Flavor manufacturer Bell Flavors & Fragrances presented its trending flavors in confections and snacks at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. The presentation used Bell’s Spark Trends program and shows how generational preferences and global inspirations are shaping flavor trends.
“Flavor innovation today is fueled both by cultural curiosity and generational influence,” explained Kelli Heinz, vice president of marketing and industry affairs. Our Spark Trends program showcases how macro-level shifts like playfulness, global exploration, and Gen Z, millennial and baby boomer preferences and driving flavor experimentation in new and exciting directions.
During the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to sample flavors that embody the trends.
SparkMacro Trends
Genfluence - Pickle Taffy: A bold, tangy twist on nostalgia featuring Bell’s natural pickle flavor. A Gen Z-driven reinvention of a classic candy.
Purely Playful - Ruby Chocolate-Dipped Szechuan Peppercorn Peanut Brittle: A whimsical collision of sweet, spicy and numbing sensations, made possible by Bell’s natural Szechuan pepper flavor and BellTech numbing sensate.
Globe Trek - Shrimp Spring Roll Snack Mix: Inspired by Southeast Asian street food, this savory snack features Bell’s natural hoisin, lime, Thai basil and shrimp flavors.
