Imbibe will be closed on October 3, 4, 17, 18, 25, and 26. Please expect delays in responses during this time.

Coffee and Tea Trends

Natural sourcing and respective health benefits of coffee and tea — along with the versatility products can offer by incorporating functional ingredients, exciting flavors, and novel brewing methods — are contributing to category success. Entrepreneurs and established brands alike are entering the RTD coffee and tea markets which, although saturated, are less dominated by major players than carbonated soft drinks. In fact, many coffee and tea trends are introduced to the market by “third-wave” brands before they become mainstream. Another upward trend is for large brands to acquire smaller ones after a product experiences a certain level of success.

Once a beverage trend has “legs,” brands large and small jump on the bandwagon. For example, cold-brew coffees started appearing in cafés around 2014 and were a hit with consumers because they were smoother to drink due to less acid and bitterness than hot-brewed coffee. The majority of RTD coffee beverages developed in the US in the last few years have been cold brew, with hundreds of products entering the market. Brands are differentiating their cold-brew coffees by incorporating dairy or dairy-alternative milks or functional ingredients. Still, taste is always prime for a product’s success.

Plant-based and functional ingredients are especially popular in coffee and tea categories, bringing their fair share of technical challenges. Given that, and the fact that in today’s industry, clean label is becoming a standard, it’s especially important to have a clear plan of the coffee or tea beverage being developed. Important questions to ask before diving into product development include: What is the desired flavor profile? How sweet will it be? Will it include dairy or dairy-alternative milk? Will it have functional ingredients? Are there ingredient restrictions? Are specific product claims desired? Is there a calorie limit? How will the final product be processed and stored? The answers will dictate the production method and thermal processing conditions for the product, which are key to know up front, considering the significant impact these parameters have on product taste, texture, and stability. The answers also will lead to a clear agreement and understanding of the product being created and guide development from the onset, helping to prevent a need for later reformulations.

Read the full article in Prepared Foods.

Keep Reading:
pineapple flavor wheel

Flavor Wheel – Pineapple

Discover the surprising depth of Grapefruit flavor! Beyond tart and bitter, Imbibe has identified 8 tastes that are part of the Grapefruit experience. Discover these sensory insights and quickly align on your desired flavor profile.
READ MORE

Flavor Drop: Dragon fruit & Pear

Over the years, dragon fruit has gained popularity in Western countries. However, it is often still seen as an exotic fruit and a trendy ingredient for Instagram-worthy dishes.
READ MORE

Ingredient suppliers enhance portfolios

To meet the increasing demand for organic products among health-conscious consumers, Imbibe’s taste modulation portfolio now includes certified Organic Senses, an organic version of The Senses.
READ MORE