FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS

2021 Non-Alcoholic Beverage Flavors

“The non-alcoholic beverage category first and foremost relies on its most important and often inherent functionality, satisfying thirst, to drive consumer purchase, but consumers also look to flavored beverages as a treat. Innovation can marry both function and enjoyment through distinctive flavor innovation, BFY ingredients and added functionality beyond refreshment to engage with consumers — both existing and new.”— Alyssa Hangartner, Mintel

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Berry Flavors

KEEP FLAVOR INNOVATION FRESH,
BUT FAMILIAR

Berry, citrus and tropical fruit flavors top the list of preferred flavor families, and while trending flavors change over time, most tie back to these foundations. Emerging flavors that have familiar connections to established flavors in the market will see faster rates of adoption by mainstream consumers. Mature markets, especially, can leverage combinations of nuanced and classic flavors to keep things fresh.

Watermelon Flavors

STACK FLAVORS AND FUNCTIONS TO DELIVER ON CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

Beyond reformulation, much of innovation falls into two camps: flavor and function. Both can enhance enjoyment while targeting needs. Layer in features, including flavors, carbonation and functionality with ingredient improvements like natural sweeteners and natural flavors to meet consumer expectations for BFY beverages.

Fruit and Vegetable Flavors

TAP INTO SOBER-CURIOUS TRENDS

Innovation in no-and low-ABV options within alcoholic beverages is rising to meet the growing consumer group who is cutting back on alcohol. This presents an easy opportunity for non-alcoholic beverages to grab those occasions by inspiring consumers to “indulge soberly” with mocktail recipes or new product innovation with flavors on loan from the alcoholic beverage space.

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Flavor Flash for:

  • Emerging flavor trends in non-alcoholic beverages
  • Flavor combination interest among consumers
  • Trending tropical flavors
  • Innovations in foodservice
  • Leading flavors for functional beverages
  • And more!

*Data Source: Lightspeed/Mintel. Survey base is 2,000 internet users aged 18+ and conducted January 2021.

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Flavor Flash for:

  • Snack Innovation – Alternative Ingredients
  • Consumer Snack Preference – Differences between Men and Women, Gen Z and Millenials
  • Trending Snack Ingredients
  • Sweet and Savory Snack Flavor Trends
  • International Flavor Inspiration
  • And more!

*Data Source: Lightspeed/Mintel. Survey base is 2,000 internet users aged 18+ and conducted January 2021.