The global food and beverage flavours market is worth over $20bn (€17.2bn) and is projected to top $28bn by the end of the decade (industry analysts Grand View Research).
No surprise there, since the old saying ‘taste is king’ still rings true.
But while taste tops the list of priorities for consumers, flavour preferences are ever changing.
We run down the big five confectionery flavour favourites for 2026.
1. Dessert-inspired flavours
Dessert-inspired flavours are making a big impact in confectionery, and it’s no wonder. Brands are borrowing from bakery favourites like banoffee pie, carrot cake, cheesecake, key lime pie, dulce de leche, and tiramisu to create treats that feel nostalgic and indulgent.
These flavours bring a sense of comfort with a playful twist, popping up in gummies, chewy sweets, and chocolate bars.
It’s all about delivering those rich, layered textures and multi-sensory experiences consumers love in desserts, but in convenient, bite-sized formats.
Plus, they fit perfectly with the premiumisation trend, as dessert-inspired profiles signal craftsmanship and indulgence, making them ideal for gifting and seasonal launches.
Recent examples include:
- Cadbury Dairy Milk Banoffee Pie Bar: A limited-edition chocolate bar combining banana and caramel notes with classic Dairy Milk chocolate
- Lindt Dulce de Leche Excellence Bar: Premium chocolate infused with creamy caramelised-milk flavour
- Haribo Key Lime Pie Gummies: A US launch featuring zesty lime and creamy pie-inspired notes in chewy gummy form
- Godiva Tiramisu Truffles: Layers of coffee, mascarpone cream flavour, and cocoa dusting in a bite-sized truffle
- Hotel Chocolat Carrot Cake Selector: A seasonal chocolate featuring spiced carrot cake notes with cream cheese frosting flavour.
2. Modern nostalgia or “Newstalgia”
Nostalgia with a modern twist - aka “Newstalgia” - is shaking up the confectionery aisle.
Think of it as childhood favourites getting a glow-up!
Classic flavours like marshmallow, and caramel sea salt aren’t going anywhere, but they are being mixed in with layered textures and luxe chocolate creations.
It’s all about mixing comfort with sophistication.
And thanks to social media, trends like Angel Hair and Dubai-style chocolate are going viral, inspiring indulgent creations that feel both nostalgic and aspirational.
By blending tradition with trend-forward designs, brands are serving up treats that appeal across generations.
Recent examples include:
- Twix Snickerdoodle: A playful twist on the classic Twix, adding cinnamon-sugar cookie flavour
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Caramel: A glow-up of the iconic Hershey’s bar with gooey caramel layers
- XO Marshmallow Gourmet Range: Includes Salted Caramel Marshmallows, Cinnamon Roll Marshmallows, and Maple Pecan Marshmallows, blending childhood fun with artisanal flair
- Caramels.com Chocolate Sea Salt Vanilla & Chocolate Marshmallow Caramels: Premium, hand-poured caramels with nostalgic flavours elevated by chocolate and sea salt for indulgence.
3. Exotic fruits
Exotic fruit profiles are bringing a burst of colour and excitement to the confectionery world, and honestly, they’re hard to miss!
Tropical stars like dragon fruit, lychee, calamansi, and yuzu are popping up in everything from gummies to premium chocolate bars, adding a playful twist to traditional sweets.
And these treats don’t just taste great - they look impressive too, with vibrant colours that make products Instagram-worthy.
It’s all about catering to adventurous palates and creating treats that feel fresh, fun, and a little bit luxurious.
Recent examples include:
- Albanese True to Fruit Exotic Gummi Bears: Includes flavours like Alphonso Mango, Asian Pear, Blood Orange, and Fuji Apple
4. Botanical and floral infusions
Botanical and floral flavours are having a real moment in confectionery, and it’s easy to see why. They tick a lot of boxes for today’s consumer.
Ingredients like lavender and chamomile aren’t just pretty, they’re linked to relaxation and stress relief, which makes them perfect for anyone craving a little functional indulgence.
Then there’s the luxury factor - floral notes instantly feel elegant and sophisticated, so they’re right at home in premium chocolate and artisanal treats.
And let’s not forget the clean-label appeal. Botanicals are seen as natural and authentic, which fits beautifully with the growing better-for-you movement.
In short, they’re flavourful, Instagrammable and absolutely on trend.
Popular Botanicals and their roles:
- Lavender: Adds a delicate, aromatic sweetness - often paired with dark chocolate
- Chamomile: Known for calming properties - works well in white chocolate or creamy fillings
- Elderflower: Offers a subtle fruity-floral note - trending in gummies and nougat
- Rose: Romantic and exotic - frequently used in Turkish delight and increasingly in luxury truffles
- Jasmine: Light and fragrant - complements green tea-infused confectionery
- Hibiscus: Tart and vibrant - gaining popularity in fruit chews and vegan gummies.
Recent examples include:
- Raaka Chamomile Lavender Dark Chocolate: An aromatic bar infused with calming chamomile and lavender
- Spring & Mulberry Lavender Rose Date-Sweetened Dark Chocolate: Combines lavender, rose petals, and bee pollen with chocolate
- Pretty Fancy Chocolate Herb Garden Collection: Includes botanical-infused flavours like Lemon Lavender, Olive Oil & Rosemary, and Lemon Verbena Mojito.
5. Functional and health-driven
Functional and health-driven flavours are giving confectionery a wellness makeover, and consumers are loving it.
Think chocolate bars with zesty orange to improve focus, and gummies infused with adaptogens for stress relief.
These flavours bring a sense of purpose to indulgence, letting consumers enjoy their favourite treats while ticking the better-for-you box.
It’s a clever way to blend pleasure with practicality, and it’s opening the door to exciting innovation in the premium and everyday snacking space.
Recent examples include:
- Alice Mushrooms Functional Chocolate: Chocolate bars infused with adaptogens, mushrooms, and nootropics for benefits like improved focus, sleep, and stress relief
- The Functional Chocolate Company: Launched chocolate bars targeting stress relief, sleep support, and energy boost, now available in Target and The Vitamin Shoppe
- AWAKE Caffeinated Chocolate: Chocolate infused with caffeine for an energy boost, expanding retail distribution across North America
- Hershey Honest Gummies: Part of Hershey’s better-for-you portfolio, offering gummies with reduced sugar and clean-label positioning.
The sweet spot: Opportunities for confectionery brands
The flavour game is evolving fast, and that’s great news for innovators in confectionery.
With the global flavours market set to hit $28bn by 2030, there’s plenty of room for brands to differentiate through bold, creative profiles.
From dessert-inspired indulgence to functional wellness, these trends aren’t just about taste, they’re about storytelling, experience, and tapping into what consumers value most - excitement, authenticity, and a little bit of escapism.
For manufacturers, the opportunity lies in agility and imagination.
Think limited-edition launches that spark social buzz, premium gifting lines that elevate everyday treats, and functional flavours that bridge indulgence with wellbeing.
Pairing flavour innovation with clean-label credentials and eye-catching designs will be key to winning hearts (and social media feeds) in 2026 and beyond.
