A company has released a flavor chart for nutritional supplements in 2026, which guides people to understand the flavors and forms that will have a significant impact on the nutritional supplement and sports nutrition categories in the coming year.
To meet consumers' growing expectations for product efficacy, taste and ease of use, these charts can transform global consumer insights, sensory science and formulation expertise into actionable guidance. These insights are derived from Kerry's extensive network of over 1,200 scientists, more than 100 flavorists and technical experts, and consumers worldwide.
Today's consumers expect nutritional supplements to truly work, offering proven benefits, great taste and the convenience of daily use. We are committed to helping brands meet these growing expectations through scientific taste solutions and product forms that seamlessly integrate into the modern fast-paced lifestyle. Whether it's masking the bitterness of plants or creating nostalgic gummies to foster daily consumption habits, we can point the way to the innovations consumers crave.
Gummy candies, chewable tablets, powders and stick packs currently account for over 60% of global health supplement sales, with gummy candies alone holding a 23.4% share. This is mainly due to their convenience of consumption, easy acceptance and sensory appeal.
Furthermore, data also shows that 41% of health supplement consumers now consider ease of use as a purchasing driver, a proportion close to the 53% of consumers who prioritize scientific evidence.
Nowadays, taste has become the primary factor influencing consumers' purchasing decisions for sports nutrition and functional nutrition products. "Getting rid of capsule packaging is not only for convenience, but also to help people stick to taking them. If nutritional supplements taste good, people are more likely to incorporate them into their long-term positive health lifestyle."
Global Nuances Drive Flavor Innovation
While oranges, strawberries, and berries remain the main global benchmark flavors, the future will be defined by specific regional nuances and cross-fusions.
Citrus fruits with regional characteristics and complex flavors are becoming a trend. Pomelo is regarded as the "future flavor" in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and North Asia, indicating that people are turning to high-end aromatic citrus. Blood oranges and pink lemonade are also popular in Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
Herbal teas and flavored teas are also booming. Oolong tea and jasmine tea are emerging in China, while matcha is growing rapidly in Latin America and Australia/New Zealand.
"Healthy dessertification" is also becoming a trend, with major brands launching health products inspired by desserts and beverages. A wave of nostalgia is sweeping the North American market, with cinnamon rolls and fruit popsicles all the rage; in Europe and the Middle East, there is a greater preference for beverages like mojitos and colas; in Southwest Asia, there is innovation, introducing culturally distinctive dessert flavors, such as Indian kulfi ice cream.
According to Kerry, new-generation fruits such as guavas are emerging as "future flavors" in almost all regions, including Europe, North America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, making them the next global hit fruit in 2026.
