Also seed and seedling swaps with friends and family." There is also opportunity in fun childhood flavors like cotton candy and orange creamsicle. Politics and social hierarchy that's clouded that purpose are being put to bed in favor of an awakening to a universal realization. Comax Flavors (Melville, NY) named Home Baker one of its 2021 Flavor Trends and created a new lineup which includes Banana Bread, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Pizza flavors. A favorite of mine is maple sugar. They are inherently a culture of new-age ideas, fused with centuries of rich flavor. Instead, properly centered narratives and stories celebrating the roots, histories, and traditions of these cultures such as the cuisine of Haiti or that of the Fulani people will get the reverence they deserve. But weve also seen an increase in requests for flavors with that fresh, cooling rush youd get from chewing a stick of mint gum., On the drink side, Flavorman said, Flavors like Ancho chile, habanero, and Indian peppercorn are expected to make their way into everything from ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to tea and lemonade. What are we going to be eating this year, from a forecast by one of the countrys biggest food and beverage companies. Pickle pizza, paired by some with ranch For example, citrus flavors work well for functional immunity beverages that feature vitamin C. This includes orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and more exotic citrus fruits like citron and yuzu, as well as citrus blends. These comfort foods will cross all continents as people search for a variety of options. Katy Kindred, chef of Kindred in Davidson, North Carolina, "Given the current circumstances of things, It seems that more and more people will be looking to seek refuge from the city and search out dining destinations in more secluded areas where they can have a high quality experience with a bit more space to themselves. Yumm bowls. Another up-and-coming flavor is blood orange, which is a Mediterranean flavor. At Commander's we are always doing so, supporting our quail guy and working with our friends doing amazing herbs and vegetables nearby, but continuing to do so will be even more important as we head into 2021." Postbiotics. Whether it is real poultry or a plant-based analog, consumers love chicken, said Comaxs Armstrong in a press release. " Daniel Boulud, "With everyone having been hunkered down, more and more folks turned inwards about cultivating their own food resources and began cooking more as well. Y-Pulse research also found that 47% of 13 to 39-year-olds say they drink 2023 MJH Life Sciences and Nutritional Outlook. Finally, flavors that consumers associate with good health will continue to trend during the pandemic. I also expect to see more products that combine familiar fruits with spicier flavors like chili, such as mango chili lime. Rick Billings, executive chef of Jos Andrs ThinkFoodGroup, "Restaurant-style meals packaged for the family will definitely keep trending in the year to come. Meg Bickford, chef at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, "I think restaurants and home cooks will continue to move into interesting but comfortable foods. These models are an evolution that are a vanguard of what's possible. On the meat side, chicken saw its stock risesoared during this pandemic, in fact, says Comax Flavors. Salty snack including peanuts, potato chips and That 2021 will bring with her a place for everyone at the table. Sensient Flavors, for instance, is suggesting Oud, typically a scent in perfumes, as an upcoming flavor to watch. Some creative take-away options will emerge, and I'm hopeful that some risk-taking and more challenging concepts will trickle out towards the end of the year." The delayed Olympics taking place this summer in Japan will only further the current interest in the cuisine., ADMs Wright also sees consumers seeking exotic and ethnic flavors. Its seaweed snacks come in a sea salt flavor as well as one accented with kimchi. One that embraces the need for simpler, comforting and soul-nourishing cuisine and the other that functions as an escape and embraces frivolousnessallowing patrons to be both fancy and indulgent." . In its Flavor & Trend Forecast 2021, Flavorchem highlights Immunity Boost as trend number-one, with associated flavor recommendations such as elderberry, hibiscus, echinacea, ginger, turmeric, and honey. They see a new interest in mushrooms, a rethinking of chicken and coffee, a resurgence of 1980s cocktails and, believe it or not, a return to civility. Comfort food, condiments, and a joyful, over-the-top return to indoor dining. Of course, no one could have predicted the way 2020 played outthough San Francisco chef Angela Pinkerton did anticipate we'd be eating more bread. For instance, Red velvet is backin a new form, says Megan Byrnes, marketing manager for Gold Coast Ingredients (Commerce, CA). I think as much as I can about what I can do to make to-go dining more attractive to diners, whether it's what we're using for flatware and silverware or what we can do to appeal to a family for weeknight dinner, or a special 'date night' in." By adding single-use throws to chairs, updating heating systems, and adding beautiful fire pits and inviting overhead lighting, restaurants like The Wine Garden and