Top Flavor Trends for 2025

The culinary world continues to evolve, and innovation is the name of the game. Classic flavors are making a comeback, global tastes are landing in new and surprising markets and unexpected taste profiles are gaining traction.  

But it’s not about following these trends – it’s about predicting the flavor forecast. At IFF, our experts predict the top flavor trends and partner with food and beverage companies to lead the way in cutting-edge products and customized applications. 

Charting the Course to Tomorrow’s Tastes

To that end, Tastepoint by IFF – an innovative brand of IFF that focuses on the unique needs of the mid-tier food and beverage market – has released their Tastepoint 2025 top flavor trends. These predictions showcase flavors that will be trending in retail, food service and beyond over the coming year. 

Each of these trends also belongs to a broader flavor space – a category of flavors that defines consumer preferences and shapes the food and beverage landscape. Some of these tonalities, like floral and botanical flavors, are growing rapidly as consumers seek clean-label and sophisticated options. Others, like nostalgic comfort flavors, bring familiarity and indulgence, while savory and umami-driven profiles continue to expand into unexpected applications.  

Recognizing these flavor spaces helps us predict how tastes will evolve and how they can be adapted across different product categories, global regions and more.

2025 Flavor Trend Predictions 

#1 – Pear 
Crisp, juicy and subtly floral, pear offers a refreshing sweetness with an edge of sophistication. Expect to see pear flavors paired with warm spices in seasonal launches, as well as new takes on a fresh, botanical twist in both beverages and confections. 

Play it Safe: Opt for classic pairings in granola, yogurt and bakery products. 

Shake Things Up: Drizzle pear flavor into botanical teas, protein bars and even savory dressings. 

#2 – POG (Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava) 
A tropical trifecta bursting with tart, citrusy and sweet notes, POG is rooted in Hawaiian culture but is now making waves across the food and beverage industry. Its naturally vibrant and refreshing taste makes it a perfect match for a variety of applications, from refreshing drinks to bold sauces. 

Play it Safe: Use POG flavor in seltzers, ice creams and yogurts. 

Shake Things Up: Develop POG-infused sauces, dressings, stir-fry marinades, beers, kombucha and more. 
 

#3 – Jasmine 
Delicate yet complex, jasmine offers a floral sweetness with a hint of honey and a touch of bitterness. Traditionally a staple in teas, it is now expanding into coffees, confections, dairy products and even savory sauces where it can lend a sophisticated edge. 

Play it Safe: Incorporate jasmine flavor in teas, boba drinks and chocolates. 

Shake Things Up: Create jasmine-infused yogurt, lattes, espresso tonics and savory dressings. 
 

#4 – Rosemary 
A robust and fragrant evergreen, rosemary’s pine and citrus undertones make it a staple in savory dishes. But now, it’s branching out—appearing in unexpected places like desserts, cocktails and even specialty coffees. 

Play it Safe: Blend rosemary in seasonings for roasted meats, garnishes, soups and stews. 

Shake Things Up: Experiment with rosemary-flavored lattes, chocolate pairings and cocktail infusions. 
 

#5 – Espresso 
Rich, bold and deeply roasted, espresso is no longer confined to coffee drinks. Its presence is expanding into unexpected spaces, adding depth to both sweet and savory applications. 

Play it Safe: Delight consumers with coffee beverages and espresso-flavored chocolates. 

Shake Things Up: Try using espresso flavor in ice creams, dry rubs for meat, popcorn seasonings, barbecue sauces and more.  
 

#6 – Dirty Martini 
Savory, briny and elevated, the dirty martini has long been a staple in mixology. Now, its distinctive taste is inspiring everything from salty snacks to confections. 

Play it Safe: Offer dirty-martini canned cocktails and cocktail mixes. 

Shake Things Up: Expand into dirty martini-flavored popcorn, dips, confections and even ice creams and sorbets. 
 

#7 – Miso 
A fermented umami-triggering bomb, miso flavor is traditionally used in Japanese cuisine but is now crossing over into confections, beverages and even unexpected dessert applications. 

Play it Safe: Provide traditional miso soups and marinades. 

Shake Things Up: Offer miso-based chocolate products, caramel-miso ice cream and umami-packed cocktails. 
 

#8 – Cacio e Pepe 
This simple yet iconic Roman pasta dish, made with Pecorino Romano and black pepper, is inspiring new snackable and savory innovations. 

Play it Safe: Deliver cacio e pepe pastas, frozen dishes and seasoning blends.  

Shake Things Up: Create cacio e pepe-flavored snacks and savory dips – or go extremely bold and infuse into ice cream offerings. 
 

#9 – Banana Pudding 
A creamy and comforting classic, banana pudding is full of nostalgia and indulgence, making it a natural fit for both traditional and novel applications. 

Play it Safe: Showcase banana pudding’s distinct flavor in ice creams, confections and a wide variety of bakery items. 

Shake Things Up: Weave banana pudding flavor into martinis, coffee creamers and dessert-inspired cocktails. 
 

#10 – Brown Butter 

Deeply nutty, caramelized and rich, brown butter flavor is elevating both sweet and savory recipes with its irresistible depth. 

Play it Safe: Provide warm-and-cozy cookies, pastries and rich sauces with a brown butter-based flavor. 

Shake Things Up: Infuse brown butter into old fashioned beverages and cocktail mixes, chocolate pairings and gourmet popcorn. 

Shaping the Future of Flavor Together 

These top flavors for 2025 are more than just trending tastes — they represent broader shifts in consumer preferences. From the rise of botanicals like jasmine to the growing appeal of nostalgic and comforting flavors like banana pudding, this year’s trend predictions highlight a strategic blend of adventure and familiarity. 

Bring these trends to life with tailored solutions that meet your consumers’ specific needs. Whether you’re looking to embrace a bold new flavor or refine a classic favorite, IFF’s expertise in flavor innovation can help you pave the way to awe-inspiring experiences in 2025. 
 

Craft your next must-have flavor. Reach out today.

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Many images in this email were generated by Shutterstock AI in February 2025.​