The 2026 Global Taste Charts by Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, offer the food and beverage industry a detailed view of evolving flavours and innovation.
Built on the expertise of more than 1,200 scientists, 100 flavourists and extensive consumer research across multiple regions, the 2026 Taste Charts reflect how today’s consumers are eating, drinking and experimenting with flavour. The result is a practical, forward-looking guide designed to help manufacturers respond to fast-moving tastes with clarity and confidence.
As consumer expectations continue to fragment and intensify, the 2026 Taste Charts expand from six to eight categories, covering Refreshing Beverages; Alcohol & Alcohol-Inspired Drinks; Tea, Coffee & Cocoa; Savoury Snacks; Sweet; Soups & Dressings; Meat and Meals; and Supplements.
This broader view captures the growing crossover between indulgence and wellness, tradition and novelty, and global inspiration and local identity that are increasingly shaping flavour decisions.
Flavour Trends:
Exotic to everyday: Dragon fruit’s global ascent
Dragon fruit has moved beyond its Asian roots to become a recognisable global flavour.
- In Asia Pacific, it continues to anchor iced teas, smoothies and flavoured waters.
- Across Europe and the Americas, its mild sweetness and vibrant colour are driving growth in sparkling beverages, fruit-forward sweets and alcohol-inspired drinks.
Sweet meets heat: The rise of “Swicy”
Sweet-and-spicy flavour pairings are gaining ground as consumers look for intensity, contrast and shareable experiences.
- In Southeast Asia, this shows up in spicy fruit beverages, chilli-laced confectionery and Korean-inspired limited-time fast-food offerings.
- In South Africa, sweet chilli sauces, hot honey snacks and spicy tomato crisps reflect a blend of global influence and local taste preferences.
These combinations tap into a desire for playful experimentation, driven in part by social media and a growing appetite for bold, layered flavour experiences.
Beyond burn: Layered heat, global meets local
Consumers are moving away from one-note spiciness toward more nuanced heat.
- Across Greater Africa, paprika-led blends are gaining momentum in snacks, sauces, grilled meats and ready meals, offering smoky, sweet and aromatic complexity inspired by street food traditions. This shift supports richer seasoning systems that deliver depth rather than intensity alone.
- In Australia and New Zealand, Fajita spice is one of the fastest-growing flavours, reflecting the mainstreaming of Mexican cuisine and the appetite for bold, multi-dimensional taste experiences. Its blend of smoky, spicy, and savoury notes is appearing in marinated meats, meal kits, and savoury snacks, catering to consumers seeking adventurous, globally inspired options.
Hydration with character: Fruit-forward refreshment
Refreshing fruits continue to dominate beverage innovation.
In Southeast Asia and Greater Africa, watermelon features prominently in sparkling waters, juices and alcohol-inspired drinks, although mango and pineapple are also trending in Southeast Asia, aligning with demand for clean-label and vibrant, hydrating, and naturally sweet thirst quenchers. Among consumers in Australia and New Zealand, mandarin is the fastest-growing flavour in refreshing beverages and is expanding into alcoholic, alcohol-inspired, and tea and coffee formats. Its familiarity, versatility and health positioning make mandarin a strong driver of citrus-led innovation.
Turning insight into action
The 2026 Taste Charts are now supported by a user-friendly, end-to-end digital platform that bridges the gap between insight and execution: KerryNow™. For the first time, customers can access the flavour portfolio, instantly order samples of trending flavours featured in Taste Charts, and get support from Kerry experts on product applications, regulatory guidance or sample selections.
“The 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers are eating and drinking today, seeking contrast, comfort, depth and meaning in flavour,” said Leigh Anne Vaughan, Vice President of Product Technologies, Kerry. “It brings together sensory science, cultural understanding and real consumption data to show where flavours are gaining momentum and how they’re being expressed locally. By connecting these insights with practical application support and rapid sampling through KerryNow™, we’re helping our customers move more confidently from idea to product and keep pace with how quickly tastes are changing.”