Madison's are able to stay open longer into the winter, and open up earlier in the spring." Mary Attea, executive chef Musket Room in New York City, "[We'll see] a return to comfort foods including in an elevated way. Consumers are stressed out, and nostalgic flavors and products provide comfort, explains Holly McHugh, marketing associate for Imbibe (Niles, IL). Examples might include a flavor upgrade from caramel to brown butter caramel or chocolate to chocolate cayenne. Restaurants across the country, including fine-dining restaurants that rely heavily on presentation and overall experience, are having to pivot to provide these fantastic meals in guests' homes. Wright thinks we're becoming more adventurous eaters as a way to find a sort of escape, perhaps the only vacation we'll be able to take for a while. One place hes spotting trends is in grocery stores. So re-organizing businesses in our industry with an eye toward talent with different skills will be a need." Plant-based, healthy vegetarian dishes with seasonal ingredients and global flavor are here to stay in the future. Ginger is gaining popularity in sweet and savory applications, as it is believed to support digestion. ), dairy, and nutraceutical products. Find out about trending flavors for craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. Infusions such as cold-brew cocoa or cold-brew herbal infusions in combination with fruits meet this demand and will become increasingly popular. Take hemp. The companys top two brands both saw growth, with Lays up 9.9 percent to $2.6 billion, and Ruffles up 5.9 percent to $1.1 billion. Here are the top 7 trends anyone working in the food and lifestyle industries should be paying attention to in 2021. Tea and hops, hemp and tea, botanicals and hopsthese flavors can also be combined very well and offer a high potential for new product launches.. Sweet brown flavors that add warm notes to products, such as maple, coffee, and butterscotch, are all showing growth in launch activity according to Mintels Global New Products Database (GNPD), says Rebecca Davis, flavor scientist at National Flavors (Kalamazoo, MI). This sweet caramel and chocolate mashup has taken off. In 2020, we also saw high demand for banana cream flavor, banana bread flavor, and banana pudding flavor, she says. Probiotic bacteria will find new nondairy sources such as cucumber pickles, peppers, and fermented beverages. Additional options include berry-flavored and ginger-flavored functional foods and beverages for products that highlight their antioxidant content. The pandemic exposed so many cracks in our industry and our society, and we cannot continue operating as we did before. Historically, trends move slowly, especially when it comes to flavors, Three of its sauces are based on gochujang, the Korean chili paste, while the other sauce is a mayonnaise flavored with kimchi, the spicy cabbage condiment thats served with Korean dishes. KPOP Foods products, originally sold on Amazon The Food Forecasters Speak. Due to its proven success, we think manufacturers will experiment further with banana in 2021 with flavors such as banana caramel, banoffee (a current favorite in Europe), banana cinnamon, banana peanut butter, and banana marshmallow., Berries are always popularsuch as elderberry, which saw skyrocketing growth last year. In 2020, we saw the rise of home cooks, of pastries from sourdough loaves to ube pandesal, of sushi bakes, and of the Dalgona coffee, to name a few.The new year means a fresh list of food trends. June 29, 2021 01:17. Flavors like burnt lemon, charred lemon zest, lemongrass and Meyer lemon are growing in popularity. Another one of this years flavor trends is flavors typically perceived as being associated with immune system support. Hormel Foods' Happy Little Plants pepperoni-style topping offers the burst of flavor people want and expect from real-meat pepperoni, but with a plant-based spin. Health and wellness became more important for many consumers as they sought to reduce their risk of getting sick, while higher stress levels led to a greater craving for comfort foods. The companys chief flavorist, Tom Gibson, said in the press release, Weve had a considerable uptick in client requests for flavors that deliver varying degrees and styles of heat, smoke, and spice. In 1950, the average home kitchen held 10 spices, seasonings and extracts. And in the latter part of 2021, I hope we're bringing joy back into dining experiences." As BuzzFeed pointed out, in 2021, Trinh Carreon, who goes by the TikTok username @trinhdoesthings, shared a video of herself eating the ice cream treat after someone suggested the food pairing in a comment on a previous video. Such flavors include habanero, chamoy sauce, ghost pepper, guajillo, gochujang, Nashville Hot, chipotle, and Carolina Reaper pepper. Tried-and-true familiar recipes were revisited and enjoyed for the nostalgia factor., At the same time, he continues, consumers were forced to stay at home without even the most mundane travel. Omar Tate, chef and founder of Honeysuckle Projects in Philadelphia, "I think the current state of the industry leaves the door wide open for more diverse voices and cultures from within the African Diaspora to thrive. Shared bottles are going to be shifted away from, and you will see more and more single serve portions that will then