Nostalgia and novelty fuelling changes in Canadian consumer tastes
Canadians today are hungry for flavours that feel familiar and reassuring, while also having a growing appetite for global tastes, according to the recently released Kerry 2026 Global Taste Charts, a comprehensive guide to the flavours set to influence food and beverage innovators and retailers.
“What makes Canada distinct in the taste landscape is a blend of global curiosity with local loyalty,” said Cassandra Rouleau, senior marketing manager at Kerry, which creates the taste charts annually.
“Shoppers are gravitating back to nostalgic Canadian tastes, but with a fresh twist that fits today’s fast, on‑the‑move lifestyles,” she said. “Canadians value flavours that feel true to their roots. ‘Authentic’ wins, whether it’s a global dish or a local staple.”
With insights from over 1,200 scientists, 100 flavorists and extensive consumer research, the Taste Charts are a deep dive into the flavours set to dominate the next year. Kerry tracks flavour life cycles across three distinct stages: What’s Now, What’s New and What’s Next. The 2026 edition analyses data across 13 global regions, including Canada. This year’s edition offers a deep dive into refreshing beverages; alcohol & alcohol-inspired beverages; tea, coffee & cocoa; savoury snacks; sweet; soups, sauces & dressings; meat & meals; and supplements.
Retail and food industry operators can access the insights for free and can create their own charts by entering their geographic location and food category.
According to Rouleau, Canadians’ penchant for both nostalgia and novelty is showing up on the shelves with:
- Cranberry, smoke, maple and Donair flavours returning in snacks, bakery, beverages and limited-time drops
- Butter as a flavour hero showing up in richer pastries, elevated dairy drinks and premium salty snacks
- A softer, sweeter lemon, more lemonade-style profiles replacing sharper citrus notes
- Cold coffee, as a true moment of indulgence and enjoyment for Canadian consumers, who have long been loyal to hot formats but are now opening up to new possibilities.
“These flavours work because they feel instantly recognizable yet not outdated, blending tradition with innovation in formats shoppers can grab quickly,” said Rouleau. “Shoppers are increasingly open to flavours with contrast and intensity, (such as) sweet and heat, rich and refreshing, creamy and tangy—as long as they stay approachable.”
Insights for convenience stores
Convenience store operators win when they can deliver flavours that feel current, relevant and easy-to-understand at a glance, says Rouleau. She sees the charts as being helpful for retailers to identify which flavours to prioritize with limited shelf space: NOW flavours reassure and drive quick pickups, NEW flavours are worth testing in small rotation, NEXT flavours can be considered for seasonal or limited-time launches.“
"Convenience retail thrives on simple, high-impact flavour stories. Operators can balance ‘always-on’ core SKUs with fast‑moving, trend‑relevant options that keep the aisle feeling fresh,” said Rouleau.
Retailers can align seasonal, weekend or late‑day merchandising with flavour trends reshaping categories like ready‑to‑drink coffee, salty snacks or functional beverages. “Because Taste Charts spotlight proven ‘new’ and ‘next’ flavours emerging across regions and categories, they help operators make informed micro‑tests: Try one or two SKUs in a specific region or store cluster and validate demand before scaling.”
Rouleau also recommends enhancing the in-store taste experience with even small touches that signal on-trend relevance, like a trending citrus or tropical note in a fountain beverage or a frozen drink such as passion fruit or coconut; current flavour cues on signage or “new this month” endcaps; or seasonal pairing ideas (e.g., hot honey popcorn with a mango lemonade).
“Taste Charts help operators stay in sync with what customers expect from contemporary food culture. It’s a data-inspired way to innovate without significant risk.”
Global trends
Overall, the 2026 Taste Charts highlight a consumer landscape that craves comfort but also seeks out global flavours that spark discovery.
Global trends include:
- Dragon fruit: Traditionally rooted in Asian markets, dragon fruit has transcended its regional origins to become a breakout global flavour. With a 17% CAGR in new product launches projected through 2025, it is reshaping refreshment categories across Europe and the Americas.
- Botanicals & florals: As consumers gravitate towards complex, aromatic profiles, orange blossom and hibiscus are forecasted as key “Future Flavours” in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific beverage sectors, offering sophisticated, low-sugar alternatives. Meanwhile, finger lime is exploding in popularity across Europe.
- Global cross-pollination: The charts reveal a rapid exchange of flavours across cultures. Korean Bulgogi and Gochujang are surging in U.S. and European markets. Meanwhile, Sichuan peppercorns are moving beyond niche Asian aisles to influence mainstream condiments. Mexican birria and chile chiltepín are influencing savoury snacks and meals globally. Simultaneously, the "Swicy" (Sweet + Spicy) trend is evolving, with hot honey and spicy mango driving double-digit growth in bakery and confectionery products.
- Elevated staples beyond cheddar: Consumers are redefining comfort by trading standard options for premium, texture-rich varieties. The charts map the evolution of 31 specific cheese varieties, including Manchego and Pecorino, responding directly to the 68% of consumers who say cheese flavours bring a level of comfort with excitement to savoury snacks.
