Top 5 Flavor Headlines of January 2025

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Over the last month, readers were keenly interested in solutions. In fact, our articles on weight management solutions and sugar alternatives were in the top 10 articles for the whole site last month! Check out the top 5 articles from January 2025 related to flavor.

1. Companies Supporting Changing Consumer Needs in Weight Management and Health with Emerging Taste Solutions

As demand for health-focused dietary products surges, companies like ADM, Symrise, IFF, and dsm-firmenich are developing unique product platforms to meet evolving consumer needs, particularly those impacted by the rise of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) such as GLP-1. These companies are taking aim at consumer demands for nutrient-dense, functional foods and supplements that align with healthier lifestyles and weight management goals.

2. Taste Experts Talk Sensory Challenges and Emerging Technology for Sugar Alternatives

In today’s market, sugar reduction has taken center stage as consumers seek healthier options without sacrificing the familiar pleasures of sweetness, texture, and mouthfeel. Globally, 22% of consumersa are actively seeking foods that are low in salt, fat and sugar according to Innova Insights. However, replicating sugar’s sensory qualities in a way that satisfies consumer expectations presents significant technical challenges.

Perfumer & Flavorist+ enlisted the help of Sarah Diedrich the senior marketing director, Global Sweetening & Texturizing Solutions of ADM, and Ketan Shah, president of Esha Flavor Solutions, LLC, as well as Jingang "Jack" Shi, founder and CEO of EPC Natural Products Co. to share the obstacles the flavor industry faces when working with sugar alternatives, the role of biotechnology, and the impact of new ingredient technologies. 

3. T. Hasegawa Releases 2025 Flavor Trends, Announces Flavor of the Year

Flavor supplier T. Hasegawa released its annual Flavor Trends report for 2025. This report outlines trends related to flavors, consumers, and ingredients, as well as predicting a flavor of the year. 

Brown sugar is the 2025 flavor of the year, according to the analysts at T. Hasegawa. This flavor was chosen for its variety of applications across culinary traditions, including baked goods, breakfast foods, and sauces

4. Vitaquest Announces Lychee as 2025 Supplement Flavor of the Year

Contract manufacturing organization Vitaquest International announced lychee as the 2025 supplement flavor of the year. 

Lychee is a small, round fruit with a red shell and sweet, juicy flesh. It is known for its floral taste similar to rosewater and strawberries. Lychee is gaining popularity in many products, from hydration and energy to functional beverages.

“Lychee has become a commercial success, particularly in hydration products, and we’re seeing a lot more experimentation with this versatile flavor,” said Vitaquest’s chief executive officer Patrick Brueggman. “Its distinctive floral notes really set it apart from more common fruit flavors, giving consumers a new and refreshing aromatic experience that resonates well with current trends.”

5. Flavor Reports Flavorcon 2024 Master Class Edition

Senior flavorist Cyndie Lipka gathered impressions from the flavor panel held at last year's Flavorcon. 

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