of Cravings
Our brain is wired to seek out flavors that provide a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Sweet and salty flavors hit the mark perfectly. The sweetness triggers a release of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, while the saltiness enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable. This combination creates a complex sensory experience that is hard to resist.
These types of sweet & salty foods are lovingly referred to as “comfort foods” for this reason! As the weather gets colder, summer vacation plans come and go, and family gatherings become more frequent, comfort foods are the first thing most of us turn to.
While warm spices evoke memories of cozy holidays and family gatherings, sweet and salty flavors tap into a different kind of nostalgia. Think of the joy of eating salted maple candy at the outdoor ice skating rink or the simple pleasure of chocolate-covered pretzels at a holiday party. These flavors tend to remind us of fun, carefree moments, providing a sense of comfort and happiness that is especially appealing in the fall.
Sweet & Salty Versatility
Sweet and salty flavors offer incredible versatility in Food & Beverage products. From gourmet salted caramel desserts to innovative savory snacks with a hint of sweetness, this flavor profile is permeating the seasonal LTO market in exciting ways this year. The Salty Sweet flavor trend allows for creativity and innovation, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Several key players in the industry- such as Krispy Kreme, Post Holdings, and J.M. Smucker Co.’s Hostess Brand- are using the Salty Sweet trend as a replacement for traditional spice-forward seasonal products this year. Since 2017, global salted caramel product introductions have increased by 78%, backed by consumer demand. A few new Salty Sweet products launched this Fall include:
- Honey Bunches of Oats Salted Caramel Cereal
- Hostess Maple Glazed Donettes
- Torani Salted Honey Butter Syrup
- Zevia Salted Caramel Better-For-You Soda
- Krispy Kreme Maple Buttercreme & Salted Caramel Cheesecake Doughnuts
- Starbucks Salted Brown Butter Topping
References:
https://foodinstitute.com/consumerinsights/3-fall-flavors-poised-to-surpass-pumpkin-spice-in-popularity/
https://www.mccormickfona.com/articles/2023/12/flavor-insight-report—salted-caramel
https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/ingredients-reports/flavour-trends-whats-hot-in-bakery-in-2024/689801.article
Flavor Insights
A 2024 survey of 2,000 American adults revealed that 58% of respondents reported that they would choose alternative Fall flavors over pumpkin spice, and 45% reported fatigue with pumpkin spice flavored food & beverage products. Have we finally hit the point of pumpkin spice overkill?
The top 3 ranked Fall flavors in a survey by Talker Research were revealed to be candy apple, cinnamon, and salted caramel. Although pumpkin spice still gets the honorable mention at spot #4, is apple the new pumpkin spice?
Apple Spice
Apple spice is the perfect way to hit 2 out of the 3 flavors deemed to be most sought after for the upcoming 2024 Fall season. The combination of a sweet, tart apple with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blends seamlessly to rival pumpkin spice.
Starbucks has introduced new apple-themed drinks like the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai and the returning Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. These drinks bring a fresh twist to the traditionally pumpkin-spice-dominant fall flavor lineup. Cracker Barrel is also following suit to overcome the “pumpkin spice fatigue” with apple-based menu items such as their Granny Smith Apple Mimosa, Granny Smith Apple Tea, Signature Fried Apple French Toast Bake, & the Southern Apple Cobbler.
Other new food and beverage items that have been announced to launch this season include:
- Planter’s Apple Cider Donut Cashews
- My Mochi Apple Pie a la Mode Ice Cream
- Salt & Straw Black Currant Apple Cider Ice Cream
- Tim Horton’s Caramel Apple Latte
- HTeaO’s Dirty Chai Apple Crisp Tea
- Cinnaholic’s Apple Crisp Cinnamon Roll
- Jimmy John’s Caramel Apple Smoothie
Array of Apple
This year more than ever, new apple varieties are taking over. Not only does this peak consumer interest in the market, but apple innovation has also resulted in exciting new flavors and eating experiences. Apple growers are prioritizing varietal variety and flexibility for the 2024/2025 harvest season. The newest apple varieties include:
- Lemonade – Described as a yellow-skinned apple with a balanced sweet, tangy flavor profile.
- SnapDragon – As it’s name implies, this ultra crispy apple is described to be very sweet with vanilla and melon undertones.
