BELOIT, WIS. — Kerry published its Global Taste Charts for 2021.
The trend toward nostalgic flavors, which resurged during the pandemic, will persist in 2021 as consumers continue seeking comfort from food and beverages, the company predicted.
Familiar flavors like cookie butter, cotton candy and graham cracker will appear in more sweets, along with spicy and savory flavors like sriracha and bacon, and fruity flavors like tangerine, pomegranate, Key lime, melon, acai and pear, according to Kerry.
Emerging flavors in the salty snacks category include toffee, salted caramel and pumpkin spice, and globally inspired flavors like piri piri (a traditional African sauce made from spicy chili peppers), sweet Thai chili and tandoori (an Indian mix of yogurt and spices).
Adult beverages like beer and bourbon are emerging as trending flavors in the savory category, along with fresh flavors like peach, mango, lemongrass, pineapple, cranberry and strawberry, according to the Taste Charts. Kerry also predicted whiskey will gain traction as a flavor in hot and dairy beverages, while rosé wine and margarita flavors will gain momentum in cold beverages.