Flavor Drop: English Toffee & Strawberry Basil

Posted: December 9, 2024
In: Trends

The Trend: Indulgence

The Flavor: English Toffee

Toffee, a confectionary classic, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Its rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch have made it a beloved treat for generations. Toffee is particularly popular during the holiday season. Its association with winter festivities has solidified its position as a seasonal indulgence. As the year-end approaches, searches for English toffee spike (searches have doubled every December for more than 10 years¹), indicating a strong consumer interest in this classic flavor.

Beyond its traditional association with the holidays, toffee is emerging as a versatile flavor profile. It’s increasingly being incorporated into various food and beverage products, from coffee and tea to ice cream and baked goods.

Food and Beverage Innovation: Companies like McCormick (English Toffee Finishing Sugar) and Crumbl Cookies (Sticky Toffee Pudding) are recognizing the growing demand for toffee-flavored products by launching limited-edition items.
Coffee and Tea: Coffee chains like Starbucks UK are incorporating toffee into their holiday menus (Toffee Nut Crunch Latte and Cold Brew), attracting a new generation of consumers to this classic flavor.

Toffee-inspired Market Products:

Little’s Toffee Nut Coffee Capsules, The Human Bean Toffee Crunch, Bio&Me Toffee Apple Oat Bar, Nescafe Sticky Toffee Pudding Latte

The Trend: Botanical Boost

The Flavor: Strawberry Basil

Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of Strawberry Basil:

Consumer Preference: Strawberry is a perennial favorite, particularly in the U.S., where it’s the top choice for functional beverages and premixed cocktails. Its versatility and broad appeal make it a natural fit for a wide range of products. Search volume has increased 3% over the past year.²
Seasonal Appeal: Strawberry basil is often associated with spring and summer, making it a timely and refreshing flavor profile for seasonal offerings.
Health and Wellness: Basil, an herb known for its antioxidant properties, adds a healthful dimension to the combination. This aligns with the growing consumer interest in functional foods and beverages.

2024 Strawberry Basil-inspired Products & Recipes:

International Food & Wine Epcot Festival 2024 Strawberry Basil Cocktail, Kif Guava Basil Kefir Water, Milo’s Strawberry Basil Iced Tea, Roasted Strawberry Basil Spritzer

For access to these flavors and more, reach out to your Account Manager, simply click the button at the bottom of the page or email marketing@imbibeinc.com. And if you’re seeking further inspiration, don’t forget to explore our previous Drops for a plethora of inspiring ideas.