Flavours for Culturally Curious Palates

‘Unique flavour profile’ is the top incentive for Americans buying artisanal foods, according to research presented by Brian Choi, managing partner of industry news and data provider The Food Institute (US). Savvy brands (mostly start-ups) are feeding this adventure-seeking spirit, with a major emphasis on globally inspired flavours. See also Future Flavours Forecast 25/26: Sensory Cues and America’s New Global Palate.

Frozen Convenience Made Compelling

A crop of innovative frozen products help convenience-demanding foodies – a cohort we’ve dubbed the Hustle Home Cooks – eat quality meals at home. Brands are formulating these products for lucrative consumer segments, including GLP-1 users seeking nutrient density in appealing formats and restaurant-goers looking to cut expenses.

Prominent Functional Priorities

Better-for-you claims surfacing across the show included high protein – see Prioritising Protein-Obsessed Consumers for more on this trend – and low sugar content. Allergen-free attributes remain important, especially gluten-free (GF): in the US, the GF market is projected to expand at an annualised rate of 9.7% from 2025 to 2030 (Grand View Research, 2024).

Inventive Beverages

As consumers look to beverages to fulfil functional needs and provide novel flavours, the sector remains rife with innovation. Fancy Food Show highlights included innovative canned coffee and tea drinks – positioned as everything from alternatives to alcohol to afternoon boosts – as well as Asian-inspired sips and a beverage meant to substitute for snacking.