result in a more focused effort on waste/sustainability. Perhaps the most fun, if least accurate, of all the year-ending traditions, however, is where we channel our inner psychic and gaze into our imaginary crystal balls to predict what everyone's going to be doing in the coming year. The impressive growth of hibiscus as a beverage flavor. Says Byrnes, From 2019 through 2020, we witnessed the boom in hard seltzer beverages, which also escalated the botanical flavor trend including elderflower, mint, hibiscus, and lavender flavors. Over the last three years, hibiscus has grown 24% in menu incidence as a flavor and 65% as an ingredient. Ravi Kapur, chef and owner of Liholiho Yacht Club and Dear Inga in San Francisco, "I'm glad heritage cooking is trending, but it should be a trend that is here to stay. Think of concepts such as Broham Grocery by chef Jonny Rhoades in Houston or the Grey Market by chef Mashama Bailey in Savannah. In fact, ADM Outside Voice research finds 84% of consumers view mental health equally as important as physical wellness. ), she notes that things are starting to change a bit as we become more familiar with products like kombucha and kimchi. With these delivery-only brands, we will continue to see comfort food like burgers and fried chicken because the demand is high and those foods travel well, but will also bring innovativeexperimental food that's less familiar. Wright points out that "just a few years ago cucumber was a little niche in terms of flavor [but] it's becoming more common now.". The plant-based food market is valued at $5 billion, according to data from the Plant Based Foods Association and Good Food Institute. Pasta chips. Oud contains many of the same woody and balsamic notes of many other flavors in the same family. Besides flavor, these ingredients offer their own health benefits and a naturalness consumers gravitate to. She thinks we can expect to start seeing more fermented flavors available in condiments, yogurt, and alcoholic beverages, as well as seeing a wider variety of flavors for pickles and kimchi. For example, Mexican cuisine is the most popular ethnic cuisine in America, and there is so much to be explored yet. She also makes mention of garam masala, a spice blend she calls "bold and exotic." It would be similar to Blue Apron, but specific to the chef or restaurant. With the monotony of cooking three meals a day, every day, consumers branched out to try cuisines and dishes that provided some excitement and global flair., Marie Wright, president of Creation, Design, and Development, and chief global flavorist, at ADM (Chicago), says the same. There is a thirst for knowledge again that we saw 10 years ago where cooking classes were really popular. 2023 MJH Life Sciences and Nutritional Outlook. Maple will gain traction this year for its diverse representation in sweet and savory flavor profiles, predicts Becca Henrickson, marketing manager at Wixon (St. Francis, WI). That's been one of the double-edged swords of the pandemic: while our businesses were being gutted during shelter-in-place, many of us had an opportunity to come up for air and notice our lack of representation for the first time. As consumers locked down, they turned to familiar dishes and flavors to help them cope with the stress as well as make it easier for them to prepare meals at home. Mint flavors can be applied to better-for-you foods and beverages, as well as permissible indulgence.. While no one could have predicted the worldwide pandemic, toilet paper Highlight flavor provenance like Michigan blueberries or Georgia peaches to create an authenticity that increases your brand credibility with consumers, she advises. Hes noticed that many are dabbling in spicier foods, like McDonalds Cassidee Dabney, executive chef of The Barn at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, "In response to all that has happened this year, I believe next year will bring two polarizing approaches to dining. Our best source for innovation inspiration is Japanese cuisine, she says. Spike Mendelsohn, co-founder and chef, Eat the Change, "While sugar alcohols have ruled the alternative sugar market for a long time, new alternative sugars in granulated and liquid forms are beginning to make a major debut. Restaurants that can provide safe, intimate spaces for small groups will be sought out at a premium." Blog posts and how-to-videos quickly popped up to support consumers in their new hobby. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Investors certainly think so. Energy bars, protein shakes, and sports drinks are just as likely to use these flavors as baked goods and frozen treats., Then theres the comfort of a good drink. Speaking from the beverage world, Imbibes McHugh forecasts that Immunity beverages will be a top trend in 2021, and these products will feature flavors like ginger and turmeric because they also have anti-inflammatory properties., Beyond immunity, McHugh says, I expect that beverages aiding with stress relief and sleep will become more prominent as well, so expect brands to incorporate ingredients like chamomile and lavender for their flavor and associated calming benefits., In its press release, Flavorman says, Beverages that offer immunity, cognitive, and mood-boosting benefits will be especially significant. Tyler Akin, chef-partner of Le Cavalier in