Up & Coming Flavor Trends for 2022

Up & Coming Flavor Trends for 2022

A wedge of cake from the top-down, cake is frosted with alternating light and dark purple buttercreams

2022 Taste Trends for Bakeries

When life seems uncertain, we reach for comforting and nostalgic flavors. The reassurance of the familiar reminds us of simpler times. But when uncertainty becomes the norm and limitations and restrictions seem to drag on as they have recently, we start seeking adventure wherever we can find it. This restlessness can lead customers to reach for items that offer a new experience, flavor, or moment of escape. The last few years have seen a high demand for “cozy” foods and items reminiscent of childhood favorites, but this year is shaping up to offer more adventure in terms of new tastes, exciting textures, and interactive food experiences.

Inside view of a halved passion fruit

Classic flavors never go out of style, and pairing them with something out of the ordinary is a great way to introduce customers to your favorite exotic fruit or rare spice without asking them to dive headlong into unfamiliar territory. Start with a base of best-quality vanilla or creamy crowd-pleasing milk chocolate then add a fun twist like long pepper, sesame, finger limes, or orange blossom. 

A slice of green jelly-roll-style cake filled with whipped cream and aduki beans

Now is also a great time to explore the cultural heritage of your neighborhood, employees, customers, and your own family. What flavors and combinations stand out in popular regional cuisines or family recipes? We all love to talk about our favorite foods and to share them with others. Incorporating traditional flavors from an area or culture is a great way to connect with your customers and find inspiration for new products and tastes.

What flavors will be popular this year?

According to Kerry’s Global Taste Charts for 2022, the following flavors are those that continue to grow in popularity and some that are gaining traction among customers.

A white bowl of colorful seeds and spices on a wooden table strewn with peppercorns and a pile of dark red spice powder
Spices - both hot and not - are finding their way into sweet items.

Popular Sweet Flavors

We’re looking forward to a balance of old and new flavors in dessert, breakfast, and snack items.

Brown Sugar

Rosemary

Chili

Butterscotch

Passionfruit

Anise

Black Pepper

Brown Butter

Citrus Zest

Ube

Tangerine

Guava

Acai

Saffron

Hibiscus

Pandan

Rose

Trending Salty Snacks

Sweet/salty/spicy with global influences - sign us up! It’s time to get adventurous when constructing midday munchies.

Mustard

Toffee

Seaweed/Nori

Turmeric

Mango

Sweet & Spicy Chili

Curry

Tamarind

Salsa

Sweet BBQ

Sesame

Spirulina

Tabasco

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Vanilla

Coffee

Ginger

A stack of Everything bagels next to a tipped-over jar of Everything Bagel seasoning

Popluar Savory Flavors

Spices - both hot and not - are finding their way into savory items. Try highlighting menu standbys with something more exotic for a winning combination.

Garam Masala

Buffalo Ranch

Red Curry

Korean BBQ

Cardamom

Caraway

Balsamic Vinegar

Red Pesto

Chinese 5-Spice

Korean Gochujang

Togarashi

Banana Pepper

Galangal

Coconut Milk

Nashville Hot

Shoyu/Soy

Tzatziki

More Flavor Trends

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