TRENDS & INSIGHTS
McCormick Flavor Forecast®
Experience the McCormick 2026 Flavor Forecast!
Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has explored what is shaping the future of flavor globally. For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year — a vibrant berry known for its tart-yet-sweet taste. This “it” berry is inspired by the latest trends in our report:
-
Attainable Opulence,
-
Simple to Spectacular, and
-
Sauce from Somewhere. Watch the video to learn more.
Black Currant brings indulgence, intention and tradition to life with a unique balance of fruity, earthy, floral, and herbal notes that foodies are increasingly seeking out.
Black Currant
Black Currant applications
Black Currant Rosemary Cocktail
Black Currant Cheesecake Kettle Corn
Smoky Black Currant Jerky
Attainable Opulence
Amid a dynamic global environment, consumers are seeking extravagant treats and experiences as an escape, enjoying elevated flavors in everyday applications.
Attainable Opulence applications
Black Cherry Bourbon Cheesecake Bar
Espresso Coffee Cake Protein Cookie
Citrus Ginger Black Currant Gummy
Simple to Spectacular
In a digital-forward world, consumers are discovering beauty in the basics — reconnecting with real ingredients and garden-inspired flavors.
Simple to Spectacular applications
Brown Butter Tomato & Herb Fried Orecchiette
Back Garlic Olive Oil Popcorn
Apple Rhubarb Prebiotic Soda
Sauce from Somewhere
Consumers are more flavor fluent than ever – embracing bold, next-level sauces, dips, drizzles, and spreads – not just for taste, but to explore the world.Sauce from Somewhere applications
Watermelon Chamoy Refresher
Curry Cornbread with Chili Crisp
Japanese Curry Sauce Dry Ready Mix
Predicting global flavor trends since 2000
See how we’ve successfully predicted flavor trends and find out where they fit in with your brand.