Last December we looked at the new froyo and soft serve flavors that were introduced last year by froyo shops. We noted two trends: the continued popularity of plant-based soft serve made with milk alternatives and fruit flavors.
We’ve examined what experts predict will be the food trends for 2021. The key trends are (1) immunity boosting foods, including citrus fruits that are rich in Vitamin C, superfoods, and probiotics, (2) breakfast inspired flavors, (3) home baking/comfort foods, and (4) culinary exploration of regional and global flavors.
These trends are a response to current consumer concerns about health and wellness stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the necessity of working from home, increased uncertainty creating a desire for comfort foods, and travel restrictions that are driving a desire to try new flavors. Increased interest in health and wellness is also driving the continued shift towards plant-based eating, all natural recognizable ingredients, and transparent labeling.
Immunity Health
Dairy Reporter spoke with the global flavorist and the senior director of flavors for ADM about trends in 2021. ADM’s experts cite interest in health and wellness as the main driver of current flavor and color trends. COVID-19 increased interest in immune systems and mental health. Plant-based colors and flavors are part of this trend. In terms of specific flavors, vanilla, citrus (with high levels of vitamin C for boosting immunity), superfruits, and mint are trending.
Whole Foods list of top 10 food trends for 2021 also cites the growing interest in immunity driving interest in superfoods, probiotics, and foods rich in vitamin C, including exotic citrus fruits. People will also be drawn to hard kombucha with probiotics.
Comax Flavors, a New York-based leader of flavor technology and innovation, relies on primary and secondary market research to identify flavor trends. Their 2021 flavor trends predictions also points to the rise of consumer interest in immune health. In response, they created immunity boosting flavors such as Apple Carrot Ginger, Blueberry Elderberry and Manuka Honey.
Speaking of superfoods, we’ve seen quite a few acai cafes open during the pandemic. Last year, Pinkberry introduced Acai Berry froyo. Yogurtland’s first new flavor of 2021, Pineapple & Greens Smoothie is made with kale and spinach and Yogen Fruz’s new Mix Verde is made with cucumber and mint.
Frozen yogurt has probiotics as does kombucha. Last year, Righteous Gelato launched kombucha sorbet in Canada. Ben & Jerry’s flavor expert predicted kombucha ice cream in 2017. Yoga-urt’s Mango Sunrise vegan froyo made with Humm Kombucha was launched in 2017.
In addition to yogurt, kombucha, and citrus, other immunity boosting foods include ginger, spinach, almonds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, and kiwi.
Increased Interest in Breakfast
Whole Foods notes that there is an increased interest in breakfast foods and that coffee flavors are also trending as people are looking for their coffee fix outside of the cup.
Similarly, Comax noted a renewed interest in breakfast flavors.
Coffee flavors were moderately popular in froyo in 2020 with new flavors from Menchie’s (Cafe Mocha), Yogurtland (Cold Brew light ice cream), and Yogurty’s (Cappuccino Frappe). Plant-based coffee froyo flavors are hard to find though. Yoga-urt has a plant-based coffee froyo flavor called Coffee Karma that’s also organic, gluten-free, kosher, and soy-free.
Home Baking, Comfort Foods
Citing the increase in home baking, ADM experts see a renewed interest in vanilla and spices associated with baking (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg). Comax also noted the rising interest in home baking flavors.
While flavors like cake batter, cookies & cream, and cheesecake are classic froyo flavors, they could be made into new flavors with new spices or as plant-based milk.
Regional and Global Flavors
Flavorchem, which creates flavors and colors for the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries, predicted that regional flavors would be the trend to watch in 2021. They mention that trendsetters are turning to familiar regional flavors and exotic ethnic flavors to meet consumer demand for “a sense of adventure in food and drink.”
We look forward to seeing all the new froyo flavors that come out this year!
