TETERBORO. N.J.  —  Symrise has published its 2020 Top Flavor Trends for North America report. The annual study is produced through surveys and interviews with chefs, mixologists and other food and beverage industry professionals.

“Trends may be the single most important driver in the food and beverage industry, and the Symrise team takes pride in identifying and analyzing the most compelling information available,” said Dylan Thompson, marketing and consumer insight manager at Symrise.

One of this year’s trends is “Tea Inside.” Consumers are shifting to a more mindful approach to products containing health and wellness, Symrise said. They also are looking for great taste. Bold, exotic black teas like Chinese Lapsang and malty Indian Assam will show up in syrups and infusions in food as well as beverages, the company predicted.

The company also expects to see more fermented fruits and berries, Asian and Mexican sauces and new spicy-salty-sweet combinations. Other trends include next generation adaptogens, healthy beverages, nature-added and prime classics.

“Our ‘Trends for 2020’ were developed over the last few months through extensive research, only to see the world change from the rapid escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr. Thompson said. “While these trends still hold from a macro perspective, we already see a return to simplicity, comfort food and value impacting consumer behavior. We know that the industry may look different in a few months, and we will be updating our content to reflect these changes.”