2021’s Fall Flavor Application Trends: Citrus, Botanicals, and Adaptogens
Fall is the season of change for consumers, businesses, and even the nature around us. It is the perfect time for consumers to kick-start their immune-boosting routine with citrus, botanicals, and adaptogens in time for Winter. As a flavor company, we see the trends in the industry, and our Applications Team is ready to tackle them with functionality and flavor. Here are our predictions for the top flavor applications of 2021.
Citrus
While many of us may think of citrus as a summer staple, 2021 is proving to kick that notion to the side. Nowadays, the citrus flavor application is a Fall phenomenon. With immune-boosting inclusions like vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and many more—consumers are getting their needs met with bright flavor and healthful compounds. Plus, there are hundreds of citrus flavors to work with, and they work beautifully in teas, Kombuchas, juices, and even health drink powders. Our prediction for Autumn is that you will see the following citrus flavors gain the lion’s share of the market.
- Yuzu
- Sweet Orange
- Citron
- Calamansi
- Pummelo
- Grapefruit
Botanicals
Botanicals have gone from a garnish on cocktails and restaurant dishes to the star ingredient on our grocery shelves in the last decade. Floral and botanical notes are perfect for consumers who want a delicious drink without the punched-up sugary flavor. These notes pair perfectly with honey, maple syrup, sweetened bases, and even stand alone beautifully. Plus, herbal ingredient infusions can help with digestion, energy, and more—they are the perfect component for the health-conscious consumer. With the popularity of clean labels on the rise, ingredients like botanicals can be used to help you achieve those claims. Our team of flavor experts is here to help you to partner the right flavor with functional botanicals. What botanicals do we think will be the most popular in the market this Fall?
- Black Tea
- Lavender
- Ginger
- Green Tea
- Hibiscus
Adaptogens
Most of the world is still reeling from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, and with all of our other obligations at home and work, de-stressing and self-care are top of mind. We would be remiss not to add adaptogens to our trends list. Adaptogens are believed to help our bodies adjust to biological, chemical, or physical stressors and help us to adapt and respond more positively. In recent years, there has been a rise of adaptogens used in food and beverage products, and consumers seem to be reaching for them more and more in their shopping habits. In 2020, the adaptogen market was valued at $9.78 billion and is projected to reach over $16 billion by 2028. Our team is putting their eggs in the basket of adaptogens as a 2021 flavor application trend. Our favorite adaptogens of 2021 are:
- Turmeric
- Ashwagandha
- Lions Mane
- Rhodiola
- Cordyceps
If you are looking to launch your product this year or beyond, it is important to know which trends are rising. Our application scientists are here to guide you through the process, helping you to make smart decisions about your product. We’ve been where you are, creating a product, marketing it, and expanding our line, and we are on your side, cheering you on. Grab your flavor sample today.
Flavor Insights believes this information to be correct. No warranty, guarantee, or representation is given or made with respect to the information provided. Flavor Insights is not in a position to validate the actual production or labeling of products. Flavor Insights recommends that all finished product labeling be reviewed by legal counsel, and finished product and label claim testing be confirmed to ensure product label accuracy.
