Refresh. Replenish. Rehydrate.
The latest Flavor Forecast trend is out: Refresh. Replenish. Rehydrate. This trend, the third in our 2019 Flavor Forecast, focuses on ways to beat the heat, whether it comes from too much sun or too much spice. Drawing on increasing demand for icy treats, we explored chilled and frozen creations that cool, hydrate, and nourish in the most delicious ways.
Chill Out
In looking at what’s hot on the colder side of things, we found that broader trends are having an impact on the way we use food and beverage to cool off. For example, growing interest in low or no-alcohol beverages, especially among younger consumers, has led to the development of shaved mocktails that deliver flavor via fresh fruit syrups, bitters, sours, and spices. Another important focus is an interest in food that supports a healthy lifestyle. Put through a cooling lens, this trend translates into herbs, fruits, and vegetables featuring prominently in refreshing, nourishing treats. Finally, in a world where information travels faster than ever before, culinary influences have become predictably global. Looking to subtropical regions for cooling inspiration led us to unexpected options utilizing both dairy and plant-based creamy ingredients.
Below are our three focus areas within this trend:
#1 Craft Cocktails on the Lighter Side
Shaved ice drinks – served up, low, or no-alcohol style – deliver all the flavor and experience and don’t get diluted as they melt, because the flavor is in the ice right from the start. Not to turn away from heat altogether, some of these cooling drinks may include spicy ingredients, such as our Chili-Spiced Watermelon Rosé Granita. If you’re looking for straight-up chill, our Blueberry Vanilla “Lemonade” Shaved Ice Mocktail or our Grapefruit, Basil Kombucha Mocktail over Butterfly Pea Flower Shaved Ice might be just what you want.
#2 Nourishing Treats
We paired vegetables with flavorful fruits, herbs, and spices (think mint, dill, ginger, cinnamon, blackberries, or pineapple) to create sweet and savory pops, slushies, and mousses that are both cooling and energizing. For the lightest carrot cake you’ve ever had, check out our Pineapple Carrot “Cake” Shaved Ice recipe. Our Cucumber Celery Slushie is also very light, and the ultimate refreshing treat. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try our Blackberry Sweet Potato Ice Pops or our Roasted Beet & Feta Yogurt Parfait.
#3 A New Creamy Cool
Inspired by subtropical regions, mainly India and Thailand, we found appealing alternatives to water-based frozen beverages and desserts. Our recipes combine dairy and plant-based ingredients to create refreshing, creamy treats. The Mango Lassi Bars, for example, combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and coconut milk into a velvety, cheesecake-like bite. Also our Masala Chaas recipe blends whole milk with herbs, vegetables, and spices to create our version of this tangy, Indian-inspired drink. And our Mini Frozen Thai Lime Pies, which are crusty cups containing a mixture of kaffir lime-flavored coconut cream, cream cheese, and sugar, can bring even the spiciest meal to a most refreshing end.
To watch new videos on these trends, learn more about “Refresh. Replenish. Rehydrate.” or revisit other trends in Flavor Forecast 2019, please visit FlavorForecast.com and follow @FlavorForecast on Instagram.