The flavor forecast for 2017 is shaping up to be all about seeking healthy and clean, but will also explore a bit of the exotic, according to a team of flavor experts from Flavorman, Louisville, Ky.
The top beverage flavor trends for 2017 include:
- Tumeric (the “new” ginger). The age old spice Tumeric is known for its warm, sharp taste and golden color. Its powerful health benefits range from reducing cholesterol to controlling diabetes, and it’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Tumeric is usually found in teas such as cold and flu-fighting apple green tea and cleansing smoothies like carrot, beet and turmeric.
- Tree of life. Coconut is known for its distinct tropical flavor. This exquisite flavor has a subtle sweetness with undertones of butterscotch and caramel, and provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk and oil. Coconut is also known for its healing properties for treating asthma, kidney stones and tumors.
- Some like it hot. Spicy flavors are turning products up a notch. Hot and spicy flavors have risen in popularity in beverages over recent years due in part to the ongoing interest and exploration of ethnic cuisines across the United States.
- Runners up. Herbal accent flavors make traditional flavors more interesting and unique. Coffee in non-coffee beverages such as cream liquors, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Right now chili and chocolate are popular in coffee, combining two trends on the list.
- That’s so last year. The top flavors of 2016 were ginger, orange and lime. In an unusual case, this year Tumeric is part of the ginger family and trading places for the No. 1 spot.
