Seasonal Flavors: Trends of Fall 2021
December 9, 2021
Click Here for the full report!
Filled with notes of comfort and coziness, warmth and a time for gathering with family and friends, the fall season is one of the most anticipated for seasonal and LTO products from CPG brands and foodservice alike. In fact, a recent report shows that 69% of consumers say the fall season has the best seasonal flavors. Product developers are innovating to excite their consumers with unique twists on seasonal favorites and new additions to anticipated fall lineups. From a Turkey Talk Line on TikTok to prepare for your holiday feast to churro flavored liquor and pumpkin spice flavored Cup of Noodles, let’s take a look at the trending seasonal products and flavors for fall, and see where you can find inspiration for your brand.
North America, Fall 2021
Pumpkin/Squash & Spice/Spicy
Nonpareils/Sprinkles/Hundreds & Thousands
Sugar
Sugar (Icing/Frost/Glaze/Fondant)
Chocolate
Caramel/Caramelized
Pumpkin Squash
Peppermint
Pumpkin Pie
Cream/Crème/Whipped Cream
Seasonal & Limited-Edition Products, Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2021
Nougat/Turron +600%
Mung/Moong Bean +600%
Paprika/Sweet Paprika +500%
Honey +450%
Bean +400%
Seasonal & Limited-Edition Products, Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2021
Marshmallow +300%
Chocolate +300%
Sugar (Icing/Frost/Glaze/Fondant) +200%
Maple/Maple (Syrup) +200%
Roasted/Toasted +200%
Bacon/Lardon/Pancetta/Speck +200%
26% of U.S. adults strongly agree that they enjoy holiday traditions from their favorite brands (eg, McDonalds' shamrock shakes, Starbucks' red holiday cups) - Mintel
Nearly 50 % of Americans think fall flavors like pumpkin spice should be available all year – Yahoo! News
69% of consumers say fall has the best seasonal flavors – Honey Baked Ham Company, One Poll
From indulgent confectionery to spicy snacks and fall inspired beverages, popular seasonal sellers and limited-time offerings varied cross-category. It’s no surprise that pumpkin spice made it’s appearance known this season, but innovation in flavor is abundant in all food and beverage categories. Cozy up and let’s take a look at the top sellers and categories in this space.
Top Categories – Global
Bakery
Chocolate Confectionery
Sugar & Gum Confectionery
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages
Hot Beverages
Top Sellers – IRIS
Gingerbread Snap’d Dew
Doritos Ultimate Cheddar Flavored Tortilla Chips
Taylor Farms Maple Dijon Crunch Chopped Kit
Famous Daves Spice Corn Bread
Annie’s Carmel Apple Bunny Grahams
Haribo Scaremix Gummy Candy
Chameleon Cold-Brew Organic Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee Concentrate
McCafe Toffee Almond Flavored Coffee K-Cup Pods
Oreo Apple Cider Donut Flavored Sandwich cookies
Chips Ahoy Hershey’s Fudge Filled Soft Cookies
Lily’s Pumpkin Spice Flavor White Chocolate Style Baking Chips
Duncan Hines Epic Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Kit
Nestle Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Creamer
Goldfish Jalapeno Popper Flavoured Baked Snack Crackers
From spooky Halloween treats to thanksgiving products for your holiday feasts, the fall season brought lots of holiday inspired offerings. And as consumers look forward to these holiday offerings from their favorite brands, there is plenty of opportunity in this space for food and beverage developers to innovate.
Disney Hocus Pocus Amuck! Amuck! Cupcake Kit was released for Halloween 2021. The product contains vanilla cupcake mix, light green frosting, soft crunch pearl sprinkles, black cupcake liners and printed cupcake topper.
43% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Nestlé Toll House Trick-or-Treats Fudge Cookie Dough with Halloween Sprinkles was released for Halloween 2021. The product is free from preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and retails in a recyclable 14-oz. pack, yielding 20 cookies, and featuring preparation instructions.
54% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Trader Joe’s Turkey & Stuffing En Croute is a seasonal product that features a turkey tenderloin wrapped in cornbread stuffing and puff pastry. The product should be thawed 24 hours before cooking and serves eight people.
Butterball Turkey Talk Line started in 1981 as a way for turkey experts to guide home cooks through making a Thanksgiving Turkey. Today, talk-line experts will expand to social media to meet consumers where they are and showcase their expertise with a new generation.
83% of respondents in a Butterball survey said social media is a great place to get menu inspiration or recipes for Thanksgiving.
Seasonal and limited-edition snacks found their way onto top sellers this fall, ranging in flavors from the classic pumpkin spice to sweet potato, ultimate cheddar and more. And according to a Mintel report, 26% of U.S. consumers tend to choose flavors that fit the season, providing opportunity for food and beverage developers looking to innovate in the seasonal and LTO space.
Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cup of Noodles were released in October at select Walmart locations. The pumpkin spice flavored offering provided a shock factor for consumers and piqued interest on social media.
Good & Gather Sweet Potato Hummus is a limited-edition product made with chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds and spices. It is free from artificial colors and flavors, and retails in a 10-oz. pack.
38% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Doritos Ultimate Cheddar Flavored Tortilla Chips are now available for a limited time only. The product claims to take crunch and cheese to another level.
69% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Smartfood Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Popcorn is now available as a limited time flavor. The air-popped contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and 15g wholegrains per serving.
41% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Each year, consumers await seasonal offerings for warm fall beverages especially from favorite coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin and more. Pumpkin Spice is still a reining favorite, but apple crisp, cinnamon Crunch are all gaining ground and the coffee space isn’t the only segment featuring fall flavors. Sparkling waters and alcoholic beverages alike have entered the seasonal and LTO space.
Bud Light Fall Flannel Seltzer Limited -Edition Variety Pack includes the following flavors: Apple Crisp; Maple Pear; Pumpkin Spice; and Toasted Marshmallow for Fall 2021
32% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Baileys Savor a Churros joins the famous Irish whiskey cream brand and the iconic Mexico City Churrería El Moro to introduce a limited-edition churro-flavored Irish cream for desserts and spirits.
Perrier Mystère Potion Blackberry Flavored Carbonated Mineral Water is a limited-edition pack for Halloween 2021. It is free from juice, sweeteners and calories.
30% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Starbucks Non-Dairy Pumpkin Spice Almond milk & Oatmilk Creamer is a blend of almondmilk and oatmilk with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg.
40% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
For consumers, fall isn’t just a season – it’s a time for gathering with family and friends, indulging in festive product offerings, giving thanks and celebrating. This season featured holiday-themed introductions and innovative fall releases, both in flavor and format. Innovation in seasonal products and LTOs featured exciting flavors from cinnamon sugar to ultimate cheddar, apple crisp and more. And consumers are interested in these seasonal flavors with 48% saying they believe they should be enjoyed year-round. Many of these flavors will inspire innovation for the upcoming months as we lead into the winter season, so the question is, how can these innovations inspire your winter product developments and beyond?
Click here for the full report!
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or chat us up at www.fona.com/contact-fona/
Sources in full report
Filled with notes of comfort and coziness, warmth and a time for gathering with family and friends, the fall season is one of the most anticipated for seasonal and LTO products from CPG brands and foodservice alike. In fact, a recent report shows that 69% of consumers say the fall season has the best seasonal flavors. Product developers are innovating to excite their consumers with unique twists on seasonal favorites and new additions to anticipated fall lineups. From a Turkey Talk Line on TikTok to prepare for your holiday feast to churro flavored liquor and pumpkin spice flavored Cup of Noodles, let’s take a look at the trending seasonal products and flavors for fall, and see where you can find inspiration for your brand.
