NORTHBROOK, ILL.  — Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has released its 2025 global trends that were developed using its Spark-Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses platform. The platform, which covers five key macro trends impacting consumers and are identified by Bell’s global marketing teams, may represent core behavioral and emotional values.

The five key macro trends include globe trek, planet-topia, harmonized well-being, purely playful and “Genfluence.”

• Globe trek: Bell said consumers are shifting from being inspired by digital experiences to being inspired by traveling abroad, but also are looking to be at home.

A few flavors to watch, Bell said, include soursop; black truffle; pandan; char-grilled cooking and globally-inspired flavor fusions; chai spiced chocolate; maple sesame; and pandan coconut.

• The planet-topia trend highlights the power of plants and a shift toward plant-forward innovations. The trend also looks at sustainability, ethical sourcing and innovation.
   Flavors to watch under planet-topia include citrus replacers and extenders; elderflower; hibiscus; herbs; spices; and edible florals.
• Harmonized well-being is how consumers are reshaping their approach to health and wellness, blending physical vitality, mental clarity and emotional peace. With this trend, consumers are switching to functional foods, mindful rituals and natural solutions, according to Bell.

Flavors to watch in this category include hojicha green tea; matcha; probiotic dairy (kefir, Greek yogurt); functional mushrooms (chaga, lion’s mane, reishi); and botanicals.

• Purely playful takes a twist on classic favorites to offer immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Flavors include maple; smoked vanilla; espresso martini; barrel-aged spirits; ingredients offering a multi-sensorial experience (frozen boba pearls, puffed rice, popping candy).
• “Genfluence” connects generations and inspires change, according to Bell. The trend looks at how different generations’ attitudes and behaviors may influence what consumers want to experience and purchase.

Flavors to watch by generation include:  Gen Zalpha – miso caramel/maple, pistachio rose, cereal milk, black garlic soy, and charred pineapple;

Millennials – spiced kombucha, burnt honey, sichuan peppercorn, pickled mango and tamarind;