The younger demographics and changing eating habits of today’s consumers are pushing brands to release innovative flavor combinations, use versatile ingredients, and incorporate unique textures into food and beverage products, according to Comax Flavors, Melville, N.Y. In response to the changing times, Comax Flavors has developed a list of the anticipated flavor trends for 2015 and divided them into four groups: Melting Pot, In a Nutshell, Coffee House and Breakfast Anytime. Flavors in each of these collections are versatile and can be used in a variety of food and beverage applications including ready-to-drink beverages, alcohol beverages and dairy products, among others, the company says.
Melting Pot
According to the U.S. 2012 Census, both the Hispanic and Asian populations are expected to double by 2060. The Hispanic population is projected to increase from 53.3 million people in 2012 to 128.8 million, and the Asian population is expected to grow from 15.9 million people to 34.4 million.