Kerry uncovers what’s driving flavor choices in Asia, Middle East & Africa

“Swicy,” global‑local blends, and fruit‑forward refreshment — consumers in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa are seeking “contrast, comfort, and meaning” in their F&B flavor choices, according to Kerry’s 2026 Global Taste Charts. 

The findings, unveiled today, were built on research from more than 1,200 scientists, 100 flavorists, and extensive consumer studies across these regions. The charts provide manufacturers with a data‑driven roadmap for fast‑moving flavor trends.

This year’s edition expands from six to eight categories: Refreshing Beverages, Alcohol & Alcohol‑inspired Drinks, Tea, Coffee & Cocoa, Savory Snacks, Sweet, Soups & Dressings, Meat & Meals, and Supplements, capturing what Kerry calls “the growing interplay between indulgence and wellness, global inspiration, and local identity.”

“The 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers are eating and drinking today,” says Leigh Anne Vaughan, VP of Product Technologies at Kerry. “It brings together sensory science, cultural understanding, and real consumption data to show where flavors are gaining momentum and how they’re being expressed locally.”

“By connecting these insights with practical application support and rapid sampling through KerryNow, we’re helping our customers move more confidently from idea to product and keep pace with how quickly tastes are changing.”

KerryNow is the company’s end‑to‑end digital platform that allows customers to order samples, explore the flavor portfolio, and receive application and regulatory support, supporting faster innovation from concept to launch.

Flavor trends in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa

“The Rise of ‘Swicy’”

Sweet‑and‑spicy combinations are surging, especially among Gen Z consumers. Southeast Asia sees spicy fruit drinks and chili‑laced confectionery, while South Africa showcases sweet‑chili sauces, hot honey snacks, and spicy tomato crisps.

“Nuanced Heat & Global‑Local Blends”

Greater Africa embraces paprika‑driven blends in snacks, sauces, and grilled meats. In Australia and New Zealand, fajita spice is emerging as a fast‑growing favorite in meal kits, marinated meats, and savory snacks.

“Fruit‑Forward Refreshment”

Watermelon continues to lead beverage innovation across Southeast Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, mandarin is the fastest‑growing citrus flavor in Australia and New Zealand, expanding into alcoholic, alcohol‑inspired, tea, and coffee formats.

“Tradition Reworked”

Traditional flavors are being reimagined in modern applications, from nasi uduk cheesecake and avocado brownie ice cream in Southeast Asia, to date mustard, za’atar ice cream, and camel milk pistachio iced coffee in the Middle East.

“Micro Moments of Indulgence”

Bite‑sized, convenient treats are growing across the Middle East and South Africa, from chili‑lemon snacks and energy balls to mini puddings and ready‑to‑cook proteins.

“Healing & Functional Flavors”

China continues blending Eastern and Western wellness traditions, incorporating turmeric, astragalus, aged tangerine peel, spirulina, and açai into beverages, dairy, and snacks.

“Maximalist & Botanical Profiles”

Rich, extra‑strong milk teas, intensified matcha and cocoa, and decadent chocolate‑forward launches are rising in China and the Middle East, alongside botanicals such as orange blossom, hibiscus, rooibos, and elderflower in South Africa and Asia Pacific.

In December 2025, Kerry signed a long-term lease agreement with Expo City Dubai to establish a new Regional Customer Co-Creation Centre, as the taste and nutrition company continues to expand across the Middle East.Kerry’s latest research reveals how shifting consumer expectations are shaping flavor choices across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — offering manufacturers a data-driven view of what’s influencing F&B innovation in 2026.

Global flavor trends for 2026

On Monday, Innova Market Insights announced its Global Flavor Trends for 2026, with “Sensorial Explorations” taking first spot in a comprehensive analysis of the five consumer and market-driven flavor trends poised to reshape F&B innovation in 2026 and beyond.

Food Ingredients First recently caught up with ADM, dsm-firmenich, and Ocean Spray Ingredients to explore their latest flavor research and spotlight emerging trends in the global flavor landscape.

We also highlighted some standout product innovations, including Nestlé’s Kit Kat Mont Blanc, coated in chestnut and rum-flavored cream (Japan), and Hellmann’s mayonnaise with bacon flavor (Argentina).