Botanical Flavours

Sophisticated and indulgent flavour profiles

A mix of herbs, fruits and spices

The definition of a botanical is an ingredient derived from a plant that is valued for its therapeutic properties, flavour, or scent. FMCG botanical products normally consist of a blend of spices, seeds, herbs, floral flavour notes, and sweet fruity elements. Brands are innovating around floral flavours to drive consumer engagement and trial. As a sub-sector of botanicals, floral flavours are also momentum and consumer interest for their vibrant flavour profiles. Consumers may look for flavors to match their moods and feelings while uplifting emotional and sensory experiences. Consumers can describe botanical flavors as calming, stimulating, and energizing, and this provides opportunities for brands.

Inspired by nature

Natural and flavourful ingredients, particularly botanicals like juniper, are becoming increasingly popular in various food and drink categories, providing sophisticated and indulgent flavour profiles. Consumers tend to view natural ingredients, including botanicals, as more beneficial than artificial alternatives, which enhances their appeal in functional drinks and other food products. According to research from Innova Market Insights, nearly half of consumers worldwide are actively seeking herbal flavours. Furthermore, trends in botanical flavours indicate that coriander and bay leaf are leading the way in the growth of herbal flavour options.

of consumers are stating that botanical ingredients influence their food and beverage choices.

of US consumers look for new foods/flavours to try all or most of the time

of US consumers seek out new flavours

of US adults have tried or would be interested in trying lavender in a meal away from home, 22% in a dessert and 21% in a meal at home.

Innova I Flavour trends – global floral innovation
Innova I Global flavour trends – botanical flavours
Mintel I Flavours to watch in 2025
Mintel I The evolution of four trendy US flavours
Mintel I Offer natural botanicals in European flavoured beer
Mintel I Subtle flavours will tap kay needstates for US spirits.
Mintel I Whole botanicals have a role in functional drinks

A glance at Botanical flavours across applications and categories

Beer

Thanks to gin, European drinkers now appreciate how botanicals infuse complex flavours. Flavoured beer can build on this understanding and offer even more botanical flavours.

Soft drinks

The emergence of botanical carbonated soft drinks has led to premium floral-flavored sodas that feature rose, orange blossom, and herb blends.

Functional beverages

Botanical and citrus flavors are commonly associated with health. As a result, brands are incorporating botanical flavors alongside functional ingredients in better-for-you drinks.

Flavoured water

Providing subtle yet enticing flavour notes to flavoured water products infusions like Ginger, Lavender and Rose Pepper emerge as popular choices.

Spirits and Alcoholic RTDs

Botanical flavors in gin-based spirits have led to herbaceous, peppery, and refreshing flavor profiles in related categories such as vermouth, amaro, and aquavits.

Popular Botanical flavours

Juniper Berry

Dry, woody and astringent

Lavender

Floral, sweet and slightly soapy

Spice flavour

Dry, Spicy and with Clove notes

Jasmine

Floral, sweet and woody

Coriander

Spicy, aromatic, dry and to some - slightly soapy

Lemon verbena

Sweet, floral, peely and woody

Allspice

Spicy, dry and sweet

Clove

Sweet, spicy and dry

Rose

Floral, soapy and dry

Magnolia

Floral, sweet and aromatic

Basil

Woody, green, herbal and sweet

Sage

Herbal, cooling and anis-like

Orange blossom

Floral, sweet and fruity

Rosehip

Flortal, dry and cooked

Mandarin

Sweet, citrusy and floral

Cherry Blossom

Elderflower

Floral, bright and slightly dry

Chamomile

Dry, floral, sweet and woody

Yuzu

Citrusy, fruity, floral and mandarin-like

Hibiscus

Bitter, citrusy and floral

Lemongrass

Floral, fresh, lemony, grassy and herbaceous

Bitter Orange

Fruity, jammy and woody

Birch leaf

Green, fresh and bitter

Rosemary

Spicy, herbal and dry

Saffron

Sweet, floral and earthy - Saffron has long been valued for its organoleptic properties and is now moving into the market for its functional health benefits, such as mood and anti-inflammation products.