The biggest trends to influence food and drink in 2023

We’ve already given you the latest flavours that will be trending in 2023, now it’s time to look at the bigger picture. We’ve looked at the food and drink industry as a whole and highlighted 6 key trends that will be influencing the market this year.

Frugal Indulgence

As the cost of living crisis causes consumers to feel the pinch, we are seeing people still splash on indulgence, but focusing on value for money.
Don’t let that scare you off from daring to be different though.

Innova Market Research reports that 3 in 5 global consumers with a worsened financial situation also say that they are likely to make a one-time impulse purchase “when the food or beverage product is innovative in flavours/tastes”.

Sustainably Sourced

Sustainability is not lowering on consumers’ agendas, as it is a key factor when purchasing. However, one eye will need to stay on keeping costs down.

A whopping 89% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that implements environmentally-friendly practices.

Plant-Based or Bust?

The cracks are starting to show in the plant-based meat replacement market due to poor taste and high prices. Bakery and dairy will need to ensure they don’t fall into the same trap.

The top reason consumers avoid plant-based products is the fear of poor taste or texture. Something the industry will need to overcome if they want to sustain growth past its initial infancy and intrigue stage.

Valued Personality

Quality products aren’t the only places consumers are seeking value. Consumers today want to buy from brands that also align with them personally.

Don’t be bland, don’t blend in and don’t stay silent. Make sure you stand for something. 62% of Consumers want companies to take a stance on social, cultural, environmental and political issues that are close to their hearts.

Are You Experienced?

It’s all about keeping consumers engaged. Products need to deliver a deeper connection and experience for adventurous consumers looking for escapism.

We’re sure you’ve seen Coca-Cola’s “Pixel” flavoured drinks and Cadbury’s “Mystery Flavour” bars. Experience is all the rage. 57% of consumers find the idea of retro and nostalgic food and drink appealing.

Let’s Get Digital

As digital slowly takes over our everyday lives, food and drink is changing as we know it. From how we consume, to what we buy – it’s clear digital is all-consuming.

The power of social media is clear with the way products look has never been as important. Food and drink is increasingly purchased due to how attractive it is, let’s face it, no one will share a boring product.

Taking it a step further, 74% of consumers feel the Metaverse “is the future”. McDonald’s is already investing in AI for virtual restaurants. We’ll be honest, the Metaverse doesn’t sound very tasty to us.

Get in touch to find out more about our trends.

The most exciting Christmas 2022 bakery favours in UK retailers.

Looking for the newest and bravest flavours on the market in bakery for Christmas 2022? We’ve done the hard work for you.

We checked out the Christmas offerings from all the UK‘s main retailers and shortlisted the most interesting and brave new flavours to try.

Firecracker Pudding – Aldi

Your dinner table better have a glass of water handy. Aldi are pushing boundaries by introducing a chili flavoured sauce to Christmas pudding.

It doesn’t stop there, it’s a real flavour explosion with vine fruits, cider, Amontillado sherry, and Belgian chocolate chunks. To top it off they even chuck in a sachet of coated popping candy to add that extra bit of excitement.

Blonde Chocolate Christmas Present Torte Bar – Tesco

Blonde Chocolate found its way into Hot Cross Buns launches this year, and like we guessed, it’s hugely prominent across all the retailers’ bakery and dessert lines for Christmas 2022.

Our pick of the bunch is a luxury blonde chocolate torte from Tesco that ticks all our boxes.

Mandarin Negroni Stollen – Waitrose

This launch from Waitrose is a real cracker. Waitrose has paired the traditional Christmas flavour of Stollen with the cocktail of the moment, Negroni.

The classic Negroni cocktail has really made a comeback  and seems to be the cocktail of the moment. Take into account that cocktail flavours are huge in the dessert category in 2022, we think Waitrose could be onto a winner with this one.

Cheesy Churros – Co-op

This one does what it says on the tin. Churros are a sure fire winner and you can’t go wrong with cheese.

Co-op are following on the recent bakery trend of bringing savoury flavours into traditionally sweet applications. And what better application than Churros?

Passionfruit Panna Cotta Star – Morrisons

Exotic and tropical fruits are big at summertime, but who says we can’t enjoy a bit of tropical holiday flavour at Christmas?

Bold move from Morrisons using a typically summer flavour in the middle of all the warming and traditional Christmas flavours. We’ll be trying this one for sure.

Feeling Inspired?

Have these new Christmas launches got your brain ticking about new concepts? Or maybe they are making you doubt your Christmas flavour launches? 

