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.”
“The nutraceutical industry often follows trends in the food and beverage sector, and lychee is no exception,” said Kevin Kumetz, senior formulator at Vitaquest. “It pairs perfectly with hydration, greens, and even energy products, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers.”
Kumetz also explained that floral flavors, such as hibiscus and lavender, have been increasing in popularity over the past year, and lychee is a natural progression of that trend.
According to consumer research company Datassential, the number of lychee items on US menus grew by 24% between 2020 and 2024. The flavor is most frequently featured in beverages, but can also be found paired with desserts and proteins.
