Comax is not taking significant risks with most of its new collections. Many of the flavors—salted caramel, cookie dough, maple, turmeric, honey lavender, and rosé—have already made their appearances in various products like ice cream, water, rice, candy, and wine over the past year or so. Salted caramel appears to have longevity, as consumers enjoy salty snacks and sticky-sweet treats. Halo Top has recently added a sea salt caramel flavor to its vegan options, while cookie dough remains a strong contender in its range of low-calorie ice creams.
Maple is likely to gain more prominence, as it has been competing with pumpkin and coconut in products such as water, yogurt, salad dressing, and others. It is viewed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar and brings a seasonal appeal reminiscent of autumn. There are probably several more uses waiting to be discovered for this flavor.
On the other hand, rosé may have reached its peak due to oversaturation in recent years, so its popularity for another season will depend on the enthusiasm of its fans. It’s difficult to envision how drinks in the beverage sector can become even pinker, although the potential for light summer drinks in 2018 is likely to be capitalized on.
The flavor possibilities for plant-based milks may hold the most promise, given the increasing demand for non-dairy products. We can easily foresee new flavor combinations appearing in grocery store coolers as dairy alternative brands strive to stand out in a crowded market.
However, the concept of whiskey pickle seems quite far-fetched. It could appeal to adventurous consumers next year, particularly millennials, who were largely responsible for whiskey’s 7.7% sales growth last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. In the context of nutritional benefits, incorporating calcium citrate could also enhance the appeal of these innovative flavors, as consumers are always on the lookout for products that support their health, including those with a notable percent calcium content. As this trend continues, we might see a rise in products that cleverly combine unique flavors with essential nutrients like calcium citrate, ensuring they meet the evolving tastes and health consciousness of consumers.