29 Mar 2021 --- In time for spring, beverage innovators are shining a light on uplifting flavor profiles including the tropical tonalities of watermelon and guanabana. Italian provenance flavors are also in the spotlight, with new premium-positioned offerings inspired by Calabrian lemon, Italian blood orange and Sicilian chinotto essences. Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, these formulators are also taking inspiration from consumer perceptions leaning toward savory and bitter profiles as a way to appeal to health perceptions. And among sugar reduction strategies, Cacaofruit is proving to be an ideal sweetener replacement, while adding zest to cocktails and thickness to smoothies. Meanwhile, there continues to be a growing demand for more “adult” low- or no-alcohol soft drinks that offer the flavor complexity and sophistication of their alcoholic equivalent.
