MorganMyers’ Food & Flavor Trends Report shows the tastes to watch — and why some move from buzz to pantry staple

10 Flavors that Will Define 2026

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From hojicha to chili mango, bold flavors are set to take over menus, grocery aisles and social feeds in the year ahead. These are among the highlights of the inaugural MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends Report, a research-backed forecast revealing the flavors to watch and why some move from trend to staple.

Download the full report here: morganmyers.com/food-flavor-trends-report-2026/

Released today, the report features:

• The top 10 flavors for 2026 and the data behind them.
• How and why consumers discover and adopt new flavors.
• A playbook for turning trends into everyday purchases.
  
  

The Top 10 Flavors of 2026

Move over, matcha. Based on consumer research and search trends, the MorganMyers Food & Flavors Trends Report forecasts 10 rising flavors for 2026, including one set to make a major leap forward:

1. Hojicha, the 2026 Flavor of the Year: roasted Japanese green tea, nutty and smoky-sweet
2. Floral Infusion: roses, hibiscus, and more for subtle complexity and wellness appeal
3. Piri Piri: spicy, tangy, smoky heat rooted in African and Portuguese traditions
4. Macadamia Nuts: buttery indulgence with plant-based power across sweet and savory beverages and dishes
5. Black Cocoa: dramatic color and deep chocolate intensity in baked goods and desserts
6. Miso Caramel: sweet meets savory for comfort with umami depth
7. Black Sesame Paste: nutty, velvety and functional with global credibility
8. Fancy Butter: small-batch butter driving a nostalgic premium comeback
9. Coconut Pandan: tropical aroma and striking green hue that pop on menus and feeds
10. Chili Mango: fiery meets fruity for snacks, sauces and cocktails
    
    

More than a List: A Playbook for Adoption

“Most food and flavor trends never make it past trial. We wanted to know why some, like pumpkin spice, stick around while others, like sriracha, fade away,” said Eric Davis, vice president, Food & Beverage, MorganMyers, a G&S Agency. “Our report moves beyond foodie fads and curiosities to map how foods and flavors take from spark to staple.”

“To build this report, we combined two original national surveys, consumer search analysis and retail and menu data to show what’s next — and how food brands can market with greater intention,” said Steve Halsey, principal and chief growth officer, MorganMyers. “It gives brands, commodity boards and ingredient companies a clear view of what’s coming and how to respond.”

Key insights in the report:

• Nearly 4 in 10 shoppers follow flavor trends, and 1 in 3 notice them — proof that sparks of interest can grow into long-term adoption.
• Eighty-five percent (85%) of shoppers are open to trying new flavors, but motivations vary — from adventurous risk-takers to comfort-seekers.
• Gen Z leads the way: 73% often try new flavors, while Boomers stick with trusted staples like butter and cocoa — a call for generational strategies.
• Price, access and taste risk are top barriers for flavors to stick, making sampling, package size and reassurance key to breaking through.
• Only 12% of flavors become staples — showing how smart marketing can boost staying power.
  
  

Download the MorganMyers 2026 Food & Flavor Trends Report here.

About MorganMyers

For more than 40 years, MorganMyers, a G&S Agency, has helped food and beverage CPGs, associations and commodity boards turn trends into staples. We’re food- and farm-focused strategists, creatives and storytellers passionate about helping brands earn trust and deliver impact. Learn more at MorganMyers.com.

Contact:

Eric Davis, Vice President, Food & Beverage

MorganMyers, a G&S Agency

edavis@morganmyers.com

612.202.9407

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The 2026 MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends Report

The 2026 MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends Report combines consumer research and analysis to reveal trending flavors and show how some foods move from trend to pantry staple.

Flavor of the Year: Hojicha

Move over, matcha. The 2026 MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends report names Hojicha the 2026 Flavor of the Year.

The Leap Few Flavors Make

According to the 2026 MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends report, only 12% of trending flavors become staples.

The Playbook for Flavor Adoption

The 2026 MorganMyers Food & Flavor Trends Report uses consumer research to unpack how some flavors go from awareness to trend, and then trend to pantry staple.

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