Clearwater, Fl. (December 11, 2025) — After more than a decade of exploring new flavors and making trend predictions, the experts at Monin Americas today reveal the top five Flavor Trends expected to make an impact in the year ahead. For 2026, Monin examines how consumers are turning to whimsical, globally-inspired treats for an escape from reality, the surging influence of Mediterranean flavors on American tastes, how savory ingredients are elevating beverage menus, and changing perceptions of wellness beverages, with natural ingredients and indulgent flavors redefining aesthetics and experiences.
See Monin’s 2026 Flavor Trends below:
Whisked Away: In today’s fast-paced world, overstimulated consumers are turning to food and beverages for a delicious retreat from reality, with more than 50% of consumers claiming they turn to food and beverages as an escape (Monin Proprietary Research). Nostalgia offers grounding and comfort, while global escapism satisfies a yearning for adventure and cultural connection. Operators can tap into this desire by inviting exploration through a kaleidoscope of nostalgic flavors, international ingredients, and playful sensory experiences. Experiment with flavors like coconut, toasted marshmallow, dragon fruit, ube, and creamsicle, and textural elements like boba, cold foams, and crunchy toppings.
Mediterranea: The flavors of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean are driving premium perception in food and beverage menus, with 64% of consumers interested in flavors unique to the region (Monin Proprietary Research). Think basil limoncello spritzes, pistachio rose lattes, and saffron pomegranate mocktails—flavors that feel timeless yet trend-forward and adventurous, adding depth and a sense of luxury to familiar formats.
The Savory Shift: While “swicy” remains popular, next year belongs to “swavory” (sweet and savory) creations. From Caprese cocktails to mushroom lattes, curious consumers are gravitating to savory food and beverage creations. Miso, hot honey, hickory smoke, and toasted coconut pair well with classics like caramel and fruit profiles, breathing new life into everything from cold brews to cheesecake. Behind the bar, fat-washed spirits, clarified pours, and roasted notes elevate the beverage experience to something unexpected and seriously sip-worthy.
Earth Tones: Naturally vivid hues, from butterfly pea’s color-shifting blues to matcha’s vibrant greens, are redefining beverage aesthetics and flavor profiles, with 43% of consumers interested in seeing more naturally colored ingredients featured on restaurant menus (Monin Proprietary Research). And it’s not just about looks, natural color means cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients, proving that transparency doesn’t just look better, it tastes better too.
Wellness Wonderland: Welcome to the functional beverage revolution. As the wellness shift persists—with 70% of consumers seeking out functional beverages at restaurants—consumers no longer have to choose between health benefits and indulgence (Monin Proprietary Research). From a protein dessert latte in the morning to an adaptogen mocktail at night, better-for-you beverages are becoming staples of self-care and self-expression as consumers start to view wellness as a treat, not a chore. In addition to protein, naturally hued energy refreshers, sugar-free options, fiber beverages, and prebiotics are in demand.
For 11 years now, Monin’s team of internal and consumer insights experts have worked together to accurately identify and track emerging trends that influence flavor preferences, including predicting the natural energy revolution in 2024, citing the prevalence “little treat” culture would have last year, and coining the “swicy” trend with “Spice Heist” alongside the launch of their 2023 Flavor of the Year, Hot Honey Syrup.
Monin identifies its annual Flavor Trends with the support of proprietary and secondary research analyses. Using an “eye-to-the-street” approach, Monin’s cross-functional team garners insights from several empirical sources, including global market excursions and the exchange of trend information with Monin beverage and culinary developers across the globe.
Following the launch of their 2026 Flavor Trends, Monin plans to announce their highly anticipated 2026 Flavor of the Year later this month. For more information on this year’s Flavor Trends, visit moninflavortrends.com.
ABOUT MONIN GOURMET FLAVORINGS:
Founded in 1912 in Bourges, France, and family-owned and operated for three generations, Monin is the premier provider of flavoring products for creating specialty beverages and elevated culinary solutions. With manufacturing facilities on three continents and product availability in more than 150 countries, Monin is recognized as the leading global flavor solution provider. For more information, visit monin.com.