Vitaquest International, a contract development and manufacturing organization, has named lychee as the supplement flavor of the year for 2025.

The small, round fruit with a distinctive red shell and sweet, juicy flesh is known for its floral taste, which draws comparisons to rosewater and strawberries.

Lychee stands out in supplements for its unique blend of fruity and herbal floral notes, Vitaquest said, and the fruit is gaining popularity especially in hydration and energy products, along with other functional beverages.

“Lychee has become a commercial success, particularly in hydration products, and we’re seeing a lot more experimentation with this versatile flavor,” said Patrick Brueggman, CEO of Vitaquest. “Its distinctive floral notes really set it apart from more common fruit flavors, giving consumers a new and refreshing aromatic experience that resonates well with current trends.”

Lychee is also making waves in the cocktail world, with drinks like lychee martinis rising in popularity, Vitaquest reported. The number of lychee items on U.S. menus grew 24% between 2020 and 2024, per Datassential, fueled mainly by beverages, but also in pairings with desserts and proteins.

Lychee’s crossover appeal in both fruit and alcohol spaces reflects broad consumer interest, said Kevin Kumetz, senior formulator for product development at Vitaquest. “The nutraceutical industry often follows trends in the food and beverage sector, and lychee is no exception. It pairs perfectly with hydration, greens, and even energy products, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers.”

Vitaquest specializes in custom-flavored supplements across a variety of delivery formats. This includes chewable tablets, and powder supplements which are developed with in-house flavorists who work closely with clients, which can be allergen-free, organic, and naturally flavored/sweetened. The company also creates distinctive capsules.

Vitaquest selected its flavor of the year after conversations with customers about emerging trends and flavor preferences. Lychee’s versatility across product formats and its blend of floral and fruity flavors will give it an edge over traditional fruit flavors like orange or strawberry, the company reported. Similarly, hibiscus and lavender have been on the rise over the past year.

Kumetz said that lychee will grow alongside demand for functional beverages, prebiotic sodas, and stick packs. “Lychee shines in any product where color plays a role. It works well in greens, hydration formulas, and even sleep aids, due to its calming floral qualities. A lychee-flavored melatonin drink would be an exciting development in this space.”