3 of the Top Beverage Flavor Trends for 2019
With the new year comes new opportunities to tap into trending flavors! Though the list could go on and on, we’ve identified three of the most important ones you can take advantage of right away.
1. Turmeric & Ginger
Both of these potent spices are derived from their namesake rhizomes (the botanical term for creeping rootstalks with subterranean plant stems that send out roots and shoots). Turmeric is known for having a bitter flavor and is mildly aromatic, with scents of orange and ginger. However, ginger is more biting whereas turmeric is relatively subtle. Ginger, with its spicy, slightly woody flavor, is immediately recognizable and can add real heat when used liberally. In addition to their tastes, both flavors are gaining in popularity due to their superb health benefits.1 Both have anti-inflammatory and immune-booting properties 2, making them flavorful and healthful additions to hot tea, kombucha, smoothies, and even soft drinks.
2. Tart & Sour Flavors
Sweet always seems to be in demand, but consumers are starting to show a strong desire for tart and sour beverages too. For some, this may seem to have come out of the blue, but the steady rise of sour beer styles and the continually growing popularity of kombucha have likely played a key role. Plus, many tart and sour sources offer additional benefits to consumers. Ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and hibiscus can replace or reduce sweeteners in beverages. The acidity of these ingredients also helps maintain proper pH, which helps to meet food safety standards easier and allows for some beverages to be preservative-free.1
3. Unique Fruit Flavors
There are two ways to look at this trend: unique fruit flavors and unique ways to use fruit flavors. On the unique fruit side, don’t be surprised to find prickly pear popping up on a wide range of menus this year. Spiny fruits, such as prickly pear (also known as a cactus pear) and dragon fruit, bring in color and subtle sweetness that provide ideal mix-ins for teas and cocktails because they are undeniably intriguing without being overpowering or offensive to the palate.
On the unique ways to use fruit flavors, soft drinks are an ideal vehicle for experimentation. Spiny fruits can be an exciting addition to soft drinks, as well as citrus varieties such as bergamont orange, yuzu, calamansi, citron, makrut lime, pomelo, Meyer lemon, blood orange, and more.3
The best news about each of these flavor trends is that they are all easily accessible and adaptable. From teas to sparkling drinks to soda to cocktails and more, there are near endless ways to incorporate them into your operation. And when you do, be sure to promote your on-trend flavors on the menu and social media to stir up excitement and drive traffic
