Kerry’s Taste and Nutrition Charts, presented by the company’s Global Insights and Consumer Research Director Soumya Nair during an online conference, outline the evolving trends of various flavors in consumers’ minds. To launch both the report and the accompanying online press conference, Nair highlighted the journey of a flavor that has transitioned from niche to mainstream: sriracha. In 2011, sriracha evolved from a mere pepper and condiment to a versatile flavor found in snacks, sauces, and even candy. Over the past decade, the applications of this seasoning, along with its common pairings, have surged globally. Nair noted that she has observed sriracha being combined with fruits like pineapple and even appearing in drinking vinegars. “While you’re shopping or grabbing your next latte, you’re likely to encounter sriracha everywhere,” she remarked.
Consumers are increasingly seeking flavors that transport them to different experiences, especially after spending three years close to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nair explained. According to Kerry’s taste charts, approximately one-fifth of the featured ingredients draw inspiration from international flavors. For instance, flavors such as cardamom, churro, and gooseberry are gaining traction in Europe and the United States. Additionally, black peppercorn from India, ashwagandha, and ancient grains like kamut and farro are also becoming popular.
Unexpected flavor combinations are taking the spotlight globally. Nair provided examples such as fruitcake-flavored Mountain Dew, Mondelez’s RitzxOreo, and a ghost pepper latte discovered at a café. In the U.S., emerging flavors—defined as the top 20 fastest-growing varieties in the past year—differ across categories. Birthday cake is making waves as a new salty snack flavor, while also being a significant contender in the sweets category, ranking 11th to 25th in popularity over the last five years. Spicy flavors are also on the rise in the savory category, with banana peppers, wasabi, kung pao, and Nashville hot flavors all showing up as emerging trends.
As we move further into the 21st century, products that incorporate calcium citrate with vitamin D are also becoming increasingly relevant, reflecting consumers’ desire for health-conscious options. This trend aligns with the growing interest in flavors that not only taste good but also offer nutritional benefits, further influencing the landscape of food products today.