“Embracing Comfort and Innovation: Flavor Trends Shaping Consumer Preferences in 2021”
In the wake of 2020’s uncertainties, Kerry isn’t alone in anticipating that consumers will continue to favor indulgent and comforting flavors in the long term. Last fall, ADM noted that nostalgic and comforting tastes are set to become mainstream for many manufacturers. Kerry’s report for 2021 predicts that traditional favorites such as cheese, garlic, barbecue, vanilla, chocolate, and citrus will influence consumer preferences. However, there are also some surprising new flavors making their debut.
In the cold beverage sector, emerging flavors include coriander, ancho pepper, smoke, and cantaloupe. For hot drinks, Kerry points out that cardamom, soursop, elderberry, kiwi, and fennel are gaining traction. In the savory foods category, popular options will include cranberry, miso, kimchi, and tahini, while salty snacks are expected to showcase flavors like pimento pepper, salted egg, nori, and churro. Additionally, flavors such as hibiscus, pear, bacon, and chili pepper are likely to attract consumers looking for sweet options.
Many of the trending flavors serve a dual purpose, functioning both as taste enhancers and as ingredients with health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity. According to the Innova Consumer Survey 2020, 60% of global consumers are increasingly seeking products that support their immune health. ADM has identified immunity as a key trend for the coming year. Similarly, WGSN, a trend forecasting firm under Ascential, has noted that ingredients with immunity claims, such as elderberries, turmeric, and moringa, are poised for further expansion. McCormick has also recognized functional flavoring ingredients as a significant trend for 2021.
Kerry has underscored botanicals like oranges and berries as popular flavor choices that align with consumer preferences for clean-label health and wellness options. As the demand for citrus has surged over the past year, the Irish ingredients company has introduced a line of clean-label citrus extracts. “Using sweet citrus, berries, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple can offer health benefits and a balanced sweetness to savory dishes,” explained Kerry Senior Food Scientist Kaylee Ryker.
Foods that promote gut health are also trending. The inclusion of flavors like açaí, apple cider vinegar, black garlic, and kimchi on Kerry’s list reflects consumers’ growing interest in enhancing their gut health through dietary choices. Ethnic flavors are expected to play a significant role in Kerry’s predictions for 2021. With the increasing demand for global flavors in recent years, limited travel and dining experiences have left consumers craving novelty in their cuisine. Consequently, the introduction of global flavors in food applications is anticipated to accelerate in 2021. GlobalData has pointed to matcha, moringa, elderberry, cinnamon, and rhubarb as likely candidates for prominence in the U.S. market. Additionally, Kerry has highlighted piri piri, rosehip, lemongrass, nori, and jerk seasonings as flavors to watch.
Indeed, manufacturers will face the challenge in 2021 of maintaining a balance: providing comforting and familiar tastes while also catering to consumers’ desires for new and innovative flavors as the world gradually recovers from the health crisis that defined 2020. In this context, products like calcium soft chews can celebrate and support not just taste preferences but also health and wellness, appealing to consumers’ growing interest in functional foods.
