Applying Food Color to Trending Flavors

How are you using food color to enhance today’s buzziest flavors?

The 2025 flavor trends are in, and next year is looking more diverse and innovative than ever for food and beverage. New product launches in the spicy & savory, botanical & herbal, and tropical & exotic flavor profiles will shine.

Trying new and exciting flavors is top of mind for US consumers of all ages, especially younger generations. 75% of all US adults enjoy trying new flavors, and half of Gen Z consumers are trying more flavors than they did a year ago (Mintel, 2023).

food color

How Does Food Color Affect Flavor?

In food and beverage, color plays a powerful role in translating taste.

In one Sensient study, consumers associated greater color intensity with better taste and more flavor in 89% of the tested products, even though zero taste-testing was involved (Sensient Consumer Research, 2017). This is even more important for unexpected flavors, as the color can signal a hint of what’s to come before the first bite. To put it simply, flavor and color go hand in hand. With consumers increasingly drawn to products that are not only delicious but also visually appealing, the demand for vibrant colors that highlight trending flavors is on the rise.

The Pursuit of Cleaner Labels

For food and beverage brands, embracing natural colors is becoming more of a necessity, too.

Today’s health-conscious consumers prioritize clean labels and transparency.

34% of US consumers agree that “free from artificial coloring” claims impact their food and drink purchase decisions (Mintel, 2023). As you look to embrace the trendy flavors of the day, be sure to keep natural colors in mind to make the most impact.

Highlight Trending Flavors with Trending Colors

Transcendent Tastes: Tropical & Exotic Fruits

Passionfruit & Prickly Pear

This flavor pairs perfectly with our 2025 Sensient color trend transcendent tastes. Escape to a tropical island with these exotic fruit flavors – and punchy colors.

Colorful On-Trend Innovation Inspiration

The bright hues of tropical and exotic flavors can be enticing in almost any application. Using natural sources like beet for vibrant pinks, turmeric for a sunny yellow, or adding spirulina to create green shades can work well.

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70% of US dessert or candy consumers are interested in desserts or candy with passionfruit as a flavor or ingredient

Mintel 2023

65% of US alcohol consumers are interested in desserts or candy with passionfruit as a flavor or ingredient

Mintel 2023

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More From Your Food: Botanicals & Herbs

Juniper, Lemongrass, Elderberry & Pandan

As we’ve pointed out in our 2025 color trends, consumers are increasingly looking to their food for functional benefits. Botanical and herb flavors and colors help denote the natural, plant-based health boost that these ingredients provide.

Colorful On-Trend Innovation Inspiration

Botanicals and herbs bring natural hints of freshness, often associated with wellness and relaxation. Purples or greens are perfect for these floral-inspired flavors.

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76% of US adults agree that natural ingredients offer more functional benefits than artificial ingredients

Mintel 2023

65% of US alcohol consumers are interested in desserts or candy with passionfruit as a flavor or ingredient

Mintel 2023

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ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCES: SPICY & SAVORY

Balsamic, Tamarind, Yuzu Kosho, & Miso

In 2025, consumers are seeking unexpected flavor pairings and foods with global appeal. Products that offer unusual moments of consumption and new experiences will be of particular interest.

Colorful On-Trend Innovation Inspiration

With the rising popularity of spicy and umami flavors, colors like rich reds, deep oranges, and browns help emphasize the heat and depth of these products. Look to warm, spicy tones that capture the bold essence of these flavors.

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48% of US adults who have used dips and sauces have tried and liked or are interested in trying dips and sauces with tamarind flavors

Mintel 2023

44% of snackers in the US are interested in smoked as a preparation method inspired salty snack flavor

Mintel 2023

Looking to Take Advantage of Up-and-Coming Flavor Trends?

Let us be your color experts to perfect the final product! Request a color sample or contact us for color support today.

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