Monin Announces Toasted Coconut as 2026 Flavor of the Year

With its rich sweet and savory flavor and cross-category appeal, Toasted Coconut is set to dominate menus and consumer products through 2026 and beyond.

Monin Announces Toasted Coconut as 2026 Flavor of the Year

Clearwater, Fl. (January 5, 2026)  Raise a toast to the flavor predicted to take over menus in 2026, Toasted Coconut. As the Monin 2026 Flavor of the Year, Toasted Coconut is expected to breathe new life into beverage and culinary menus in the year ahead. More than an island escape, Toasted Coconut combines coconut’s classic, creamy flavor with savory toasted notes for an elevated profile that enhances everything from cold brews and dirty sodas to tropical cocktails and culinary recipes 

As predicted in Monin’s 2026 Flavor Trends, sweet and savory flavors will shine this year, part of the Savory Shift transforming beverage menus around the country. Complex yet cozy, Toasted Coconut redefines what coconut can be, adding that craveable “swavory appeal to iced lattes, dirty sodas, cream cheeses, espresso martinis, ice cream and more.  

Crafted with the consumer in mind, Toasted Coconut is a clean-label product, offering operators a solution for delivering rich, tropical flavor crafted with only authentic ingredients. Not only is Toasted Coconut a current consumer craving, but it’s predicted to continue growing, with 95% of consumers already familiar with the flavor and 63% claiming to love or like it (Datassential). Additionally, as dirty sodas and exotic tastes continue to trend, Monin has expanded its coconut-flavored offerings, with the company launching a Sugar Free Coconut Syrup in 2025. After seeing 40% growth in bottle sales for coconut products last year, Monin is now embracing the flavor even more so with Toasted Coconut as its 2026 Flavor of the Year.

Toasted Coconut shines in any application, any time of day. From a morning mocha and cream cheese spread to indulgent dessert cocktails in the evening, this versatile and approachable flavor elevates beverage and culinary creations with its tropical and toasted taste. 

“Just as sweet and spicy flavors have exploded in popularity in years past, there is a new and exciting interest in sweet and savory beverages. Toasted Coconut delivers on both in one easy pour,” shares Stasha Johnston, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Monin Americas. “The familiar profile of tropical coconut is elevated by savory, aromatic toasted notes that bring sophistication and a touch of mystery. Our 2026 Flavor of the Year is a triple threat: on trend, perfectly blended, and endlessly versatile. Toasted Coconut is Monin’s way of taking a classic and adding a twist that is undeniably craveable and spot on when it comes to trends.”  

For more than a decade, Monin has undergone an extensive annual process of collecting and analyzing emerging trends, consumer insights and industry data to determine the flavors that will trend throughout the upcoming year. With their 2026 Flavor Trends, Monin found that consumers are turning to food and beverages for a retreat from reality. Operators can “whisk away” guests through a kaleidoscope of nostalgic flavors, international ingredients, and playful sensory experiences. Additionally, mixing smoky and savory flavors with classic sweet profiles speaks to the curious consumer. These “swavory” creations are trending, with 48% of consumers interested in sweet and savory flavor combinations (Monin Proprietary Research). 

Monin Toasted Coconut Syrup is a multidimensional flavor that redefines what coconut can be. With rich, warm coconut notes and subtle savory depth, it adds just the right amount of novelty and complexity,” said Bill Lombardo, CEO of Monin. “This delicious and versatile coconut is perfect for every daypart, from morning lattes and teas, to midday dirty sodas and coolers, to evening desserts, cocktails and mocktails. As we move into a new year, we look forward to helping operators incorporate this flavor into their menus and LTO’s, creating unique food and beverage experiences for their guests. 

Monin consistently predicts trending flavors year over year. Sensing the explosive growth of Asian flavors in global markets, Monin selected Yuzu as its 2025 Flavor of the Year and Ube for its 2024 Flavor of the Year. In 2023, the brand identified Hot Honey Syrup as its Flavor of the Year, predicting the “swicy” flavor explosion with their Spice Heist” Flavor Trend. Now, Monin has coined the term “swavory” for Toasted Coconut Syrup, anticipating the major impact that sweet and savory flavor combinations will have on menus in 2026 and beyond  

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 

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