SINGAPURA – Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions, today launched Global Taste Charts 2026, a comprehensive report mapping the evolution and future direction of the most visionary food flavor trends for the global food and beverage industry. Compiled through in-depth research involving more than 1,200 scientists, 100 flavor experts, and cross-regional consumer studies, the report serves as a data-driven guide for manufacturers seeking to respond to rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
In the 2026 edition, the scope of the Global Taste Charts has expanded from six to eight core categories: Refreshing Beverages; Alcoholic Beverages and Alcohol-Inspired Drinks; Tea, Coffee & Cocoa; Savory Snacks; Sweet Products; Soups & Sauces; Meat & Ready Meals; and Supplements. This expansion reflects the increasingly blurred lines between indulgence and health, as well as the strong fusion of global inspiration with local identity.
One of the most prominent trends is the rising popularity of sweet-and-spicy flavor combinations, particularly among Generation Z consumers. In Southeast Asia, this trend is evident in spicy fruit beverages and chili-seasoned confections. Meanwhile, in South Africa, the preference is reflected in sweet chili sauces, spicy honey snacks, and spicy tomato chips.
Across Africa, paprika-based flavor profiles are being increasingly applied to snacks, sauces, and grilled meats. In Australia and New Zealand, fajita seasoning has emerged as a new favorite, showing rapid growth in meal kits, marinated meats, and savory snack categories.
Watermelon continues to dominate beverage product innovation in Southeast Asia and Africa. In contrast, mandarin has been identified as the fastest-growing citrus flavor in Australia and New Zealand, expanding across alcoholic beverages, alcohol-inspired drinks, tea, and coffee.
Kerry also highlights a trend toward reinterpreting traditional flavors in modern formats. Examples include nasi uduk cheesecake and avocado brownie ice cream in Southeast Asia, as well as date mustard, za’atar ice cream, and camel milk pistachio iced coffee in the Middle East.
Demand for small-sized, convenient snacks continues to rise in the Middle East and South Africa, encompassing spicy lemon snacks, energy balls, mini puddings, and ready-to-cook protein products. In China, Eastern and Western health trends are increasingly converging through the use of ingredients such as turmeric, astragalus, aged mandarin peel, spirulina, and açaí in beverages, dairy products, and snacks.
Additionally, milk tea with bolder flavor profiles, matcha and cocoa with enhanced depth, and higher-intensity chocolate products are experiencing significant growth in China and the Middle East. In South Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, plant-based ingredients such as orange blossom, hibiscus, rooibos, and elderflower are being used more extensively.
Global Taste Charts 2026 is supported by KerryNow™, Kerry’s integrated digital platform that enables customers to order samples, explore flavor portfolios, and access application and regulatory support. The platform is designed to accelerate the innovation process, from concept development to product launch.
“Global Taste Charts 2026 reflects consumers’ desire for contrast, comfort, depth, and meaning in flavor,” said Leigh Anne Vaughan, Vice President, Product Technologies, Kerry. “We combine sensory science, cultural insight, and consumer data to highlight flavor trends emerging across regions, while helping our customers move more confidently from idea to product amid rapidly changing tastes.”
Source
Kerry Group