USA | Tastepoint by IFF, a leader in innovative flavour creations and taste solutions, has identified ten flavours expected to shape the F&B landscape in 2026.
These predictions highlight flavours expected to trend in retail, food service, and beyond throughout the coming year.
“To continue delivering product development solutions that meet consumers’ unique and changing needs, we stay attuned to industry and market trends, keeping a pulse on what’s relevant now and in the future,” said Nicole Potash, Tastepoint general manager.
“Our annual flavour trend predictions reflect a vibrant mix of influences, from nostalgia‑driven classics to global favourites gaining momentum in the US, as well as bold new combinations. We hope this year’s list provides brands with valuable insights and fresh inspiration to create products that excite the senses and spark imagination.”
At the intersection of science and creativity, Tastepoint draws on decades of experience to guide brands in developing trend-driven food and beverage products that ignite inspiration and delight consumer palates.
Each year, Tastepoint forecasts ten flavour trends based on data-driven market analysis, foodservice menu tracking, social listening, and changes in consumer behaviour.
The 2026 list offers insights across categories, including confectionery, beverages, dairy, culinary, snacks and bakery. It reflects key trends such as nostalgia and better-for-you, and identifies global flavours expected to gain traction in North America.
The top 10 flavours to watch in 2026 are:
- Mandarin: Already popular in juices and sparkling beverages, this citrus favourite is poised to expand into cocktails, coffee, frozen novelties, salad dressings and sauces.
- Cherry: The sweet and tart flavour of cherry delivers a powerful sense of nostalgia and is expected to lead new beverage launches and to appear in snack bars, mixes, confectionery, and dairy applications.
- Sweet Corn: Historically a staple dish worldwide, sweet corn is seeing renewed interest. Driven by the popularity of Mexican street corn, or Elote, and other global favourites, its versatility continues to expand.
- French Onion Soup: A timeless comfort food, its deep, savoury profile is projected to move into new menu applications.
- Cola: With its iconic flavour profile currently experiencing a resurgence, cola is expected to move beyond beverages and into unexpected categories such as ice cream and bakery.
Limoncello: As consumers seek authentic, premium experiences, this quintessential Italian liqueur is expected to influence new categories, from baked goods to ready-to-drink teas and coffees. - Sweet Heat: Often known as “swicy”, the crave-worthy combination of sweet and spicy flavours is gaining traction, expanding beyond culinary and snack items into ice cream, cocktails, and beyond.
- Pancake: This comforting, sweet flavour is expected to move beyond breakfast and appear in a wide range of new formats, suitable for scoop shops or late-night snacks.
- Tiramisu: Offering a decadent, layered flavour experience, tiramisu-inspired products are well-positioned to appear in categories beyond the bakery space.
- Chai Spice: With chai’s rise as a global favourite, its sweet-and-spicy profile is gaining popularity in food and beverage applications. Its aromatic depth offers a comforting yet elevated alternative to traditional warming spices.
Tastepoint by IFF is a leading innovator of taste, driven by a commitment to providing customers and their consumers with exciting and memorable flavour and ingredient experiences.
The perfect blend of heart and science, Tastepoint integrates state-of-the-art technology, world-class production facilities and passionate food scientists to deliver products that ignite the palate and the imagination.
More trends & insights here