Wilmington, Delaware, and chef-owner of Stock in Philadelphia, "We believe that the future of the restaurant business is an unseating of our pasts. Wixons Henrickson Sweet and heat One taste trend expected to gain steam in 2021 is sweet and heat, according to the UKs largest dining membership organisation, Tastecard. Wixons Henrickson seconds growth of spicy flavors. The need for comfort has taken on a whole new meaning within the current social and political climate, but flavors continue to provide a soothing constant, states a December press release from custom beverage development company Flavorman (Louisville, KY). Erik Niel, "We as an industry have always been ready for a challenge, and we have a very big one ahead of us. Gemma Kamin-Korn, chef of Bar Beau in Williamsburg, New York, "I believe that folks are taking more interest in the African diaspora and specifically what African-American foodways are in the scope of the American culinary market. Other comfort flavors Wright says we'll see? Comax describes it as a vacation in a bottle.. Youll be seeing them in restaurants, beyond those specializing in Korean cuisine, as well as grocery shelves. More recently, red velvet started making an appearance in hot beverages. At our restaurants, paella became one of the most popular items on our to-go menu. Slide over, olive oil. Lee estimates that revenue at the privately held company grew 20 percent in the third quarter, to about $270,000, and that the fourth quarter should come in at $320,000. Perhaps a small batch Haitian Epis might catch your eye on a grocery store shelf, or you might even purchase a specially crafted Yaji spice from an online vendor. Among the dramatic changes in consumer behavior the COVID-19 crisis effected last yeartoilet-paper hoarding, extreme bread bakingthe pandemic made us both want to stay safe at home but also stare longingly out the window remembering the days when we could travel freely. Hops, with its different components, offer various bitter flavors and taste dimensions, says Hermann. I hope to have continued conversations with consumers on how they can help promote sustainability in the industry. Late last year, we talked to dozens of chefs who predicted trends that ranged from family-style dining to tasting menus with non-alcoholic juice pairings. The end of the year hath approacheth, and you know the drill: all manner of articles on new holiday products, wacky gift ideas, cookie-baking, and what to do with all that leftover eggnog have arrive. Daube is an old heartwarming slow-cooked dish Louisianians cook in our homes, but now you'll see that type of cooking in restaurants. Sanitation, spacing, and an overall concern for the guest's comfort levels will remain a high priority, not just in practice but also in showingI think it will also bleed into new restaurant build-outs and concepts. According to Flottman, plant-based, dairy-free and pickle pizza are just a few variations that have recently taken the pizza world by storm. In the fruit realm, companies are finding ways to freshen up even the most common flavor. Michael Schulson, chef and founder of Schulson Collective, "I think people will run to comfort food. What has emerged from the trauma and turmoil of our collective stresses have been restaurants pivoting into models that are more hybrid, take out, and curated grocery. More and more of us in the restaurant industry are having to get more creative to be profitableespecially with diners being restricted from eating in restaurants due to local and state COVID regulations." People will go out for a truly memorable dining experience where they feel safe and can expect an experience unlike anything they've had before. April 9, 2021. Looking ahead to 2021, interest in fermented and acidified foods will continue to rise as a result. Now, 2021 is shaping up to be a year when Korean flavors go even more mainstream. Heritage cooking. As people start to think about flavor profiles and fusion, there are so many opportunities, he says. 10 of 12 Animal versus Plant Several brands are relaunching blasts from the past and revamping their current portfolio to provide familiarity for consumers. The food encapsulation market was valued at USD 11.5 billion in 2022; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% to reach USD 17.0 billion by 2027. Last year saw a number of changes in consumer food preferences and purchasing behaviors due to COVID-19. Well, okay, even Theresa Caputocouldn't have predicted everything that happened in 2020.). Since it pairs well with proteins, consumers will continue to keep maple in their back pocket as a tasty treat. We predict more companies will add gummy candy flavors to their product range, as well as replicate the taste of alternative branded candies as well. A new item that is in its final stages of development is a vegetarian salami. Food; Recipes; Celeb Chefs; On Shelby Hobbs' dresser sits a Lazy Susan filled every flavor of liquid syrup you can imagine, from raspberry to peach Bellini. This is due to the pandemic, and everyone looking for a sense of comfort and normalcy. Byrnes of Gold Coast Ingredients points to the transformation of standard banana to Banana 2.0. In 2021, consumers will continue to rely on food, drinks, and health products to meet multiple needs, whether its a need for emotional comfort, a need for health