The pop song “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies contains the catchy line “Honey, honey, ah, sugar, sugar, you are my candy, girl, and you got me wanting you.” Although they weren’t singing about beverages, “honey, honey” is being used as a “sugar, sugar” substitute by beverage-makers and health-conscious consumers in hot and iced teas, water, and more.
Each year, the Princeton, N.J.-based Firmenich, identifies and celebrates the year’s most distinctive, trending flavor as a way to acknowledge consumer preferences. This year, honey received the honor. Honey’s popularity has seen consistent growth in recent years as consumers gravitate toward food and beverage products that are considered artisanal and crafted, or locally sourced, flavor company Firmenich said in a statement.