Olam food ingredients (ofi) predicts a greater fusion of Eastern and Western flavours in confectionery, bakery, beverages and snacks after combining insights from its innovation experts in key regional markets with AI-powered research to identify the next big trends in cocoa flavours.

A study using predictive analytics found that Asian flavours such as dragon fruit, sesame, yuzu, lychee and matcha are on the rise in the US and Europe, while Western flavours such as caramel, marshmallow, salted caramel and cookies & cream are becoming more popular in South Asian countries. The experts in innovative ingredients have translated these trends into cocoa combinations and dishes that could soon be found on menus or in shops.

The most important taste trends in Europe are:
• Dragon fruit: This is a growing trend in baked goods in the UK. The strong flavour goes perfectly with deZaan cocoa powder N11N in baked goods or ice cream or sorbet with cocoa powder N21N.
• Sesame: This flavour is becoming increasingly popular in baked goods in France and harmonises perfectly with deZaan's D11S – a strong intense cocoa flavour – in a chocolate banana brioche.

Visit ofi's interactive flavour map: https://www.ofi.com/flavor-trends.html?utm_campaign=cocoa_flavor_map-2023.