Kerry’s 2023 Flavor Charts Show a Rise in Global Flavors, Heirloom Recipes, and Comfort Foods

What flavors are trending for 2023? According to Kerry’s annual Global Taste and Nutrition Charts, it’s going to be a year of cuisines inspired by an array of global flavors, heirloom recipes, and comfort.

According to Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, consumers continue to be motivated by flavor. But its 2023 Global Taste and Nutrition Charts also predict consumers will be motivated by sustainability and meeting nutrition goals in the year ahead.

Sriracha’s reign continues

Kerry also says a rise in unconventional flavor pairings is also on the way, driven in large part by spice — Sriracha will continue to carry the bulk of applications but with novel twists such as pairings with ginger and citrus.

A return to age-old cooking practices and heirloom recipes that bring more than just a meal but a story, will also drive interest this year. Kerry points to nutmeg, ashwagandha, and ancient grains appearing in both snacks and beverages.

“Flavours have a powerful way to convey a story – particularly when it comes to consumer trends and preferences,” Soumya Nair, Global Consumer Research and Insights Director at Kerry, said. “This year we will witness the resurgence of time-honoured traditions and heirloom recipes as consumers crave traditional tastes with new and emerging flavours.

Comfort still reigns supreme, Nair says, with peppermint, hazelnut, chocolate, cheese, chilli still dominating tastebuds. “Whether a nostalgic treat, a comfort dish, or a healthy alternative consumers expect a greater variety of tastes in 2023.”

“Through our in-depth research and insights from our teams across the globe, we are seeing how trends are travelling the world – with Asian flavours such as Cardamom, Japanese Miso, Gooseberry and Hawthorn, reaching Europe and North America, while popular dishes in Europe such as Moroccan Tahini and Italian Bolognaise inspiring innovation in Asia Pacific,” Nair said. “Consumers are travelling the world through taste and we expect that interest and desire in authenticity to continue.”

Responsible indulgence

Kerry is predicting indulgence, in particular, will take on new meaning as younger consumers seek out comforting, familiar foods of their youth albeit with new flavor profiles. It says the trend is influenced by TikTok and Instagram.

But also on the menu are affordable comforts, such as indulging in what Kerry says are “nostalgic favorites” including cookies, salty snacks, cheddar cheese, caramel, and fudge.

Consumers will also continue to seek out health-forward flavors in food and beverages with functional ingredients such as adaptogens.

“More and more consumers are moving towards functionality and simplicity,” Harsch Koshti, regional Taste expert for Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, said in a statement.

“This includes flavours that convey a halo of health, be it added functional ingredients or flavours that imply improved wellness. Health continues to be important, as seen in the rise of healthier snacking options, with less sodium and more protein-based launches. Even the Bakery segment is witnessing offerings with reduced sugar claims across key markets.”