Expanded insights for a complex market

Kerry’s insights team analyzed hundreds of thousands of products and harnessed insight from a vast array of online data points—from menu trends to social media conversations —to uncover the patterns shaping global taste. This data-rich approach aims to enable Kerry to identify dominant, emerging, and accelerating flavors with precision, ensuring manufacturers can anticipate consumer preferences rather than simply react to them.

Designed to fuel faster ideation and drive smarter, data-backed decisions, this year’s edition expands from six to eight product categories. It offers a deeper dive into Savory Snacks; Sweet; Refreshing Beverages; Alcohol and Alcohol-Inspired Beverages; Tea, Coffee & Cocoa; Soups, Sauces & Dressings; Meat & Meals; and Supplements.

Key flavor trends for 2026

The 2026 Taste Charts highlight a consumer landscape that seeks both novelty and nostalgia. Key insights include:

• The dragon fruit phenomenon: Traditionally rooted in Asian markets, Dragon Fruit has transcended its regional origins to become a breakout global flavor. With a 17% CAGR in new product launches projected through 2025, it is reshaping refreshment categories across Europe and the Americas. While over half of all launches remain in refreshing beverages, thanks to its mild, subtly sweet profile, the flavor is making waves in confectionary and alcoholic formats, with consumer interest surging during summer months.
• Botanicals and florals: As consumers gravitate towards complex, aromatic profiles, Orange Blossom and Hibiscus are forecasted as key "Future Flavors" in the U.S. and APAC beverage sectors, offering sophisticated, low-sugar alternatives. Meanwhile, Finger Lime is exploding in popularity across Europe for its unique textural pop and tart profile.
• Global cross-pollination: The charts reveal a rapid exchange of flavors across cultures. Korean Bulgogi and Gochujang are surging. In the USA, Gochujang launches have grown 120% over the past 12 months, while Bulgogi has leapt from an emerging flavour in 2025 to become the #4 fastest-growing flavor in the 2026 Meat & Meals chart, with similar developments unfolding in European markets. Meanwhile, Sichuan Peppercorns are moving beyond niche Asian aisles to influence mainstream condiments across Europe. Mexican Birria and Chile Chiltepín are transcending borders to influence savory snacks and meals globally. Simultaneously, the "swicy" (sweet and spicy) trend is evolving, with Hot Honey and Spicy Mango driving double-digit growth in bakery and confectionery products.
• Elevated Staples Beyond heddar: Consumers are redefining comfort by trading standard options for premium, texture-rich varieties. The charts map the evolution of 31 specific cheese varieties, revealing a shift toward heritage-rich profiles. Manchego and Pecorino are driving premiumization in European savory snacks, while versatile, texture-rich options are gaining share in North America, responding directly to the 68% of consumers who say cheese flavor bring a level of comfort with excitement to savory snacks.

Turning insight into action with KerryNow

KerryNow strives to deliver an always-on, transparent experience that works seamlessly with the Taste Charts, enabling partners to do the following, per the brand:

• Access the Flavor Portfolio: Instantly browse product details and technical documentation to enable smarter flavors selection and complete transparency.
• Accelerate Development: Order samples of trending flavors featured in the 2026 charts with just a click.
• Support from Kerry Experts: Seamlessly connect with teams for dedicated support on product applications, regulatory guidance, or sample selection.

“The food and beverage landscape is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and manufacturers are under more pressure than ever to meet the changing needs of today’s consumers,” says Leigh-Anne Vaughan, VP of product technologies, Kerry. “Brands cannot afford to simply react; they must anticipate and innovate at pace. We challenged ourselves this year to truly walk in the shoes of our customers, designing the new Taste Charts digital platform, powered by KerryNow, to allow them to unlock smarter, faster and more radical innovation. We want manufacturers to feel empowered and confident that their flavour decisions will engage target consumers. By making product information and samples available instantly, we are not just providing a roadmap for innovation—we are providing the fuel to get there faster.”

Related: Kerry launches Smart Taste