Flavor Trends We're Watching in 2022

Emerging Flavor Trends in Functional Beverages and Supplements for 2022

Flavors matter. They generate emotions that can endear your products to consumers. The right flavor can take consumers on a mini-vacation or remind them of a personal experience. Consider a flavor like Tahitian Lime. Consumers aren’t just sipping a lime drink; they’re also daydreaming of warm weather and sandy beaches. 

As more consumers seek out products that can offer them a taste adventure, manufacturers must continue to explore new flavors that will delight the senses. Here’s a look at some of the emerging flavor trends in functional beverages and supplements on our watchlist. These are flavors we’ve encountered that have satisfied and surprised our senses!

Intriguing Flavors We’re Loving in Functional Waters and Kombuchas

"Now more than ever consumers are looking for a memorable experience when consuming food and beverages. Whether it's a sense of nostalgia or a sense of exploration, don't underestimate the impact of both unique and familiar flavors." -Brooke Rosenthal, Product Strategic Manager, Flavors, Glanbia Nutritionals

Our Watchlist:

• Coconut Citrus
• Raspberry Guava Jackfruit 
• Acai Pomegranate
• Spicy Black Cherry
• Citrus Mint
• Cucumber Pear
• Raspberry Lemonade
• Apple Grape Sage
• Peach Mango Basil
• Strawberry Milk Thistle
• Turmeric Cardamom
• Strawberry Hibiscus
• Raspberry Ginger

Glanbia Nutritionals’ Tips for Flavoring Protein Waters 

• To overcome astringency and off notes when adding protein to a high acid beverage, choose a strong, bright flavor like tropical fruit or grape to mask these issues.
• Another strategy is to use a flavor that naturally contains astringency (like hibiscus) or tartness (like blood orange).
• If the formula still needs a little help, try Glanbia Nutritionals’ MaskWell^TM Masking Solutions to neutralize remaining off notes so the profile flavors can shine through.

Fascinating Flavors We’re Finding in Sparkling Waters and Sodas 

"Flavors that are connected to nature can impart a sense of refreshment, especially when used in beverages. Pairing a classic flavor with an element of nature and topping it off with a bubbling sensation can provide a layered experience that leaves consumers wanting more. Try including a delicious Blood Orange Basil flavor in a sparkling beverage for a sensational twist." -Brooke Rosenthal, Product Strategic Manager, Flavors, Glanbia Nutritionals

Our Watchlist:

• Blood Orange
• Cucumber Chamomile
• Lemon Elderberry
• Ginger Mint
• Honey Lavender
• Grapefruit Hibiscus
• Raspberry Ginger
• Sicilian Lemon
• Tahitian Lime
• Tangerine
• Watermelon
• Ginger Acai
• Elderflower 

Glanbia Nutritionals’ Tip for Flavoring Functional Sparkling Beverages

• If you want to add functionality to your sparkling water or soda (like natural energy or vitamins), you can. Just include a custom masking agent to conceal any new off notes and bring the flavors consumers crave to life.

Enticing Flavors We’re Spotting in Gummies 

“While gummy flavors are well grounded in traditional fruit flavors like berry, cherry, and orange, we are excited to see more exotic, vibrant fruity flavors and alluring floral and tea flavors. We’ve been watching interesting flavor combinations like fruits and teas and exotic and familiar fruit pairings which seem to be gaining popularity.” -Niki Kennedy, Senior Marketing Manager, Glanbia Nutritionals

Our Watchlist:

• Goji Berry
• Plum
• Berry Tangerine
• Elderberry
• Acai
• Berry Yuzu
• Cranberry
• Tropical Mango
• Coconut Lime
• Grapefruit Melon
• Margarita
• Champagne
• Rosé 

Glanbia Nutritionals’ Tip for Flavoring Gummies with Feelings

• The unique flavoring challenges of gummies can require an innovative approach. Besides MaskWell^TM Masking Solutions, add a StimuFlav^® Flavor to evoke new senses like warming, cooling, and tingling and distract from any mineral off notes. Sensations can even reinforce product benefits—like warming for fat burning or cooling for refreshment.

Our Flavor Watchlist Takeaways

With consumers becoming increasingly comfortable with adventurous flavors and flavor blends, here are some key themes to inspire flavor choices for your next products:

• Expanded Tropical Fruits
  • E.g., guava, jackfruit, and Asian pear
• Floral Flavors
  • E.g., elderflower, hibiscus, and rose
• Botanical Flavors 
  • E.g., sage, cardamom, and turmeric
• Fruit Flavors with an Additional Descriptor
  • E.g., black currant, Tahitian lime, and tropical coconut 
• Novel Flavor Combinations
  • E.g., raspberry guava jackfruit

At Glanbia Nutritionals, we understand the flavor challenges in developing nutritional products that taste delicious—especially products fortified with protein, vitamins, or minerals. Collaborate with us and watch our flavor chemists and R&D scientists create the perfect flavor for your product. This can help differentiate your product in the market, lead to brand loyalty, and increase your profitability. 

Learn more about our flavor solutions and capabilities and stay tuned to learn about our even more robust flavor solutions and expertise through Foodarom flavors!