Nostalgia-Driven Flavor Innovation for 2026

Nostalgic flavors are shaping the future of CPG food and beverage innovation, with Rocket Pop and S’mores standing out as two of the most influential profiles in 2025. These flavors are not only capturing consumer attention but also driving new product launches and cross-category experimentation.

Rocket Pop: The Summer Nostalgia Sensation

Rocket Pop—recognized for its bold red, white, and blue profile is more than a flavor; it’s a cultural touchstone. Inspired by the classic popsicle, this vibrant combination of cherry, lemon-lime, and blue raspberry evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia while remaining highly relevant across modern beverage and snacking categories. From energy drinks and craft sodas to hard teas and ready-to-drink cocktails, leading brands like Alani Nu and Twisted Tea have successfully tapped into Rocket Pop’s emotional resonance and visual impact. This strategy has helped them capture the attention of Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

This flavor trend exemplifies the power of “newstalgia” where familiar flavors are reimagined for contemporary palates, formats, and functional needs. For brand owners, Rocket Pop offers a strategic way to spark trial and boost social engagement through seasonal drops and limited-time offers. It also opens the door for cross-category innovation—spanning sparkling hydration, performance nutrition, and better-for-you indulgence.

You may know it as Rocket Pop, Bomb Pop® (Unilever), Rocket Ice Lolly, Firecracker, or Fireworks—but the opportunity is universal.

Twisted Tea Rocket Pop, Bucked Up Energy Rocket Pop, Alani Nu Rocket Pop, Recover 180 Rocket Pop, Three Notch’d Rocket Pop

S’mores: Comfort and Indulgence Reimagined

S’mores, with its familiar combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, continues to thrive as a nostalgic comfort flavor. Recent launches like Sprinkles Chocolate’s S’mores Cupcake Cups—featuring a milk chocolate shell, marshmallow frosting filling, and graham cracker crumbles—demonstrate how brands are transforming classic treats into portable, indulgent snacks for today’s consumer. S’mores flavor appeals across demographics, offering both indulgence and a sense of security in uncertain times.

Dunkin’ S’mores Cold Brew Coffee, Bailey’s S’mores, La Colombe S’mores Latte, Southern Tier S’mores Whiskey, Starbucks S’mores Frappuccino

• Nostalgic flavors drive loyalty and trial: Over 40% of consumers say nostalgic flavors influence purchases. Products with nostalgic claims have grown 18% annually since 2020.
• Cross-category potential: Flavors like Rocket Pop and S’mores perform well in beverages, snacks, desserts, and functional products—offering flexible innovation platforms.
• Seasonal formats require agility: Limited-time launches build urgency but demand nimble supply chains and responsive procurement strategies.
• Emotional resonance boosts impact: Nostalgic flavors foster deeper brand connection, organic social sharing, and stronger appeal to Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

At Imbibe, we empower brands to fast-track innovation by transforming trending flavors into scalable, high-impact products. Our expert flavor team is ready to help you develop standout flavors like Rocket Pop and S’mores for your next launch.

Seeking more creative ideas? Explore our previous Flavor Drops to stay at the forefront of flavor innovation, or connect with us at marketing@imbibeinc.com to request samples and discover how we can help your products make a lasting impression.