Legacy and mash-ups lead flavour trends in 2023

Kerry’s Global Taste and Nutrition Charts for 2023​ profiled the up and coming and emerging flavours for the coming year, as well as profiling top mainstream and key tastes.

While taste remained king among consumers motivated by simplicity, sustainability and meeting their nutrition goals, Kerry predicted a resurgence in old cooking practices and heirloom recipes as shoppers place more importance in tradition and provenance.

On the flip side, consumers’ tastes remain adventurous, highlighted with a rise in unconventional flavour pairings such as sweet profiles in savoury foods including blackcurrant and maple syrup. This is coupled with a strong interest in provenance, functional ingredients and flavours that tell a story.

Cross-category inspiration​

In Europe, Kerry also predicted cross-category inspiration with dessert and alcohol flavours inspiring various non-traditional applications such as ice cream, confectionery and sports nutrition.   

Commenting on these taste trends, Soumya Nair, global consumer research and insights director at Kerry, said: “Flavours have a powerful way to convey a story – particularly when it comes to consumer trends and preferences. This year we will witness the resurgence of time-honoured traditions and heirloom recipes as consumers crave traditional tastes with new and emerging flavours. ​

“Comfort still reigns supreme – with peppermints, hazelnuts, chocolates, cheeses, chilies still dominating tastebuds.  Whether a nostalgic treat, a comfort dish or a healthy alternative, consumers expect a greater variety of tastes in 2023.”​

Culture shift​

Nair also noted that Asian flavours such as Cardamom, Japanese Miso, Gooseberry and Hawthorn, reaching Europe and North America, while popular dishes in Europe such as Moroccan Tahini and Italian Bolognaise inspiring innovation in Asia Pacific.

“Consumers are travelling the world through taste and we expect that interest and desire in authenticity to continue,”​ she added.

The sting of inflation will play a key part in consumer choices in 2023 as they gravitate toward products that offer ‘permissible indulgence’, still seeking simple flavours like cheddar cheese and caramel across nostalgic favourites like cookies and salty snacks.