January 29, 2026 – Each year, Innova launches its top Global Flavor Trends, highlighting the major trends set to reshape the global food and beverage market. Situated within the context of global consumer trends and macro factors, these trends indicate what consumers seek when approaching flavor and exploration. In 2026, multisensory experiences, cultural influences, health, and well-being are some of the key drivers that will impact consumer behavior. Innova’s report, “Top Global Flavor Trends 2026,” delves deeper into these factors set to redefine food and beverage, fueling innovation in the year to come.
Global Flavor Trend #1: Sensorial Explorations
In 2026, consumers are redefining what luxury means to them through products that evoke multisensory experiences. According to Innova’s flavor trends research, textures, visual appeal, and aromas heighten indulgence and perceived value. Gen Z, in particular, favors visually appealing and surprising flavor combinations. Multifunctional flavors, that deliver both taste and color, are also set to redefine the global food and beverage market, as regulators and consumers push to eradicate artificial colors. Furthermore, 2 in 3 consumers are interested in engaging with new foods, opening another door for exploration. Toppings, seasonings, and sauces are a way to add fun twists, texture, and excitement to products and tailor to consumers seeking novel experiences.
Global Flavor Trend #2: Cultural Remix
With the rise of social media, globalization, and travel, consumers are increasingly embracing hybrid flavors that merge global and local flavors. In fact, 51% of global consumers are seeking cuisines from other countries, and a majority are open to trying traditional foods with a modern twist. For example, social media has driven an interest in diverse and international foods, such as Korean street food. By adapting trending cuisines into familiar formats like ready melas of seasonings, brands can make new flavors more accessible to global consumers. Innova’s flavor trends research indicates that cultural influences are also no longer restricted to ready meals alone. They are now impacting a wide range of categories, from desserts and ice cream, savory snacks, and milk.
Global Flavor Trend#3: Easy Health, Full of Flavor
Health and indulgence are increasingly intertwined, as consumers embrace nutritional benefits. However, taste remains the deciding factor for consumers, and taste preferences rank as the top factor consumers consider when planning a healthy meal. A majority of Gen Z and Millennials are also looking to incorporate more protein into their diets. As a result, protein claims in new food and beverage launches have increased by 20%, resulting in the growing prevalence of protein snacks in the global food and beverage market. Reducing bad ingredients is also top of mind for consumers, with 37% of consumers viewing the reduction of bad ingredients as the method for transforming indulgent snacks into healthier options.
Global Flavor Trend #4: Flavor Fest
Occasion-based innovations are driving the global market, as launches tied to festivals, seasons, or milestones appeal to consumers’ nostalgia and spark joy. 32% of consumers globally say they choose indulgent food and drinks when celebrating special occasions, and as a result, brands are linking taste with celebrations of key moments. For instance, birthdays and Christmas rank among the top occasions for celebrations, according to global consumers, and serve as opportunities for new product development surrounding festivities. Nostalgia also plays a central role in innovation, as consumers look to relive flavor memories and seasonal moments. Pumpkin spice, a limited-edition and seasonal flavor, underscores this trend, as it evokes tradition while inspiring holiday excitement for consumers. Meals and snack occasions are also evolving into moments for flavor innovation, with 50% of consumers pointing to dinner as a time most likely to try new flavors. Lunch is the second leading occasion that consumers point to when engaging in flavor exploration.
Global Flavor Trend #5: My Mood, My Flavor
Half of global consumers convey that their mood influences the flavors they crave, and they embrace taste to support their daily routines and mental well-being. Consumers associate happiness with sweet flavors, while creamy or rich flavors elicit feelings of comfort. When it comes to stress, food and beverages also play a key role, as 74% of consumers turn to food and drinks to improve their mood and cope with stress. Spending time with family and friends is another method global consumers use to relieve stress. As a result, brands can leverage emotional appeal and tailor products to promote communal moments and connections with others. In addition, the My Mood, My Flavor trend also underscores how taste preferences also vary throughout the day, alongside mood shifts. For example, during evening hours, consumers are more likely to seek bold or intense flavors.
This article is based on Innova’s Top Global Flavor Trends 2026 report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to learn more.