According to Flavorchem, there will be a strong dichotomy as consumers will strive to balance health and indulgence in the coming year.

“This shift reflects a more personalized approach to wellness and purpose-driven ingredients addressing diverse health goals. At the same time, consumers are embracing indulgent, feel-good products for comfort, while growing an appetite for culinary exploration fuels interest in global flavors and elevated taste experiences,” the company said.

Food and beverage trends that Flavorchem identified for the coming year include:

• Liquid Wellness: The next wave of functional beverages will spotlight purpose-driven ingredients targeting specific wellness goals, such as cognitive support, enhanced hydration, and skin health. Beverage brands are incorporating performance-enhancing botanicals to support mental well-being, advanced electrolyte blends for all-day hydration, and marine collagen to support skin vitality and beauty from within.
• Feel Good Food: Consumers are embracing small indulgences to uplift mood and find comfort in everyday moments, recognizing the broad benefits of treating themselves. Brands are modernizing nostalgic flavors, including childhood favorites, comfort foods, vintage drinks, and traditional sweets into playful new formats. Indulgent flavors are also merging with functional ingredients like superfoods, plant-based proteins, and adaptogens.
• Craft Gourmand: a renewed enthusiasm for cooking is fueling a wave of innovative product launches that cater to the growing desire for luxury in everyday meals, incorporating premium ingredients like truffle oil, exotic spices, and specialty oils, along with embracing an artisanal approach, that has become a staple in home cooking. Emerging international flavors like unique global peppers and Korean cuisine, are becoming mainstream as consumers seek global tastes at home.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11:00 a.m. CST, FlavorChem experts will reveal more details of the top food and beverage trends which will emerge in the coming years, and offer an exclusive look into this year’s forecast. Visitors can sign up for the event here.