2026 Trends

Macrotrends to inspire innovation

Connecting the latest macrotrends to product development inspiration.

search
A better us
world
Borderless Taste
face
A Growing Palate
flavor
Toying with Emotions
Off-base
A little off-base
search

A better us

We all strive for self-improvement, so let’s start with what sustains us. From organic offerings to clean and clear labels, sustainable packaging and beyond, the food industry is adapting to consumer demand for more personalized and sustainable options.

  • Plant Based Ingredients
  • Personalized Nutrition
  • Sustainability
  • Functionality
world

Borderless Taste

Taste has gotten bigger as the world has gotten smaller. Thanks to improvements in global communication along with consumers’ access to exotic ingredients, cooking techniques and recipes, the flavors of the world are more available than ever.

  • Regional & Varietal Flavors
  • Regional & Functional Ingredients
  • Culture Inspired
face

A Growing Palate

Basic taste has grown up. Flavor profiles that were once avoided or thought too niche for large brands have surprised the market and found commercial success. Taste profiles like bitter, sour and umami, that were once an afterthought, are now part of the discussion in new product development.

  • Fermentation
  • Sugar Replacement / Reduction
  • Complex Profiles
flavor

Toying with Emotions

Online culture and social media have changed the way consumers are interacting with food. Food and drinks with emotional, visual or creative appeal are flooding social media, and in return expanding into foodservice and landing in retail spaces.

  • Mystery Flavors
  • Retro Inspired
  • Beauty Based
  • Mood Enhancement
Off-base

A little off-base

As functionality continues to change the food and beverage landscape, it has carved an expanding path of consumer flavor interaction and acceptance. The rise of “alternative” products has evolved flavor masking into flavor mimicking finding flavor optimization to fill in the gaps of new products.

  • Masking
  • Mimicking Flavors
  • Encapsulation
  • Unique Bases
The following concepts are intended for inspiration only. Collaborate with Flavor Producers to bring your formulation ideas to life.

CHANGING TASTES & RAISING SPIRITS

Consumer taste profiles are adapting, and products are responding with new flavor profiles, amplified attributes and new bases.

search
A Better Us

Alcohol Alternative
Organic Flavors

face
A Growing Palate

Complexity of Taste
Bitter & Sweet Flavors
Botanical Flavors

world
Borderless Taste

Cultural Influence
Regional Taste

flavor
Toying with Emotions

Twisted Familiarity
Less Inhibitions
Natural Sweeteners

SICILIAN COLD BREW SHANDY

  • Organic Italian Roast Coffee Extract (95% organic)
  • Organic Cold Percolated Coffee Extract (95% organic)
  • Organic Flavor Blend (Meyer Lemon Type) (95% organic)
  • Organic Black Cherry Flavor WONF

Nature’s Shimmer Hard Seltzer

  • Natural Raspberry Flavor WONF
  • Organic Bay Leaf Essence Isōz®

Italian Lemon Blackberry Bay Spritz

  • Natural Italian Lemon Flavor WONF
  • Natural Blackberry Flavor WONF
  • Organic Bay Leaf Essence Isōz®

Elderberry Gin Kombu Cider

  • Organic Flavor Blend Elderberry Flavor WONF
  • Organic Flavor Blend Gin Navy Type
  • Organic Juniper Berry Flavor WONF

Concepts displayed are for inspiration.

PLANT-BASED INGREDIENT SWAPS

We can help you overcome the unique challenges of developing food and beverage products with plant-based alternatives.

search
A Better Us

Plant-based Flavors
De-sugared Juice
Low Calorie

face
A Growing Palate

Complexity of Taste
Botanical Flavors

flavor
Toying with Emotions

Vibrant Flavors
Fun Indulgence
Beauty Based

Off-base
A Little Off-Base

Masking
Mimicking Flavors
Unique Bases

Strawberry Pineapple Guava Sparkling Water

  • Organic Flavor Blend (Modifier Type) (≥95% Organic Content)
  • Organic Strawberry Flavor WONF (≥95% Organic Content)
  • Organic Pineapple Flavor WONF (≥95% Organic Content)
  • Organic Flavor Blend (Guava Type) (≥95% Organic Content)

Seeded Matcha Green Tea Bites

  • Organic Passionfruit Flavor WONF
  • Organic Ginger Flavor WONF

RUBY POMEGRANATE ELDERBERRY CHOCOLATE BARK

  • Organic Flavor Blend (Pomegranate Elderberry Type) (95% Organic) 

Blueberry Pie Plant Based Frozen Dessert

  • Natural Blueberry Flavor WONF
  • Natural Flavor Blend (Pie Crust Type)

Concepts displayed are for inspiration.

Remembering to smile

Consumer’s interest in fun flavors is not just reserved for unhealthy treats. Functional products are embracing these types of profiles to make being healthy less mundane.

face
A Growing Palate

Fermented Notes
Complexity
Savory & Sweet Flavors

Off-base
A Little Off Base

Functional Masking
Taste Optimization

search
A Better Us

Organic Ingredients
Personalized Nutrition
Functional Ingredients

world
Borderless Taste

Cultural Influence
Regional Taste
Tropical Flavors

BLACK MAGIC AIR POPPED POPCORN

  • Organic Black Garlic Flavor WONF (95% Organic Content)
  • Organic Honey Flavor WONF (95% Organic Content)
  • Organic Flavor Blend (Butter Type) (95% Organic Content)

WILD BERRY WELLNESS GUMMIES

  • Natural Mixed Berry Flavor WONF
  • Natural Flavor Blend (Supplement Modifier Type)

Brain Brew

  • Organic Chocolate (Semi Sweet) Flavor WONF
  • Organic Flavor Blend (Hazelnut Type)
  • Organic Coffee (Espresso Type) Flavor WONF

Jackfruit Jerky

  • Organic Ginger Flavor WONF
  • Organic Lime Flavor WONF
  • Organic Pineapple Flavor
  • Organic Flavor Blend (Soy Sauce Type)

Concepts displayed are for inspiration.

Refinement for a growing palate

Pushing into new territory, manufacturers are sprinkling in savory and botanical elements in their products to add flavor complexity and intrigue to the category.

search
A Better Us

Functional Ingredients
Plant-based Ingredients
Personalized Nutrition
Tasteful Technologies™

face
A Growing Palate

Complexity of Taste
Botanical Flavors
Amplified Attributes

search
Borderless Taste

Culture Inspired
Unexpected Flavors

Off-base
A Little Off-Base

Unique Bases
Mimicking Flavors

WATERMELON HIBISCUS BEVERAGE

  • Organic Flavor Blend (Modifier Type) 
  • Organic Hibiscus (Margarita Type) Flavor 
  • Organic Watermelon Flavor WONF

Smoked Peach Coffee

  • Natural Flavor Blend (Spiced Cherrywood Smoke Type)
  • Natural Peach Flavor WONF

Charred Pineapple Rum Plant Based Frozen Dessert

  • Natural Pineapple Flavor WONF
  • Natural Flavor Blend (Dark Rum Type)
  • Natural Sugar (Burnt Type) Flavor WONF

Orange Blossom Scone

  • Natural Bourbon Vanilla 2x Extract
  • Natural Orange Extract WONF

Concepts displayed are for inspiration.

Partners in
Sustainability

Learn More
National Forest Foundation
Upcycled Food
Thank you!