Comax unveils 2020 flavor trends

“​As consumers continue to seek healthier, better-for-you products, plant-based foods and beverages are inundating the market with no signs of waning and sober curious consumers are exploring low and no alcohol beverage options," ​says Comax Flavors​​.​​​

"The younger demographics continue to explore multicultural flavors with a current cultural affinity for Asian flavors, while the popularity of raw cookie dough has remained prevalent as consumers enjoy nostalgic treats."​

Here are four trends it will be watching in 2020, supported by four accompanying flavor collections:

Plant-Powered Snacks ​capitalizes on consumers’ quest for better-for-you plant-based foods and the trend to snacking.

Flavors in Comax’s collection include: Maple Bacon Ranch, Honey Sriracha, and Lemon Truffle

No Proof Needed ​addresses sober curious consumers’ interest in low and no alcohol beverages, says Comax, with Morning Consult data showing that just over four in 10 of the drinking-age population does not drink, with more consumers looking for low or no alcohol beverages with fewer calories, less sugar, and better-for-you profiles. 

Flavors in Comax’s collection include: Matcha Pineapple Punch-less, No-Geroni, and Mango-No-Tini.

Asian Influences ​taps into the growing demand for “adventurous and authentic global flavors,” with Asian flavors on menus at fast-casual restaurants are up nearly 30% year over year according to Foodable Research Labs.

Flavors in Comax’s collection include: Milk Tea, Japanese Pancake, and Ube Vanilla.

So Doughlicious ​focuses on consumers’ appetite for nostalgic indulgence. According to Technomic’s MenuMonitor, cookie dough is seeing a 9% year over year growth on restaurant menus while the cookie category increased 2.6% to reach $8.8bn for the year ending March 24, 2019, according to IRI data.  

Flavors in Comax’s collection include: Birthday Cake Cookie Dough, Cold Brew Coffee Cookie Dough, and S’mores Cookie Dough.