By Formula Foods Australia | 03 January 2024
In our last feature, Unveiling the Palate Pleasers: Food and Beverage Trends of 2024, we delved into the overarching trends set to define the culinary landscape of this year. While our focus initially leaned towards the broader spectrum of both food and beverages, this time, let's narrow our lens and set our sights on the exciting and emerging beverage trends in 2024.
In an exciting revelation from T. Hasegawa USA, the official Flavour of the Year for 2024 is ube. Hailing from the Philippines and a cultural favourite, this bright purple tuberous root is celebrated for its exquisite color and distinctive earthy, nutty, and sweet flavour profile.
Ube everything. Credit: jcomp on Freepik
“Its natural sweetness makes it an excellent choice for a variety of applications, from desserts to savoury dishes and beverages. The subtle earthiness and nuttiness of ube create a well-rounded flavour profile that is both comforting and intriguing.”
Expect ube iced lattes, milk teas, cream liqueurs and such to pop up as offerings in restaurants and cafes as well as ready-to-drink delights in stores.
Mirroring the sustainability trend in food, the beverage industry is embracing health-centric and plant-based products. Beyond mere nourishment, consumers are seeking beverages that align with specific health goals, ranging from heart health to stress relief.
Wellness takes center stage, with flavours associated with overall well-being, such as chamomile, honeysuckle, and guayusa. Citrus flavours, recognised for promoting immune and digestive health, further establish themselves as a staple in the wellness movement.
As we have observed in the realm of food, spices and heat are taking center stage. This trend seamlessly transitions into the beverages, introducing a delightful fusion of spicy and sweet.
Spicy señorita. Credit: Liquor.com
Picture flavours like smokey vanilla, chocolate sriracha, mango habanero, and chili pineapple offering consumers a break from traditional tastes. Pepper-infused spirits are poised to captivate adventurous taste buds, creating a dynamic and memorable drinking and bonding experience.
The evolution of mocktails and zero-proof drinks extends beyond bar counters to dominate liquor store shelves. Entire bottles of spirit-inspired blends, alongside canned non-alcoholic wines, spritzes, and seltzers, are making waves.
This trend seamlessly integrates with fine dining, introducing innovative, non-alcoholic pairings that complement every course. According to Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux in France, the rise of non-alcoholic pairings signifies a refreshing evolution in the culinary world, offering vibrant, alcohol-free dining adventures.
As we embark on this journey through the beverage trends of 2024, the possibilities are endless. From spicy and sweet symphonies to the health-focused and plant-powered elixirs to rediscovered favourites such as ube, each trend promises a unique and memorable experience for consumers. Formula Foods Australia stands ready to bring these trends to life, offering an array of flavour solutions to cater to every palate.
For an innovative exploration, contact Formula Foods Australia, your partner in palate pleasure.
Sources: