Comax Flavors Culinary Trend Exchange has identified some flavor directions for 2014, segmented into four distinct flavor groups: Fresh Focused, Sultry Sweets, Some Like It Hot and Reasons to Cheer.
Fresh Focused are flavors that will influence consumer preferences for those foods and beverages that make them feel good about their choices. Flavors in this group include:
• Coconut Lime
• Lemon Garlic Pepper
• Carrot Watermelon
• Pineapple Cucumber
Sultry Sweets is triply decadent–giving rise to flavors that promise sweet, rich, provocative blends-combining two or more sweet and/or savory flavors into one flavor-saturated treat.Flavors in this group include:
• Cola Cappuccino Nut
• Marshmallow Macadamia Crunch
• Ginger Sesame Caramel
• Maple Bourbon Banana
Some Like It Hot represents a pairing of ethnic and cultural flavors that in new combinations offer the heat and fire, with a brisk sweet note that propels new product innovation. They will be showing up in savory chips, sweets, confections, dips, sauces, beers and beverages alike. Flavors in this group include:
• Sriracha Chocolate
• Black Pepper Caramel
• Honey Wasabi
• Habanero Maple
Reasons to Cheer reflects the popularity of creative mixologists that are driving the crowds with innovative cocktail concoctions. Consumers are along for the ride and open to decadent indulgences presented in a new way. Flavors in this group include:
• Shiraz Truffle
• Beaujolais Citrus Punch
• Mojito Macaroon
• Boozy Mint Cookie