Trending Flavours for 2025: What’s Hot According to Tastepoint by IFF
As we venture into 2025, the world of food and drink continues to evolve with bold, unexpected flavors making their way to the forefront. Tastepoint by IFF, a leader in flavour and fragrance innovation, has presented an exciting array of flavours set to define the year ahead. These trending flavours combine classic ingredients with modern twists, inviting both nostalgia and novelty. Let’s take a deeper dive into these top flavour trends and what they mean for the food and beverage landscape in 2025.
Pear – The Subtle Sophistication
Pear may seem like a familiar fruit, but its ability to balance sweetness and earthiness is making it a star in 2025. Whether paired with spicy notes, creamy elements, or tart contrasts, pear is transforming from a supporting character into the main event. Think pear-infused cocktails, pear-forward desserts, and even savoury pairings with cheeses or meats. Expect this mellow fruit to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a variety of culinary creations.
POG (Passionfruit, Orange, Guava) – Tropical Explosion
POG is making a grand comeback, offering a refreshing burst of tropical flavours. This vibrant combination of passionfruit, orange, and guava creates a lively, tangy, and sweet experience that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach. POG is showing up in everything from sparkling waters to ice cream and cocktails. Its lively citrusy profile offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fragrant, making it a go-to flavour for beverages and desserts in 2025.
Jasmine – Floral & Fragrant
Floral flavours are making waves, and jasmine is leading the charge. Known for its delicate fragrance, jasmine adds a subtle, fragrant quality to both sweet and savoury dishes. In 2025, jasmine will be seen in unexpected places: ice creams, teas, cocktails, and even savoury sauces. This aromatic flower brings a sense of calm and exotic allure to foods and drinks, appealing to consumers who crave complexity without overwhelming their senses.
Rosemary – Herbaceous Boldness
Rosemary’s earthy, piney aroma and bold flavour have been creeping into dishes for a while, but in 2025, it’s set to be more prominent. The herb’s versatility makes it perfect for everything from savoury baked goods to infused oils and even cocktails. Expect rosemary to pair beautifully with citrus fruits, creamy sauces, or charred meats, bringing an elevated, earthy quality to modern recipes.
Espresso – Bold Energy
Coffee lovers, rejoice—espresso is taking center stage this year. With its deep, rich flavour, espresso is no longer just for your morning cup. It’s now being featured in desserts, savoury sauces, and even some adventurous cocktails. Whether you’re indulging in a coffee-flavored gelato or sipping on an espresso martini, this bold flavour provides the perfect pick-me-up while offering a smoky, bitter depth that’s unmatched in complexity.
Dirty Martini – Savoury Elegance
The dirty martini is more than just a cocktail; it’s a flavour that’s making its way into the broader culinary scene. The briny, salty taste of olives combined with hints of gin or vodka creates a savoury flavour profile that is bold, rich, and uniquely sophisticated. In 2025, expect dirty martini-inspired dishes like olive tapenade, salty snacks, or even gourmet sauces that evoke the signature flavour of this iconic cocktail.
Miso – Umami Unleashed
Miso’s rich, salty, and umami-packed profile is becoming a star ingredient in the kitchen. Traditionally used in Japanese cuisine, miso’s versatility is making its way into an array of modern dishes, from sauces and marinades to soups and spreads. Miso adds depth and a savoury layer to both traditional and innovative recipes. In 2025, look for miso in unexpected formats, such as miso-flavored ice cream or miso-glazed vegetables, as chefs continue to experiment with its potential.
Cacio e Pepe – Creamy & Peppery Comfort
A classic Italian pasta dish, cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) is now emerging as a stand-alone flavour trend. Its combination of rich, creamy cheese and sharp black pepper makes it a comforting yet bold flavour experience. 2025 will see cacio e pepe-inspired snacks, sauces, and even pizzas. This flavour offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, and its creamy, peppery richness makes it the ultimate indulgence.
Banana Pudding – Sweet Nostalgia
Banana pudding is the flavour of nostalgia, and in 2025, it’s making a comeback in full force. This beloved Southern dessert, with its creamy custard and layers of soft banana slices, is being reimagined in new and exciting ways. From banana pudding-flavoured ice cream to drinks and pastries, this flavour is taking on a new life while retaining its nostalgic charm. Expect to see this comfort food-inspired flavour in everything from yogurt to shakes, offering a sweet, creamy indulgence with a dash of familiarity.
Brown Butter – Nutty Richness
Brown butter is one of those ingredients that takes a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The nutty, caramelized flavour of browned butter has gained popularity in recent years and is now poised to take over 2025. It adds a deep, rich flavour to both savoury and sweet dishes. Brown butter will shine in everything from cookies and pastries to pasta sauces and roasted vegetables. Its versatility and depth make it an essential ingredient for chefs looking to elevate everyday meals.
Flavour Innovation Meets Nostalgia in 2025
The trending flavours of 2025 as presented by Tastepoint by IFF reflect a fascinating mix of nostalgia, boldness, and creativity. Whether it’s the tropical joy of POG, the earthy depth of rosemary, or the savoury richness of miso and dirty martinis, these flavours promise to keep us intrigued and delighted. They bridge the gap between tradition and modern innovation, showing that flavour trends are not just about novelty—they’re about reimagining familiar tastes in exciting, unexpected ways. So, whether you’re a food enthusiast or a trendspotter, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of exciting culinary exploration.
