Low/No Booze, exotic uniqueness & Pacific flavors: Monin predicts 2020 flavor trends

The company released its top 5 trends for 2020, which also included Low/No Booze, What’s Your Story?, Experience the Pacific, and Alt. Nation. The 2020 Flavor Trends were developed by an internal team of consumer insight specialists, beverage innovation directors, chefs and flavor technologists, said the company.

The number one trend prediction for the new year was around the “Hunt for Uniqueness”, with the company noting that “consumers are searching for the new and unusual, leading to trends moving faster than ever”.

In addition to ingredients like turmeric, collagen, and CBD, Monin also notes that unique flavors to keep an eye on next year are “the cool but colorful (pistachio, blue raspberry, dragon fruit), the rare (pineberry), and mood enhancers (oak, lavender, vanilla)”.

On the “Low/No Booze Buzz”, the company notes that there have been noticeable changes in the drinking habits of Americans over the past 20 years, with consumers increasing seeking out no and low-ABV cocktail options.

“As these beverages continue to dominate the market, layers of flavor will differentiate them from the crowd. Flavors include staple flavors (mango, lime, pineapple, blueberry) mixed with unique flavors (jalapeño, rosemary, lavender),” ​noted Monin.

The third trend highlighted by Monin focused on storytelling, which the company describes as “key to building trust and excitement with consumers.​

“Purpose is paramount and company social responsibility efforts will be at the forefront. As technology allows consumers to enjoy more experiences in the comforts of their own homes, unique stories will evoke emotion and enhance experiences that draw customers to your establishment. Flavors with a story include yuzu, vanilla spice, Hawaiian island, and stone fruit.”​

Exotic flavors also come up for Monin’s “Experience the Pacific” trend prediction, which focuses on consumer desire for an escape from the everyday. “Flavors include the juicy (passion fruit, guava, dragon fruit) and the tantalizing (lemongrass, cumin, ginger, cardamom),”​ it said.

The final trend on the list is described as “Alt. Nation”, which looks at consumer demand for product to enhance their health and wellness, including alternatives ingredient forms and specialty diets.

“There will be no shortage of alternative beverage options including flavored waters, hard seltzers, and spirit-free cocktails,” ​said the company.