Get in touch with our team today to discuss bringing these, or any other new flavours to life in your next product launch. You might be pushing it, but there could still be time for a last minute Christmas launch idea…?

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Natural flavours can do a whole lot more than make things tastier.

1) Taste is Everything

An eye-catching brand and good distribution can only get you so far. At I.T.S. we see many products hit the shelves and disappear within a matter of months. If you want repeat sales and to really grow a successful food or drink brand, you need to make sure your flavour delivers.

It’s all well and good tapping into trends like plant-based, gluten free or low alcohol, but you need to make sure that doesn’t impact the flavour.

Natural flavours can help boost the flavour of just about any product.

2) Keep Costs Down with Natural Flavours

Keeping your costs down has never been so important. As a squeeze on customers’ purse strings starts to pinch, the cost becomes more and more crucial. It’s a double edge sword as ingredients such as wheat, butter and fruits are all going up and up in cost.

Flavours offer a straightforward way to reduce such expensive ingredients and replace with natural flavours, which can also help improve the flavour. What’s not to like?

3) Natural Flavours Can Help Reduce Sugar Content

Natural flavours can do a lot more than just deliver flavour. These tasty little things can also help your food and drink products be healthier.

Our SweetLITE flavour range is 100% natural and can reduce sugar content by up to 50% with no impact on flavour.

4) Streamline Food and Drink Production

Are your recipes and formulations full of complex ingredients that come from multiple suppliers? Bring all the flavour components together in one tasty natural flavour.

Our flavourists can merge all your flavour profiles into one flavour for you to both streamline your production and cut costs on ingredients.

5) Keep Ingredient Lead Times Short and Reliable

Say goodbye to long lead times and being at the mercy of multiple supplier delistings. Natural flavours come with rapid turnaround times – as little as 14 working days, with samples even arriving next day. Flavours are also reliable and can be routinely supplied anytime you need them.

In turbulent times like we are currently living, you can’t undervalue the importance of reliability.

If you’re looking for help with any of the above get in touch to speak to a member of the I.T.S. team and request a flavour sample. 

The Dairy and Dairy-Free Category Face HFSS Challenges Ahead.

How HFSS will impact the dairy and dairy-free market?

I.T.S. works closely with a whole host of industry experts to help consult on various projects. One of our most trusted friends is David Northeast.

David has spent the past 8 years developing mainstream products but also focussing largely on plant-based developments. He’s developed products for a number of brands including the Coconut Collaborative and Tom Parker Creamery – and plenty of others that are top secret!

We sat down with David to dig deeper into what the new HFSS regulations mean for the dairy and dairy-free industries.

What actually are the new HFSS regulations?

To put it simply, HFSS stands for “High in Fat, Salt and Sugar.” It is a term the UK government has created to categorise products they feel are adding to the obesity issue in the UK.

The new HFSS regulation is one of the biggest shake-ups facing product developers in the dairy and dairy-free space for a long time. There is no doubt that some impact will be seen – but what actually does it involve?

David explains, “There is a huge amount of confusion about how milkshakes, ice creams etc will be impacted. Supermarkets have already started preparing (I know this as a shop manager told me when I couldn’t find some orange juice and it had been moved in preparation for HFSS). Basically, they should not be able to promote or appear on end of aisles.”

HFSS regulations also bring in new restrictions to online and television advertising to restrict these products from only advertising at restricted times.

This could have a dramatic impact on brands in terms of shelf positioning and space within supermarkets. Products that don’t adhere to guidelines would not be available on promotion, or have priority visibility on special deal aisles. These types of activities are crucial for new product launches in supermarkets.

Are customers bothered about HFSS?

So, we know brands and NPD teams are bothered about the new regulations, but how bothered is your average shopper? David has seen a mixed response, “To be honest it is quite a split in my experience. All parents want their kids to eat what they perceive as healthily. Some are happy about the proposed changes and others do not like being dictated to. The current cost of living crisis and rising food prices are far more important to many families at the moment. BOGOFs are very important to many families.”

David goes on to say “Personally, I think some products are eaten as a treat and should remain that way. It is the hidden fat, salt and sugar in products such as some bread and ready-meals that the consumer is more likely to be unaware of.”

Scary stuff that it’s the hidden sugar that is really the danger – not the obvious products. Consumers are aware they can’t eat a whole tub of ice cream, but that packet of pasta sauce could be just as unhealthy.

What would encourage consumers to be more interested in HFFS??

