Fall’s Must-Try Flavors: Discover the Top 5 Trends You Can’t Miss This Season!

As fall approaches, restaurants and retailers are embracing the joy of seasonal flavors. Instead of just serving a basic latte, they want to offer an experience. Imagine holding a warm drink while colorful leaves swirl in the autumn breeze. This season is all about vibrant, spicy flavors.

Consumers are excited about fall flavors, especially in desserts (43%), breakfast items (39%), and appetizers (46%), according to a report from Rubix Foods. Interestingly, customers have mixed feelings about classic versus modern flavors, with many wanting both.

“The tension between nostalgia and newness makes fall an exciting time for creativity,” says Shannon O’Shields, VP of Marketing at Rubix Foods.

As change stirs, over 66% of consumers are forming new food habits this fall, as noted in a report by the Food Industry Association. This shift presents a great opportunity for brands to attract more households with fresh offerings. Seasonal flavors evoke memories while also appealing to today’s health-conscious diners. In this landscape, brands focusing on health will likely thrive, while those in food service can indulge in warm, comforting, seasonal favorites.

Cranberry

Cranberries are stepping into the spotlight this fall. They carry a nostalgic vibe, especially for Thanksgiving, but they’re also bursting with color and flavor. After all, who doesn’t love the tart-sweet zing of cranberries? Brands like Spindrift are expanding their cranberry offerings, showing there’s so much more to this fruit than just sauce. O’Shields mentions that cranberries can evolve in formats while staying true to their roots.

Chai Spice

When it comes to comfort, chai spice is winning hearts. About 63% of consumers associate fall flavors with warmth, and interest in adaptogens—herbs used for health benefits—has surged by 40%. Chains like Peet’s Coffee are exploring this trend with items like cardamom-infused lattes. Starbucks enhances their classics with chai spices, keeping the nostalgia alive but adding a contemporary twist.

Maple

Maple is a rich and indulgent flavor that continues to delight diners. Even as people focus more on nutrition, sweet flavors remain popular. For instance, First Watch has introduced a Maple Bacon Croissant Sandwich, balancing sweetness with spice. This trend reflects the growing “swicy” concept, which combines sweet and spicy flavors that resonate with younger diners.

Pumpkin (Not Just Spice)

While pumpkin spice lattes are iconic, their appeal is changing. A survey by Rubix found that 47% of consumers think pumpkin is overrated. However, pumpkin as a main flavor is still cherished by many. Mosaic Flavors points to the trending combination of Pumpkin Chipotle, with search interest spiking on recipe sites. Cafés like Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros are rolling out pumpkin-themed items that are fresh and exciting.

Pecan

Pecan might be the sleeper hit this fall. According to DoorDash, it’s the fastest-growing flavor, with a 28% increase in orders year-over-year. Starbucks is featuring it prominently this season, including in their Pecan Oatmilk Cortado. Pecan is deeply rooted in American culture and complements many other fall flavors, like maple.

This fall, people are eager to embrace new trends while holding onto the comfort of tradition. The balance of novelty and nostalgia is what makes this season special, setting the stage for endless creative possibilities in food and drink.

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