Salty Caramel Tops 2012 Flavor Trends List

NORTHBROOK, Ill.Bell Flavors and Fragrances released its list of the Top 10 flavor trends for 2012, noting that salty caramel flavor will have the most impact on food and beverage products this in the coming year.

Emerging Cultures" is the theme for the 2012 Top 10 Flavors list, with Korean cuisines predicted to make a huge hit to the market with Cajun and Greek following close behind.

Compiled using three methodstracking flavor-sample requests, worldwide trend scouting, and tracking trends from external databasesthe list is divided into three categories: Sweet Flavors, Savory Flavors and Beverage Flavors.

Sweet Flavors encompass confectionery, bakery and dairy; savory flavors include the meat, condiments, dressings, sauces, soups and seasoning markets; and beverage flavors include both the non-alcoholic and alcoholic markets.

In the sweet flavor category, the list includes salty caramel, red velvet, strawberry jasmine, cinnamon chipolte, eucalyptus, taro/sweet potato, roasted coconut, café de olla, lúcuma and white sesame.

For savory applications, the list includes white truffle oil, kimchi, absinthe, calamansi lime, rich umami, rose water, aged cayenne pepper, satsuma orange, mirin and romesco.

Beverage flavors include lemonade, maqui berry, aloe vera, white tea, mamey, cucumber mint, chrysanthemum, kumquat, honey ginger and green coconut.