support, or even the need to experience the world while stuck at home. The recent buzz around alcoholic drinks will make 2021 a great year for alcohol-inspired flavors. In 2021, it will evolve as chefs are creating new and interesting ways to bring the restaurant experience to life at home for guests. To enjoy the full experience, we recommend you use one of these browsers:Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Brave. The concept raised $10,000 in its first eight hours and met its $40,000 goal in a month. Gavin Fine, owner of Fine Dining Restaurant Group (opening a new concept in spring 2021 at The Cloudveil) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, "In response to guests looking for more privatized experiences, we're transforming our carryout options to include more whimsical and casual dishes that guests can enjoy at their leisure and in a place of their choosing." Plus condiments often have long shelf lives and can be stretched over a number of meals." Spirit flavors are also gaining traction, especially with consumers drinking way too much in 2020 but still wanting those flavors in non-alcoholic productsnamely, mocktails, ice cream, and confection, says Imbibes McHugh. Alcohol-inspired flavors are trending. The food encapsulation market was valued at USD 11.5 billion in 2022; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% to reach USD 17.0 There will also be consumer interest in varietal flavors, such as Sicilian lemon and Valencia orange, and exotic citrus like yuzu and calamansi, along with fermented citrus like black limes or preserved lemons. Cloud bread. Cassidee Dabney, "In the past year, you had millions of people getting really comfortable in the kitchens in ways they hadn't before. Daniel Boulud, chef of Daniel, in New York City, "Chefs and restaurant owners will find a way to safely provide cool experiences in customers' homes. 1. More and more consumers are opting for natural products with an authentic taste. Old favorites remain popular. Flavors based on fruits and vegetables may target both the health and comfort categories. Vivian Howard, television personality, cookbook author, and chef of Handy & Hot in Charleston, "Sure, demand for tofu as a meat substitute is on the rise, but dishes like Andrea Nguyen's Mapo Tofu Spaghetti or sweet, spicy, crunchy Korean tofu and silken tofu (like we have on the menu at Moon Rabbit) will make people think about tofu in a whole new light in the New Year." We May Not Stop The Climate Crisis. Nostalgic flavors can provide comfort in times of stress. Consumers have the opportunity to introduce and share these tastes with their children, creating new memories and connections., A newer child-inspired flavor is unicorn. Says Imbibes McHugh, Unicorn is a fantasy flavor, so it doesnt have a standard of identity, but its often a sweet and/or tart flavor. Drilling down to plant-based trends in the beverage sector, Bjrn Hermann, product manager at Doehler GmbH (Darmstadt, Germany), notes the popularity of natural flavors such as hemp, hops, or tea (including classic green, white, and black tea). 2020 will usher in a year of foodie bipartisanship where the path to the plate will be paved with more moderate choices. The right flavors will be key to the success of this year's new products. This advice applies to all kinds of flavors, in fact. Until 2021 reveals which of these Dining out will really become something sought out for a unique experience. As a result of this I also think there'll be an even stronger push in specialty products from these cultures being packaged and more readily available for anyone willing to experiment. FACT CHECKED BY Chris Shott. Sensients Lane says, Oud is one of the most expensive raw scent ingredients in the world and comprises the base notes in many scents. Athletes have continued to evolve over the years, and so has the science and quality of nutrition to support them. Garam masala ice cream, floral-infused potato chips, and more could be the next big thing. Perhaps these flavors might eventually become more mainstream in the way that another spa flavor has done. As the pandemic crosses over into a new year, were likely to see those consumer preferences persist. These businesses are very different to manage and require different skill sets than serving you brunch at Commander's Palace. Jordan Greene. What I think is interesting is the shift in what consumers designate as comfort food. Matt Greene, executive chef of Common House Richmond in Virginia, "2021 is the year of kindness. Collaborate with us to create delicious products that meet todays trends. This truth has been being realized for years and reached its current zenith in 2020. Wright says that "as we move into 2021, comfort will remain attractive," and speaks of "spa flavors" such as calming lavender as well as rose, elderflower, and The dessert itself was inspired by Ispahan roses in English gardens from the 1800s, which came to Europe by way of explorers of ancient Persian gardens in what is now Iraq. We see specific flavors rule entire seasons, and for good reason. For our flagship Eat the Change snack product, we created a mushroom jerkywood-smoking portobellos and criminis with hickory wood so that they absorb all those traditional smoky flavors you'd get in a meat jerky, and then infusing habaneros and mustard seeds.