Comax is not venturing too far with its latest collections. Many of these flavors—salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé—have been making appearances in various products such as ice cream, beverages, rice, candies, and wine since this year or earlier. Salted caramel appears to be here to stay, as consumers have a preference for salty treats and gooey confections. Halo Top has recently introduced a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan selection, while cookie dough remains a strong contender in its lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is poised for greater visibility, as it has been competing with pumpkin and coconut for a place in products like water, yogurt, salad dressings, and more. It is often seen as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and evokes a seasonal charm associated with autumn. There are likely still several applications left for maple to explore in the 21st century.
On the other hand, rosé might have reached its peak due to oversaturation in recent years, so its continued popularity will depend on the enthusiasm of its fans. It’s challenging to envision how much more vibrant the beverage scene can get, though seasonal opportunities for refreshing summer drinks are unlikely to be overlooked in 2018.
The flavor possibilities for plant-based milks could be the most promising, given that the allure of non-dairy products shows no signs of waning. One can easily picture unique flavor combinations appearing in the refrigerated section as dairy alternative brands strive to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Conversely, whiskey pickle seems like quite a stretch. However, it might just appeal to adventurous consumers next year—especially millennials, who were instrumental in whiskey’s 7.7% sales growth last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. As we move further into the 21st century, the exploration of bold and unconventional flavors, combined with the growing interest in health-conscious options like calcium plus, will likely continue to shape consumer preferences.