2026 Flavour Trends to Watch

In 2026, consumers are increasingly looking for sensory experiences, functional ingredients, global and unexpected flavour combinations, a taste of nostaglia, eco-friendly packaging, and who could forget about a sustainable and transparent supply chain.

Yes, it's a tall order, but these are the trends we're seeing. We work with brands every day on flavour development that connects with customer demand. From 'swicy' flavours to nostaglic indulgence, let's take a look at the trends driving the market in 2026.

Sensory Experiences

Multisensory design is front and centre, with brands deliberately layering texture, visual drama, aroma, and even sound into products. The bar for sensory engagement has risen sharply.

The data backs this up. Analysis of over 61 million social media and online posts reveals that texture, aroma, and visual appeal now rank as critical features in snack and beverage creation. Brands are responding with products designed for maximum sensory impact. Think bubble tea's chewy pearls going mainstream, brightly coloured botanical drinks on retail shelves, and crackers with visible seeds and grains for textural contrast.

Function + Flavour

Functional foods have struggled with flavour, but that's all changing. The global functional food market is hitting $847 billion by the end of 2026, and brands can't capture that market with products that fail to hit the mark on taste.

Here's the reality: 75% of consumers cite taste as the primary reason they switch brands, rather than health claims or the price point. Health-conscious (and especially younger) consumers are no longer compromising. They want matcha that tastes good, adaptogenic beverages to drink for pleasure, and protein formulations without that chalky finish we've all come to dread.

Innova Market Insights reports that flavour is the leading factor in functional NPD success. The formulation challenge is real: delivering bioactive ingredients while maintaining flavour integrity. Brands cracking this code are seeing strong market response.

Nostalgic Flavours Continue to Make a Comeback

We all know that classic comfort flavours are surging, think apple pie, tiramisù, vanilla and salted caramel. The psychology here is straightforward. Nearly half of consumers actively choose nostalgic flavours for emotional comfort, which makes sense in uncertain times.

Brands are updating these classics with cleaner labels, reduced sugar, and better-for-you ingredients. The emotional appeal remains, but the formulation meets current consumer expectations around health and transparency.

Global Flavours Go Mainstream

Younger demographics are pushing hard for adventurous flavour profiles. 67% of Gen Z diners want globally inspired flavours in both food and drink: Floral notes, spicy profiles and tropical fruits.

Hot honey is exploding across categories, with "Swicy" (sweet-spicy) flavour combinations gaining serious traction. Gochujang, fruit-forward heat, complex spice blends. Exotic flavours found in tropical fruits like yuzu, starfruit, guava, and dragonfruit are transitioning from speciality to mainstream formulations. Malaysian, Korean, and South American flavour profiles (Brazilian, Venezuelan, Peruvian, Colombian) are rapidly entering snacking and beverage categories.

Drink Trends Blur the Lines

Beverage creation is where indulgence and function are colliding most visibly. Soft drinks increasingly feature citrus and tropical fruits as consumers demand 'indulgent-but-functional' offerings. Bubble tea's textural elements are moving into other categories. Coffee beverages are incorporating richer, dessert-like flavour notes while maintaining functional positioning.

"Zebra striping" is also worth noting, where drinkers alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages within a single occasion. It reflects the broader consumer tension between indulgence and wellness. Read our 2026 Drink Trends guide for all the details.

What This Means for Product Development

Flavour trends point toward balance rather than extremes. Indulgence paired with wellness. Nostalgia updated with fresh approaches. Global influences adapted to local markets. Consumers are more sophisticated and demanding than ever, raising the bar across the industry.

At Uren, we help brands navigate this terrain. Whether you're working with emerging ingredients, developing natural flavour systems, or formulating for global taste profiles, we bring the technical capability and market insight needed for NPD that resonates with current consumer demand.

FAQs

What were the big flavour trends in 2025?
Functional beverages, nostalgic comfort flavours, and exotic flavours moving into mainstream applications.

What's happening with cocktail trends in 2026?
Botanical flavours, spicy blends, and indulgent ingredients like salted caramel. Consumers want complexity and story. Read our 2026 Drink Trends guide for more details.

What food trends dominated the UK in 2025?
Sustainability positioning, global cuisine influences, and nostalgic flavour profiles.

What's the next big food craze?
Hot honey and exotic fruit combinations are gaining serious momentum across categories.

What flavours are trending right now?
Natural flavours, spicy profiles, and nostalgic dessert flavours are all showing strong performance.

What does Gen Z want from food?
Adventure and nostalgia at the same time. They want novel experiences but also an emotional connection. Sustainability credentials are non-negotiable.