There hasTaste with Kerry never been a more thrilling time to be part of the food and beverage industry. With unprecedented access to global markets, rapidly changing consumer preferences, and groundbreaking technological innovations, the opportunities for growth and innovation are virtually limitless.
Today’s consumers have the world at their fingertips. Taste with KerryTheir curiosity and evolving tastes, fueled by social media trends and online content, are shaping the future of food and drink in profound ways. For food and beverage manufacturers, however, the challenge lies in identifying precisely what consumers want. From wellness and Taste with Kerry to sustainability and quality, the demand for personalized products that adapt to shifting preferences is higher than ever.
Taking the Guesswork Out: Kerry’s Taste Charts
Fortunately, industry professionals have a powerful tool to guide them: Taste with Kerrys annual Taste Charts. These trend predictions eliminate much of the guesswork about future consumer demands. By analyzing a comprehensive array of data sources—including social media, advanced analytics, retail and foodservice trends, AI-driven menu analysis, and retrospective innovation data—the Taste with Kerry Charts offer a stress-tested roadmap for the year ahead. This blueprint is enriched by the expertise of Taste with Kerrys chefs, baristas, mixologists, scientists, and tastemakers.
David Deeley, Kerry’s Senior Insights Manager for Europe, explains that the Taste Charts go beyond identifying trending flavors. “They tell a story of evolving human needs, mapping how our desires for health, indulgence, and sustainability have influenced global palates,” Deeley says. By leveraging human insight and over a decade of flavor evolution data, the Taste Charts connect tastes to fundamental shifts in consumer behavior, showcasing the transformation of the markets they serve.
Taste with Kerry Exploring Unlocking 2025 Flavor Trends and Insights Driving the Exciting Future of Taste
From Reactive to Proactive: The Health Revolution
One key trend highlighted in Kerry’s research is the transition from reactive to proactive health approaches. Soumya Nair, Taste with Kerry’s Global Consumer Research and Insights Director, emphasizes that this is not just a fleeting trend but a long-term evolution. “Today’s conscious consumer rejects the notion of compromising taste for nutrition,” Nair explains. “The shift away from a ‘trade-off mindset’ has reached a critical point, with consumer loyalty now tied to brands that deliver both novelty and vitality.”
Consumers increasingly demand products that balance health benefits with indulgent flavors. This dual expectation—what Nair refers to as “table stakes”—has become the new norm. Brands that fail to meet this expectation risk losing relevance in a competitive and fast-paced market.
Novelty Meets Wellness: Emerging Flavor Trends
As consumers dive into adventurous flavors, their choices reflect a cultural shift towards novelty, wellness, and meaningful connections. Deeley notes that consumers are seeking balance and self-care through products that offer “Fun with Functional.” This trend involves flavors that provide more than just taste; they deliver a daily boost that nourishes both the body and mind.
For example, beverages infused with adaptogens or snacks featuring probiotics are increasingly popular. These products meet the demand for enjoyment and functionality, aligning with the modern consumer’s desire for multitasking benefits. In a world that never stops, people crave experiences that offer both pleasure and well-being.
Rethinking Engagement: The Power of Experiences
The rising demand for “experience-driven moments” challenges brands to rethink how they engage with consumers. By leveraging insights from trends like “Imagination Infused,” brands can create whimsical and innovative products that captivate the consumer’s imagination. From bold flavor combinations to unexpected product formats, these experiences foster a sense of escapism and playfulness.
Nair explains that food and beverage experiences are deeply emotional. “They evoke memories and provide a much-needed escape from daily demands,” she says. By embedding themselves in consumers’ lives in authentic and creative ways, brands can build deeper, more meaningful connections. This approach transforms products from mere commodities into integral parts of consumers’ personal stories.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of consumer expectations. What began as a focus on reducing plastic waste has evolved into a broader commitment to cleaner, greener lifestyles. Deeley observes that consumers are rediscovering heritage flavors and embracing upcycled ingredients as part of this movement. “Through trends like ‘Clean and Simple,’ we see a celebration of nature’s goodness,” he explains. “Sustainable choices can be just as exciting as indulgent ones.”
Gen Z, in particular, is driving this shift. Their influence extends across generations, encouraging older consumers to adopt more sustainable habits. Nair highlights the growing importance of “human-centered design” in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Brands that prioritize sustainability and address major global challenges—from food waste to biodiversity loss—are earning consumer loyalty.
Turning Insights into Action
While trends may seem unpredictable on the surface, Taste with Kerry’s approach demonstrates that they are rooted in deep analysis and expertise. Deeley emphasizes that behind every trend prediction lies a collaborative effort involving thousands of data points and the input of a global team. This team includes 1,200 scientists, 100 flavorists, and 70 food craft experts, among others. Together, they curateTaste with Kerry’s Proprietary Taste Charts and Taste Trends, transforming insights into actionable strategies for industry professionals.
Nair concludes that the Taste Charts offer more than just a snapshot of what’s popular. They provide a forward-looking vision of flavor and ingredient innovation, guiding brands toward creating products that fulfill consumer desires for authenticity, novelty, and sustainability. “This curated toolbox has a legacy of driving innovation and delivering on the consumer promise,” she says.
