There’s Something About Citrus

Citrus is trending! Surprising? Not at all. With summer just around the corner, citrus fruits are on the rise, gaining steam in a variety of product categories, including beverages, desserts, baked goods, and more. In fact, citrus is practically synonymous with summer, having cemented its status as a go-to flavor profile for summer foods and beverages due to its vibrant and refreshing flavor. Despite its popularity during the summer months, citrus has been trending year-round, opening up the possibilities for both seasonal and non-seasonal product offerings. What’s the deal with citrus and why is it in demand? Let’s take a closer look at the trends behind the trend.

The Tangy & Tart Trend

In recent years, consumers have developed an interest in tangy, sour, and tart flavor profiles. Millennials and Gen Zers, of course, are responsible for this trend, as they’ve been seeking out bold and exciting flavor profiles. As such, mouth-puckering flavors, especially those delivered by citrus fruits have seen massive growth in recent years. With consumers growing increasingly bored with existing flavor options, these flavors will only continue to garner interest from consumers.

Interest in Immunity

The pandemic has put health and wellness top-of-mind and has also driven consumers to look for ways to boost their immune systems. One natural solution has been to consume more citrus fruits, which tend to be high in Vitamin C. As consumers up their citrus intake, they’ll begin craving the flavors of citrus fruits, thus seeking them out in a variety of formats. Expect to see citrus explode on restaurant menus and on grocery store shelves from the frozen aisle to the produce section in the coming months.

Ethnic Cuisine on the Rise

Many trending ethnic cuisines, like Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisines, have put the spotlight on citrus. From mainstream ethnic flavors like Thai Chili Lime to more exotic flavors like Miso Yuzu, the ever-growing interest in ethnic cuisine has helped fuel the citrus trend, making consumers crave citrus fruits like lemon, lime, yuzu, and grapefruit.

Translating the Trend

When it comes to citrus, the possibilities are seemingly endless. From snacks and sauces to seafood and side dishes, there’s a place for citrus in just about every product. Consider featuring a trending citrus fruit, like mandarin orange, on its own in a beverage or baked good, or pairing it with another on-trend flavor profile to delight consumers in the best way possible.

Need some citrus flavor inspiration? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.