Every year, we try and predict the top flavor trends for the season. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of citrus coming up for summer. Flavors are leaning toward being fresh and simple for summer. As the world focuses on “better-for-you” options, citrus helps brands bridge that gap of health and flavorful products. These citrus also offer an elevated boost of vitamin C that is appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Lemon and lime will always be a staple in the citrus profile category. There will also be more exotic citrus flavors taking center stage this summer. Blood orange, nectarine and passionfruit are seeing a rise in popularity. They’re a great way to add strong flavor to a product without using much to achieve that bold profile. These exotic flavors will become more common. Passionfruit and nectarine add a fresh sweetness that is light but strong. Tart profiles such as blood orange and apricot will be a great compliment to sour and tangy flavors. Citrus is a great way to keep flavors fresh- something consumers will search for through the summer.
Different beverages we’re seeing this trend in are the sparkling water and alcoholic drinks. Seltzers and mineral waters are starting to come out with bright bold citrus flavors for the summer. But they still keep a healthy image because of the light and fresh profiles citrus flavors bring. To keep consumers feeling brave to branch out to new flavors, brands are mixing flavors. They’re combining more popular flavors such as lemon and lime with lesser-tried flavors such as guava and passionfruit.
According to an article in Food and Business News, “Exotic fruits from Latin American and Southeast Asian countries will continue to be a fast-growing flavor category,” said Holly McHugh, marketing associate, Imbibe, Niles, Ill. “Up-and-coming flavors include passionfruit, guava and dragon fruit.”
Alcoholic drinks are also adding citrus to drinks to keep flavors feeling fresh and adventurous for summer.
bright summer citrus
Citrus also lends itself well to the “clean label” trend we have been seeing. Natural flavors that show “natural” ingredients give consumers a peace of mind they’re longing for in our current climate. Transparency in labels is easier when you’re using one of our custom built flavor systems. Citrus flavors always looks fresh and clean on labels and give consumers a sense of comfort. Consumers are looking for products that optimize that healthier lifestyle. Consumers also tend to associate these kinds of flavors with wellness. As a consequence, they see products with associated flavors as “better-for-you,” clean label products.
Transparency has, time and time again, proven to be important to consumers. With health and wellness driving current trends, consumers are looking for drinks that optimize nutritional value and support healthier living. As demand continues to increase for natural flavors, citrus and exotic citrus are becoming prevalent as flavorful additions. More health-conscious trends reflect a market shift towards flavors that maximize quality and functionality while packing a punch. Citrus and exotics, as flavors, have the advantage of delivering on both. Let us help you create a citrus flavor that is light and fresh without compromising on bold flavor.
