Blooming flavours
Discover the Allure of Floral-Inspired flavours
Floral flavours in beverages and beyond
Brands are innovating with floral flavours to drive consumer engagement and encourage trial. Floral flavours, as a sub-sector of botanicals, are also gaining momentum and attracting consumer interest due to their vibrant flavour profiles. A diverse range of floral flavours is emerging across numerous food and beverage categories and applications—from cherry blossom in ice cream and lavender in better-for-you drinks to hibiscus in IPA beers. Floral flavour notes bring a delicate yet vibrant kick to FMCG products. According to Mintel, brands can draw inspiration from the Japanese market, where there is a strong emphasis on the connection between aroma and relaxation. Examples include jasmine in sparkling tea and lemon blossom in lemonades.
Consumer appeal
Floral flavours add a touch of elegance and complexity to many foods and beverages, offering delicate aromas and subtle tastes that can transform a simple recipe into a sensory experience. From the fragrant notes of lavender and rose to the vibrant, tart essence of hibiscus, these flavours balance sweetness, earthiness, and a hint of spice. Floral ingredients are increasingly popular in drinks such as cocktails, teas, and beers, where they contribute a light, refreshing profile, often with a hint of sweetness or bitterness. In desserts, florals like jasmine or elderflower provide unique, sophisticated accents that elevate creams, pastries, and chocolates. Whether used in brewing, baking, or distilling, floral flavours create memorable dishes and drinks that captivate the senses and offer a fresh twist on traditional tastes.
According to Mintel, subtle flavours are in demand. Introducing subtly sweet flavours to spirits involves blending familiar citrus fruits with flower infusions, herbs, and spices to tone down sweetness while offering a sense of discovery.
%
of consumers are stating that botanical ingredients influence their food and beverage choices.
Taste is 80% reliant on olfaction
%
of Chinese consumers believe that floral and fruity flavours enhance emotional wellbeing
%
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
Stanford Medicine I Olfactory nerve cells
Mintel I Trending in China functional drinks 2024
Mintel I The evolution of four trendy US flavours
Mintel I Subtle flavours will tap kay needstates for US spirits.
Introducing subtle flavours to modernize indulgent flavoured spritis
A glance at floral flavours across applications and categories
Popular floral flavours
