FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
Alcoholic Beverage Trends 2022
“Flavor exploration overall, and especially through bars and restaurants, fell during the pandemic, but is reviving, as on-premise consumption gradually returns. Opportunities are strong to continue to engage consumers online, and with new RTD offerings, as well as with functional and lower-alcohol drinks. Interest in new flavors is strongest with Gen Z, Millennials, parents and affluent consumers, and growth will require responding to their interests, tastes and lifestyle.”
— Amanda Topper, Director – US Research
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ON-PREMISE DRINKING AND FLAVOR DISCOVERY RETURNS, BUT WITH SOME HESITANCY
Interest in new flavors fell during the pandemic, as consumers gravitated toward familiar favorites. While on-premise consumption and menu innovation are again on the rise, the return to pre-pandemic behavior is somewhat sluggish as uncertainty lingers. Fruity flavors, as well as indulgent and seasonal tastes, stand out in the market.
RTDs, BLENDED BEVERAGES AND LOW-ALCOHOL DRINKS SHOULD BE INNOVATION AREAS OF FOCUS
Alcohol consumption levels had been dropping, even pre-pandemic. Opportunity to maximize appeal to more dynamic consumer groups lies in more premium drinks, as well as convenient RTDs. Blended, hybrid drinks with cleaner ingredient profiles and lower alcohol content may respond to demand for such versatile, hybrid options.
SUSTAINABILITY, MORE FUNCTIONAL CLAIMS ARE KEY TO APPEALING TO GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS
Sustainably sourced, free-from ingredients and natural flavors tie into holistic, eco-friendly lifestyles, especially in premium products. Millennials and Gen Z show strong interest in flavor innovation, including in low- and no-alcohol options, but also want functional benefits, which creates opportunity for integrating vitamins, electrolytes or adaptogens.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ON-PREMISE DRINKING AND FLAVOR DISCOVERY RETURNS, BUT WITH SOME HESITANCY
Interest in new flavors fell during the pandemic, as consumers gravitated toward familiar favorites. While on-premise consumption and menu innovation are again on the rise, the return to pre-pandemic behavior is somewhat sluggish as uncertainty lingers. Fruity flavors, as well as indulgent and seasonal tastes, stand out in the market.
RTDs, BLENDED BEVERAGES AND LOW-ALCOHOL DRINKS SHOULD BE INNOVATION AREAS OF FOCUS
Alcohol consumption levels had been dropping, even pre-pandemic. Opportunity to maximize appeal to more dynamic consumer groups lies in more premium drinks, as well as convenient RTDs. Blended, hybrid drinks with cleaner ingredient profiles and lower alcohol content may respond to demand for such versatile, hybrid options.
SUSTAINABILITY, MORE FUNCTIONAL CLAIMS ARE KEY TO APPEALING TO GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS
Sustainably sourced, free-from ingredients and natural flavors tie into holistic, eco-friendly lifestyles, especially in premium products. Millennials and Gen Z show strong interest in flavor innovation, including in low- and no-alcohol options, but also want functional benefits, which creates opportunity for integrating vitamins, electrolytes or adaptogens.
Download the Full 9-Page
Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Alcoholic Beverages
- The importance of convenience and ready-to-drink beverages
- Opportunities for growth in premium mocktails
- What drives younger consumers to alcoholic drinks
- The ideal flavors for specific occasions
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, January 2022.
Download the Full 9-Page
Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Alcoholic Beverages
- The importance of convenience and ready-to-drink beverages
- Opportunities for growth in premium mocktails
- What drives younger consumers to alcoholic drinks
- The ideal flavors for specific occasions
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, January 2022.
