March 8, 2025 – Globally, the food and beverage flavor landscape is moving toward floral, fruity, and lighter refreshing profiles to capture the spring season’s renewal feel. Innova’s 360 research examines the market trends and consumer preferences and identifies potential new products, highlighting springtime food and beverage flavor trends on social media in global markets. It also shows future directions that brands can utilize to stay relevant in the market.
Spring Social Media Trends
Spring-themed food and beverage conversations are rising on social media, driven by seasonal recipes, promotions, and product launches. Globally, half of the consumers show positive sentiment on social media and online platforms regarding springtime food and beverage flavors trends over the past year. On average, news articles achieved a significant reach of 7.3M per mention during the same period.
Starbucks and Dunkin’ are capitalizing on the seasonality effect with timely menu updates on social media. Starbucks’ Spring 2025 Collection displays unique flavors like Vanilla and Lavender and is expanding into plant-based creamers, while Dunkin’ launched its spring menu featuring returning favorites like Dunkalatte and pistachio coffee, and new items. Other brands are joining the movement by introducing floral, fruity, and other flavors that capture the essence of spring.
Women and young millennials lead springtime food trends, followed by Gen Z. 76% of female users focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and trending recipes. Brand Happy Thursday is leveraging the young generation’s thirst for unique and refreshing flavors. Its latest raspberry dragonfruit flavor targets consumers over the age of 21 who seek fruit-forward experiences. This introduction brings tropical tastes into the category just in time for the season’s shift.
Spring Food and Beverage Categories
The arrival of this season has sparked a rise in conversations around seasonal activities, food, and traditions, driving a notable increase in mentions. Bakery and hot drinks categories are leading in discussions, particularly in spring-themed recipes and events.
Food Network’s #SpringBakingChampionship is driving high social media engagement, with fans actively sharing highlighted moments, great bakes, and creative presentations. The show’s reach is not limited to television, with home bakers and professionals adopting spring-themed baking trends. Foodies and food bloggers on Pinterest are also ushering spring in with colorful desserts using berries, citrus, and light cakes. These spring treats are characterized by refreshing flavors and colorful displays, perfect for spring gatherings.
Spring-Inspired Cocktail Beverages
On social media, springtime-inspired cocktail ideas are gaining attention. Buchanan’s La Familia capitalized on this trend by launching a unique blend of whisky and guava juice, making it a suitable choice for the season.
Greggs also leveraged this occasion by offering complimentary food items and refreshing drinks with a springtime theme. Along with three new food products that appeal to various palates and enhance springtime enjoyment, it also launched two new beverages, mint lemonade and peach iced tea.
Strawberry Flavor
Strawberry flavor is the most discussed flavor on social media, with posts featuring user-curated spring and summer drinks, desserts, and brand launches. Several mentions also reveal the preference for refreshing and comforting flavors, with ingredients like lavender, lemon, and cherry blossoms.
Brands are enhancing the appeal of strawberry flavor with flowery, citrusy, and creamy combinations. For instance, Scooter’s Coffee’s introduced the Strawberry Blossom Red Bull Infusion to its spring menu, while Sprite introduced a new strawberry kiwi flavor as part of its Sprite Chill lineup. These introductions show that to create a well-rounded spring menu, innovators are focusing on the popularity of strawberries while also experimenting with blueberries, lemons, and flowers.
Brands Spotlight
Spring is the best season in Tokyo due to its iconic cherry blossoms and weather. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo launched the ‘Heart Meets Sakura’ menu theme, appealing to regional preferences. The menu features beverages and seasonal drinks that evoke the spirit of the Meguro River’s cherry blossoms.
The Sakura Cream Latte combines soy milk, espresso, cinnamon, and bean paste powder for a flavor reminiscent of traditional Japanese sweets. The Sakura Tranquility Tea also offers a relaxing, springtime-inspired experience. These offerings allow consumers to experience the flavors and atmosphere of the cherry blossom season.
What’s Next in Springtime Flavor Trends?
Consumer preferences for balancing enjoyment and health are reflected in the spring flavor trends. Consumers desire fruity and flowery flavor options which are lighter, more refreshing, and functional. Brands can explore immune-boosting, gut-friendly, and plant-based offerings to align with health-conscious choices.
Spring-themed limited-edition flavors and seasonal collaborations partnerships can generate buzz on social media. Brands can promote consumer participation and social sharing by developing interactive experiences like DIY kits and tailored drinks. Brands can also partner with Instagram and TikTok influencers and food bloggers to highlight their recipes and introduce new products for engagement.
Convenience, health, and nostalgic treats continue to play a significant role in spring celebrations. Brands that leverage these opportunities are likely to lead in the market.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Springtime F&B Flavors – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
