Within the indulgence trend, both mindful indulgence and limited-edition indulgence are two big categories consumers are expected to participate in.

While consumers are increasingly searching for small ways to treat themselves, they are both mindful of their health and the health of the planet, which all fits into the mindful indulgence category. In a 2024 trends report compiled by Barry Callebaut, 75% of global consumers agree chocolate needs to taste good, be “good for me,” and good for the planet.

As consumer desire for indulgent offerings has risen 41% in the last year, and interest in affordability has climbed 30% over the last two years, Tastewise predicted the affordable indulgence trend will capitalize on the intersection of the two competing motivations.

As part of its Flavor Forecast trends report, McCormick & Co. named tamarind its flavor of the year for 2024.

Offering both sweet and tangy flavor notes, tamarind has been a traditional flavor in Latin American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisines.

The flavor of the year is featured in McCormick’s Tamarind & Pasille Chile seasoning, and its appeal as a global flavor has led to an increase in snacks using tamarind.

Flavor fusions may be found everywhere. Whether it’s a mash-up of two cuisines or two vastly different products, many new applications can emerge with enough creativity from food manufacturers. One such example of flavor fusions includes more savory options in traditionally sweet categories.

“In 2024, expect to see more food categories that have traditionally been exclusively sweet, such as muffins, to start offering more savory options, like bacon or pretzels or popcorn,” said Sydney Byrne, marketing specialist, Sensient Flavors & Extracts, Hoffman Estates, Ill. “We are going to see more savory granola bars.”

Global flavors as a trend exploded during the pandemic, and that legacy isn’t expected to disappear in 2024. Several flavor houses believe regional Indian cuisine is the next big thing, which also compliments McCormick’s flavor of the year, tamarind. While Indian flavors and dishes are appearing more often in prepared meals and foodservice, some say the market can expect to see the flavors having an increased presence in snacks, sauces, proteins and dairy in the future.

“Americans will learn that Indian food is not just about high levels of chili heat, but a true panorama of spice and flavor combinations,” said Chris Koetke, corporate executive chef at Ajinomoto.

As millennials age, nostalgic trends now officially apply to the ‘90s, as many are reaching for comforting foods during tumultuous times.

Nostalgia also is coming back to childhood favorites like the classic PB&J flavor combination that are being used in a variety of formats, ranging from protein bars to coffee creamer.

“Consumer longing for emotional connections to youthful memories and meals reignites the comeback of comforting meals,” according to a report from McCormick Flavor Solutions. “The perfect combination includes a creative interpretation on classics with a mature spin and a dash of fun.”

Consumers continue to reach for spicy foods and new applications within the category continue to be made, like Fresh Cravings’ hummus developed in collaboration with condiment maker Tajin. The Tajin chili lime hummus adds an infusion of spice with a blend of chili peppers, lime and sea salt.

Flavorman predicted fruity flavor profiles blended with spiciness, or “sweet heat” fusions, will gain popularity among consumers in the year ahead, including beverages like a mango habanero pressed juice or a spicy margarita.

Are consumers finally past the pumpkin spice craze? In the fall, an increasing number of apple pie spice-flavored products made their debut alongside pumpkin spice products.

Coming in as a trending item at the end of 2023, pickles and pickle-flavored products appeared in a range of applications throughout the year, including condiments, dressings, dips, seasonings, or breading on chicken nuggets.

Food manufacturers continue to introduce a spate of unusual limited-time offerings, trying to up the ante on each other and garner news and social media attention.