With the new digital-savvy generation, consumers get their information from many different sources. This generates huge amounts of mixed information from all different areas and encourages a divided opinion. No longer do consumers just soak up the evening news and base judgement on that. Shoppers are constantly approached on various channels with many informed and uninformed views.

David summarises by saying “I think there is no “one size fits all” solution here. Some people respond well to more education, others may need financial incentives. There is a lack of trust in most sources of information these days, with many people believing influencers over qualified professionals when it comes to diet choice.”

What are the key challengers of HFSS for dairy and dairy-free categories?

Things don’t change overnight and old habits die hard. David proposes a slow shift, rather than a drastic change. “The public is used to things tasting in a certain way. So, the transition needs to be slow. If you were to eat some products as they were formulated 20 years ago, they would be too salty. Although, these things carry flavour and enhance the eating experience.

There may be shelf-life issues with some products and in some instances, processes may need to be adapted. Some regional cuisines are also naturally higher in sugar or salt.”

Obviously, there are huge benefits to the HFSS regulations, with the end goal of making people healthier and reducing the pressure on services like the NHS. David doesn’t ignore the long-term benefits – “I think the long-term health of the individuals in this country and the costs of dietary-related issues are always paramount – but it’s not something that can happen overnight.“

Simple solutions for NPD dealing with HFSS regulations

We’re always looking for ways our natural flavours can help our customers solve challenges and make their lives easier. We have natural flavours that can reduce sugar content in products by up to a whopping 50%, with no impact on flavour.

It just so happens David is a fan too, “I have used SweetLITE in numerous products and found it to be an excellent tool for enhancing the naturally occurring sweetness present. The levels of sugar reduction are product specific, however, the results have been excellent”.

If you’d like to find out how our SweetLITE flavours can help you hit new HFSS regulations – just get in touch to request a sample.

For further reading on the HFSS regulations click here.

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Butter prices are heating up.

Have you noticed the rising cost of butter putting a strain on production costs? The average European butter price skyrocketed by 28% at the end 2021, and has remained high so far in 2022.
Just a quick look at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which tracks the UK wholesale butter price, is a very depressing read.
The dramatic increase in the price of butter has been linked to many global factors. Issues like the rising costs of farming, with increased costs of fertiliser, feed and fuel is at the top of the list.
This is putting huge pressure on trying to cost-engineer food with butter being such a key ingredient for the unique flavour profile. Our friends in the bakery sector are finding it especially tough. Butter plays such an important role in both the texture and flavour of baked goods.
The forecasts predict that prices aren’t going to slow down anytime soon, so it is important a long-term solution is found to tackle the issue.

Natural butter flavours come to the rescue

Did you know that using butter isn’t the only way to get that delicious buttery taste? We’ve been supplying natural butter flavours to a wide range of products that deliver the same buttery taste profile.

Natural flavours offer a tasty, cost-effective and plant-based alternative to actual butter. They are also all allergen-free. There is simply no better butter alternative.

I.T.S. butter flavour range

If you want to start lowering your reliance on butter and request some butter flavour samples, please get in touch.

Have a look below at some of our tasty butter flavours:

Butter – Request a sample

Butter Caramel – Request a sample

Butter Creamy – Request a sample

Butter Sweet – Request a sample

Buttermilk – Request a sample

Don’t miss the top 5 trending beverage flavours.

In uncertain times it’s always important to get ahead of the game. As product developers and purchasing teams scramble to cost engineer their products for changing times, make sure you keep an eye on flavour development.

That’s why we’ve made life easier for you and highlighted the top 5 flavours you should be using in beverages.

Bramble

A classic cocktail flavour that has really started to breakthrough. This one ticks lots of boxes so is a sure-fire winner, especially in the alcoholic and lo and no categories.
It plays nicely into the foraging flavour trend that we highlighted in our flavour trend report this year. It also ticks the nostalgic box and uses the traditional core flavour of blackberry, but makes it more interesting.
Whether you go straight forward blackberry or decide to put a twist on it by adding raspberry or lemon notes, it’s a delicious and powerful flavour that stands out well.

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Lemon

Come on, this one is no surprise. Lemon is always big in beverages, but this year something is going to make it extra special. Lemon has been selected as one of the key flavours to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. So, you know what that means – it’ll be everywhere.
You don’t have to bore people though, make things interesting. Try out different styles of lemon. Why not try something like burnt lemon, charred lemon zest, lemongrass or Meyer lemon. These tasty flavours help to make things braver.

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Pomelo

By now we’ve all enjoyed the growing trend of grapefruit and pink grapefruit flavoured drinks. So much so, that we feel the grapefruit flavour has found its way into many core beverage flavour ranges. But, there is a new little tasty flavour that is creeping up behind.

If you’re after a similar taste to grapefruit, but want something a little more interesting, look no further than pomelo.

Pomelo is making real strides as it offers a unique flavour, somewhat similar to grapefruit, and also works perfectly in gin and tonic based drinks.

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Wild Strawberry

Here we have another classic core flavour with a new unique twist. Everyone loves strawberries, so we thought the perfect pairing to bring it into 2022 was to match it with the foraging flavour trend.
The wild strawberry flavour gives off the wild connotations of freshly picked strawberries that people know and love.
What more could you want from a refreshing summer beverage than the taste of wild strawberry?

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Crushed Mint

The ultimate pairing flavour. Looking for a way to add a refreshing boost to your flavour? Here is the solution.
Crushed mint adds that refreshing profile to just about any flavour. Works perfectly with summer fruits and floral flavours.
Crushed mint has already been turning a few people’s heads and is going down very well. Make sure you join the party.

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Here are the flavours you need to be trying in 2022.

Welcome to our Flavour Trend overview for 2022 and beyond. We’ve made your life easier and done the hard work for you.

Are you tired of overcomplicated and bloated flavour trend reports that say so much, but leave you a little uninspired?

We’ve drowned out the noise and kept things simple with 6 key flavour trends to take note of this year.  

Flavour Trend 1 ) Exotic Flavours

Everyone loves an exotic holiday that is filled with exotic fruits and refreshing cocktails. There is no reason why these flavours can’t be enjoyed all year round and at home.
In 2022 consumers will be reaching for bright and refreshing flavours to get them excited. “Exotic” has risen by over 10% in social media discussions over the past year, proving the desire for something a little more exotic.
Take consumers on a flavour adventure.
Get brave with: Mangosteen, Horned Melon, Dragon Fruit

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Flavour Trend 2 ) Foraging Flavours

The focus on sustainability is driving improvements in all areas of food and drink. A growing focus is on local and seasonal produce and ingredients.
This is driving change in flavour, with a focus on flavours that can be associated with foraging and found out in the wild.
“Wild Food” has grown by 7.78% in social discussion in 2021. Make sure you focus on natural and wild flavours. A popular flavour already cutting through is “wild strawberry”.
Don’t be afraid to get a little wild with flavour.
Get brave with: Mulberry, Cloudberry, Elderberry

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Flavour Trend 3 ) Citrus Flavours

Sound familiar? Probably because we highlight citrus flavours pretty much every year. You love it, we love it, just about everyone loves it.
Just when you think you’ve conquered every citrus flavour combo, something new comes along. A flavour profile that works perfectly in pretty much all applications.
We’re looking at our friends in bakery to really get interesting this year. Sure, bakers do lemon flavours well, but there’s so much out there for them to explore.
Just look over at the beverage sector for inspiration, but more on that later…
Get brave with: Calamansi, Dekopon, Yuzu Koshō

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Flavour Trend 4 ) Mood Flavours

Are you getting your customers in the mood? Mood boosting food and drink is big business in 2022. Food and drink products are blending into the wellbeing market to help bring functional ingredients and flavours.
Energising, sleep improvement, relaxation are all key moods found in food and drinks. Find ingredients and flavours that relate to these moods to help bring the product to life.
Get brave with: CBD, Tahini, Huckleberry

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Flavour Trend 5 ) Crossover Flavours

Spotted a winning flavour in a different sector? Give it a go in your application – often a sure thing for success.
A perfect example would be something like an Espresso Martini. A drink that has long been a staple in just about every cocktail menu.
This type of flavour would be perfect to try out in a bakery or dairy application. What’s more, it’s grown by 91.31% in social media discussions over the past year. What are you waiting for?
Get brave with: Maple and Bacon, Katsu Curry, Yuzu Koshō

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Flavour Trend 6) A Braver Flavour

What would a flavour trend report be from I.T.S. without a focus on braver flavours? The most important thing to focus on with your product development in 2022 is bravery.
Be bold, be big, be brave. Make sure your products stand out and grab people’s attention.
Categories are very crowded and often full of similar products, which makes it difficult for customers to navigate at retail outlets.

Feeling inspired and fancy trying some new flavours? Get in touch to request samples of our flavour trends.

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