Sponsored by Monin
For more than a hundred years, Monin Gourmet Flavorings has played a pivotal role in transforming menus worldwide with its diverse selection of syrups, purées, concentrates, and mixers. This year, Monin takes innovation a step further with its 2024 Flavor Trends Report, meticulously crafted to meet the evolving tastes of a global audience. With a keen focus on consumers’ adventurous palates, Monin introduces a palette of flavors that are as diverse as they are innovative, including the highly anticipated Flavor of the Year, Ube.
Monin’s journey to pinpoint the 2024 Flavor Trends involved a dedicated internal team of beverage innovation experts, chefs, flavor scientists, consumer insight specialists, and leading data partners.
“Through our proprietary Flavor Forward Process, we engage in global market excursions, rigorous industry research, data analysis, and consumer testing to discover how these trends will impact menus in 2024 and beyond,” says Hussain Shamseddine, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Monin. “We learn what people crave, what they find comforting, and what new flavors they’re excited to try.”
This year’s report unveils five key trends set to revolutionize bar and restaurant menus: Flavor Journey, Kitchen Meets Bar, Timeless Temptations, Under the Influenc[er], and Next Gen Now. Each trend reflects a deep understanding of consumer desires for bold, authentic flavors, a nod to nostalgia, the power of social media influence, and a growing demand for wellness-focused beverages.
Flavor Journey showcases Southeast Asia and Central America’s bold, vibrant tastes. According to Mintel, 60 percent of consumers say they associate Asian cuisine with offering a good variety of flavors. Ingredients like black sugar, yuzu, and guava highlight global flavors that invite customers to explore the world through their food.
Kitchen Meets Bar is an intersection of culinary and beverage innovation, with savory elements like basil and ginger transforming the cocktail menu. Timeless Temptations transforms nostalgic flavors into unique and modern renditions (think orange creamsicle lemonades or cereal milk ice cream), catering to a sophisticated audience that still finds comfort in nostalgia. Mintel found that 72 percent of consumers enjoy things that remind them of their childhood.
Social media’s impact is evident in Under the Influenc[er], with expressive, share-worthy creations featuring trendy flavors like lavender and pistachio designed to craft memorable moments. Nearly 80 percent of Gen Z are willing to try menu items because they saw them on social media (Datassential).
Lastly, Next Gen Now addresses the health-conscious consumer, incorporating sugar alternatives and functional additives for a balanced yet indulgent experience. “We’re proud to offer the largest variety of high-quality, clean-label products that are free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners,” says Shamseddine. “We currently offer more than 40 zero-sugar options for health-conscious consumers.”
Ube, the 2024 Flavor of the Year, showcases a versatile and unique taste profile of ube blended with fig, vanilla, and cinnamon. According to Monin Proprietary Research, 67 percent of consumers are likely to purchase an ube-flavored beverage or dessert. “Ube aligns perfectly with two of our 2024 Flavor Trends. One is Under the Influenc[er] because of its Instagram-worthy vibrant purple color,” says Shamseddine. “The other is Flavor Journey, reiterating how Asian flavors are migrating stateside and becoming more popular.”
Discover more about Monin’s 2024 Flavor Trends and explore recipes that will inspire your menu at www.moninflavortrends.com.