- EverCrisp – Described as ultra-sweet with corn syrup, floral, and honey flavors.
Additionally, classic apple-based recipes are inspiring a new array of apple flavored food and beverage products. A survey conducted by Hormel identified that 46% of consumers are planning to purchase an autumn-flavored food or beverage item this Fall season. Of many choices given, “Apple Cider” was among the most popular. Experts predict that this will continue to drive consumer flavor preferences in favor of dynamic apple-inspired flavors over straightforward “apple”. A few apple-based flavor combinations we predict will trend this season include:
- Caramel Apple
- Cheddar Apple
- Apple Cider
- Cinnamon Roll Apple
- Peanut Butter Apple
References:
https://plasticcontainercity.com/blog/post/crave-the-autumn-wave-2024s-breakout-bakery-trends
Datassential Insider Fall Index, 2024 3 SNAP! Datassential, 2024
https://foodinstitute.com/consumerinsights/3-fall-flavors-poised-to-surpass-pumpkin-spice-in-popularity/#:~:text=The%20survey%20results%20revealed%20that%20three%20fall%20flavors,favoring%20salted%20caramel%20and%2036%25%20choosing%20candy%20apple.
https://talker.news/2024/08/12/is-pumpkin-spices-reign-over/
Flavor Insights
Traditional breakfast flavors are overflowing into desserts, snacks, and even beverages in 2024. Whether this is a result of consumers craving the nostalgia that comes along with waking up to the smell of pancakes and bacon as a child or the instant serotonin boost that comes with the first sip of coffee in the morning, we’ve noticed an increased amount of breakfast-flavored foods & beverages hitting the shelves this year!
Since these flavors have bled into almost every category of the Food & Beverage Industry, breakfast flavors have seemed to become normalized for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, dessert… you name it. In fact, #breakfastfordinner has over 165M views on TikTok (and counting!) Stay ahead of the trend by incorporating a few of our premium breakfast-inspired flavors into your product today!
Revolutionizing Tradition
Leisurely making eggs, bacon, and pancakes while sipping coffee in the morning before work is no longer the norm. Busy lifestyles and demanding schedules have many of today’s consumers now looking for quick, healthy breakfast options that still deliver flavors that are reminiscent of a slow Sunday morning.
Ready-to-eat foods are the closest alternative to a traditional breakfast meal for working professionals.
Because of this, pre-packaged foods that still deliver flavors similar to breakfast classics have become increasingly popular this year. Healthier, better-for-you CPG products have gained traction in the market as consumers prioritize wellness while also craving their old breakfast habits:
- Cinnamon Roll Protein Bar
- Fruity Cereal Protein Shakes
- Glazed Donut Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer
- Maple Sea Salt Granola
- Caramel Macchiato Protein Powder
Breakfast, Made Indulgent
On top of disguising breakfast flavors in healthier, better-for-you snacks, they have also overflowed into decadent foods & beverages. Elevating breakfast flavors by throwing them into desserts & indulgent beverages has not only sparked a significant amount of consumer interest but also changed consumer perception on choosing comforting breakfast flavors at any time of day!
- Maple Bacon Ice Cream
- Cinnamon Roll Irish Cream
- Espresso Dark Chocolate Truffles
- Blueberry Donut Cookies
- Fruity Pebbles Jellybeans
Coffee Concerns
Coffee is a classic flavor often associated with breakfast. Today, coffee is featured in food & beverage products across multiple categories due to its range of complex flavor profiles. Some coffee beans offer a robust earthy, nutty flavor while others carry vibrant citrus notes. However, due to recent price increases for this commodity, manufacturers of coffee flavored products may need to consider supplementing real coffee beans with coffee type flavors to keep profit margins in check.
Coffee prices are higher than they have been since the 1970’s due to several compounding factors. These include a widespread Summer drought in Vietnam and Brazil, European policy changes, and increased demand for coffee in markets like China. Many coffee brands such as Folgers, Blue Bottle, Café Bustelo, and Pret A Manger have already implemented price increases this month as a result.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to your Jogue sales rep today to ask about our custom range of coffee extracts & flavors.
References:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cup-coffee-already-expensive-even-110014980.html
https://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2023/11/06/Defiant-consumer-choice-drives-flavour-and-colour-trends-in-2024
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