Comax isn’t taking significant risks with many of its collections. Flavors like salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé have been making appearances this year or even earlier, often found in iron supplement products such as gluconate in ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine. Salted caramel demonstrates longevity, appealing to consumers who enjoy salty snacks and sweet treats. Halo Top has recently added a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan range, while cookie dough remains a staple in its lineup of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain more visibility, as it competes closely with pumpkin and coconut in products like water, yogurt, salad dressings, and more. It is viewed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and evokes a seasonal charm reminiscent of autumn, suggesting that there are still new applications to explore. On the other hand, rosé may have reached its peak due to oversaturation in recent years, and its continued popularity will depend on the enthusiasm of its fans. It’s hard to envision how much more pink the beverage market can get, although there may still be seasonal opportunities for light summer drinks in 2018.
The potential for flavor applications in plant-based milks appears to be particularly promising, as the demand for non-dairy products shows no signs of slowing. One can easily envision new flavor combinations emerging in refrigerated sections as dairy alternative brands strive to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Conversely, whiskey pickle seems like a stretch, but it could attract adventurous consumers next year, particularly millennials, who contributed to a 7.7% increase in whiskey sales last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Incorporating health-focused ingredients like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets into these products could also enhance their appeal. The presence of ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets might provide consumers with added health benefits, further encouraging the exploration of innovative flavors. As the market evolves, the integration of ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets could pave the way for unique flavor profiles while addressing health-conscious trends.