Pineapple named Flavour of the Year 2026

Esarom has crowned pineapple as the flavour of the year for 2026, highlighting its versatility and cross-category appeal in food and drink innovation. The announcement positions pineapple as a key driver for product development in plant-based foods, mindful alcohol alternatives, and sugar-reduced formulations, reflecting consumer demand for vibrant, natural flavours that balance indulgence with wellbeing.

A tropical favourite with modern relevance

Pineapple’s recognition as flavour of the year underscores its ability to deliver freshness, sweetness, and acidity — qualities that resonate with today’s consumers seeking healthier yet enjoyable options. Its tropical profile is increasingly used to elevate plant-based dishes, offering natural sweetness and complexity without relying on added sugars. For manufacturers, this makes pineapple a strategic ingredient in the push toward cleaner labels and reduced-sugar innovation.  

Pineapple as a hero ingredient

The rise of mindful drinking has created fertile ground for pineapple’s application in low- and no-alcohol beverages. Its bold, juicy flavour provides body and balance in alcohol-free cocktails, spritzes, and sparkling drinks, ensuring consumers don’t feel they are compromising on taste. Pineapple’s natural acidity also pairs well with botanicals, making it a go-to flavour for brands looking to replicate the complexity of traditional alcoholic beverages while maintaining a refreshing, tropical edge.  

Sweetness and functionality

In plant-based food, pineapple offers both culinary versatility and nutritional alignment. It can be incorporated into savoury applications such as marinades and sauces, or used to enhance desserts and dairy alternatives. Its natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugar, while its fibrous texture and enzymatic properties can support innovation in meat alternatives and functional foods.

Natural sweetness without compromise

With consumers increasingly attentive to sugar intake, pineapple provides a naturally sweet solution that aligns with better-for-you product development. Its flavour intensity allows formulators to cut back on added sugars while maintaining indulgence, particularly in categories like confectionery, yogurts, and beverages.  

A flavour for the future

Esarom’s choice of pineapple reflects broader market trends: consumers want flavours that deliver joy, familiarity, and health-conscious appeal. Pineapple’s adaptability across categories makes it a powerful tool for brands seeking to innovate in plant-based, low/no alcohol, and sugar-reduced segments.  

As 2026 approaches, pineapple is set to be more than just a tropical staple — it is positioned as a symbol of the industry’s shift toward sustainable, flavour-forward, and health-conscious innovation.

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