Summer Flavor Kickoff

As we approach the warmest months of the year, we start to see a shift in consumers’ flavor interests and the recipes they’re inspired to create. Each season evokes different feelings and unique nostalgic memories, and those classic summer experiences of refreshing excitement and fun outdoor excursions are exactly what consumers strive to explore in their food selections. It’s no secret that seasonal items tend to be a hit with consumers of all ages but staying on top of those top trending seasonal flavors and incorporating them into LTOs and seasonal products can be a challenge.

So what flavors are trending this summer? Keep reading to learn more about some of the top trending flavors this season, including new favorites and all-time classics.

Flavors to Fit the Season

The always anticipated first day of summer is right around the corner, which means that outdoor events, cookouts, and summer holiday celebrations will become a major focus for many people. Consumers tend to lean into those nostalgic feelings during the summertime with selections like root beer floats, potato salad, hot dogs, and s’mores. The vast selection of meals and side dishes to choose from will be determined by the ability to please guests and fit with the latest seasonal trends.

In the summertime, consumers tend to lean toward brighter flavors that create a fresh and bold taste with flavor notes that really pop. Familiar citrus flavors like lime and lemon will continue to be popular summer go-to flavors, while some emerging flavors like yuzu, a citrus fruit common in Asian cuisine, are starting to see some traction. These sweet but tart flavors give iconic summer beverages like lemonades and smoothies a fun twist. Summertime baked goods and other food products might also see an increase in incorporating fresh citrus flavors to give a dish that delicious, refreshing taste.

Herbs and earthy flavors are also summer favorites. According to Mintel, mint as a beverage flavor saw a 14% growth from Q4 2019 to Q4 2022. As mentioned in our previous blog on trending spices and spice blends (click here to read), consumers are gaining more interest in the potential functional properties of the ingredients in the foods they are purchasing. In turn, this is creating a greater trend momentum for herbal flavors like mint, ginger, cardamom, and turmeric, and others known for their health benefits, in beverages and many other food products.

What Else is Currently Trending?

Spicy flavors aren’t going anywhere this summer season. Even as the weather gets warmer, consumers aren’t straying away from high levels of heat in their meal and snacking choices. Spicy flavors are being used in a wide variety of products and menu items, including proteins, vegetables, snacks, and beverages. This summer, we expect that consumers will continue to add a kick of heat to some of their favorite summertime dishes.

Nostalgic, street style, and fermented foods are also in demand with consumers. Complex flavors and new unexpected combinations are also getting increasingly popular. It’s clear that many consumers – and especially young consumers – are interested in seeing what food brands and foodservice locations are going to do to shake up the flavors this summer season.

Need more seasonal inspiration? Download “Reading the Season”, our white paper about all things seasonal flavors.