In response to the changing behavior of consumers during the pandemic, Comax Flavors introduced its 2021 Flavor Trends predictions.  

 

The trends are broken down into four categories: immunity boost, breakfast basics, home baker and chicken soars.

 

Each Comax Flavor collection is comprised of a variety of food and beverage applications such as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups, dairy, ice cream, confections, baked goods, plant-based applications, snacks, and nutrition and performance products. 

 

 

Health and wellness have been at the forefront of consumers’ minds as the pandemic continues with a focus on immunity. According to Innova’s Consumer Survey 2020, six out of 10 global consumers are increasingly looking for food and beverage products that support their immune health, with one in three saying that concerns about immune health increased in 2020 over 2019.  

 

“Individuals are turning to food and beverages with functional ingredients to stay healthy. To meet the growing demand, Comax Flavors created the Immunity Boost range,” says Catherine Armstrong, vice president of corporate communications for Comax Flavors.  

 

This healthy collection can be used in numerous applications such as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups, plant-based, and dairy applications, baked goods and confections as well as nutrition and performance products. 

 

Flavors in this group include Apple Carrot Ginger, Blueberry Elderberry and Manuka Honey. 

 

 

Working from home is becoming the new normal coupled with remote learning for children, leading to a return to breakfast. For example, according to Nielsen, breakfast cereal sales rose 35% for the week ending April 25, 2020, compared with the year-earlier period.  

 

“Whether at home or on the go, consumers are reverting to breakfast. We are seeing a renewed interest in breakfast food and created the Breakfast Basics line,” says Armstrong.  

 

This classic collection can be used in a variety of applications such as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, beverage syrups, plant-based, and dairy applications, baked goods and confections as well as nutrition and performance products. 

 

Flavors in this group include Cereal & Milk, French Toast and Jelly Donut. 

 

 

Consumers are spending an unprecedented amount of time in the kitchen, which has led to the exploration of baking and cooking. According to a Hunter study, 54% of Americans are cooking more, and 46% are baking more.  

 

“What started as ‘stress baking’ driven by the pandemic has led to the rediscovery of baking and cooking. In response, Comax Flavors crafted the Home Baker collection,” says Armstrong.  

 

This comforting line can be used in a range of sweet and savory applications including baked goods, syrups, confections, dairy, snacks, sauces, and entrees. 

 

Flavors in this group include Banana Bread, Blueberry Cheesecake and Pizza. 

 

 

The consumption of chicken has soared during this pandemic. 

 

“Whether it is real poultry or a plant-based analog, consumers love chicken. To address consumers’ affinity for chicken, Comax Flavors designed the Chicken Soars collection,” says Armstrong.  

 

This savory collection can be used in both poultry and plant-based applications as well as seasonings/coatings, sauces, soups, and snacks. 

 

Flavors in this group include: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Fried Chicken and Grilled Chicken.