Fall’s Top Flavors In: Seasonal & LTO’s
Top Flavors by Number of Releases
North America, Fall 2021
Pumpkin/Squash & Spice/Spicy
Nonpareils/Sprinkles/Hundreds & Thousands
Sugar
Sugar (Icing/Frost/Glaze/Fondant)
Chocolate
Caramel/Caramelized
Pumpkin Squash
Peppermint
Pumpkin Pie
Cream/Crème/Whipped Cream
Fastest Growing Flavors: Globally
Seasonal & Limited-Edition Products, Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2021
Nougat/Turron +600%
Mung/Moong Bean +600%
Paprika/Sweet Paprika +500%
Honey +450%
Bean +400%
Fastest Growing Flavors: North America
Seasonal & Limited-Edition Products, Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2021
Marshmallow +300%
Chocolate +300%
Sugar (Icing/Frost/Glaze/Fondant) +200%
Maple/Maple (Syrup) +200%
Roasted/Toasted +200%
Bacon/Lardon/Pancetta/Speck +200%
"This year, the anticipation and excitement for autumn started building early. In July 2021, “can’t wait for fall” Tweets increased by 112% compared to June." – Sprout Social
A Consumer Look at Fall
“Fall is more than flavors, it’s a feeling. Sweater weather, apple picking, spooky season, football, festive family time—the fall encapsulates a lot of moments that have warm, nostalgic associations. The brands that successfully inject that into their seasonal marketing campaigns stand to make a positive impact.” – Sprout Social
Thanksgiving sticks out as a season to try new foods and flavors for nearly half (47%) of consumers. - Datassential
26% of U.S. adults strongly agree that they enjoy holiday traditions from their favorite brands (eg, McDonalds' shamrock shakes, Starbucks' red holiday cups) - Mintel
Nearly 50 % of Americans think fall flavors like pumpkin spice should be available all year – Yahoo! News
69% of consumers say fall has the best seasonal flavors – Honey Baked Ham Company, One Poll
Top Sellers In Seasonal & LTO
From indulgent confectionery to spicy snacks and fall inspired beverages, popular seasonal sellers and limited-time offerings varied cross-category. It’s no surprise that pumpkin spice made it’s appearance known this season, but innovation in flavor is abundant in all food and beverage categories. Cozy up and let’s take a look at the top sellers and categories in this space.
Top Categories – Global
Bakery
Chocolate Confectionery
Sugar & Gum Confectionery
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages
Hot Beverages
Top Sellers – IRIS
Gingerbread Snap’d Dew
Doritos Ultimate Cheddar Flavored Tortilla Chips
Taylor Farms Maple Dijon Crunch Chopped Kit
Famous Daves Spice Corn Bread
Annie’s Carmel Apple Bunny Grahams
Haribo Scaremix Gummy Candy
Chameleon Cold-Brew Organic Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee Concentrate
McCafe Toffee Almond Flavored Coffee K-Cup Pods
Oreo Apple Cider Donut Flavored Sandwich cookies
Chips Ahoy Hershey’s Fudge Filled Soft Cookies
Lily’s Pumpkin Spice Flavor White Chocolate Style Baking Chips
Duncan Hines Epic Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Kit
Nestle Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Creamer
Goldfish Jalapeno Popper Flavoured Baked Snack Crackers
Holiday Inspired Treats
From spooky Halloween treats to thanksgiving products for your holiday feasts, the fall season brought lots of holiday inspired offerings. And as consumers look forward to these holiday offerings from their favorite brands, there is plenty of opportunity in this space for food and beverage developers to innovate.
Products of Note:
Disney Hocus Pocus Amuck! Amuck! Cupcake Kit was released for Halloween 2021. The product contains vanilla cupcake mix, light green frosting, soft crunch pearl sprinkles, black cupcake liners and printed cupcake topper.
43% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Nestlé Toll House Trick-or-Treats Fudge Cookie Dough with Halloween Sprinkles was released for Halloween 2021. The product is free from preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and retails in a recyclable 14-oz. pack, yielding 20 cookies, and featuring preparation instructions.
54% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Trader Joe’s Turkey & Stuffing En Croute is a seasonal product that features a turkey tenderloin wrapped in cornbread stuffing and puff pastry. The product should be thawed 24 hours before cooking and serves eight people.
Offering of Note:
Butterball Turkey Talk Line started in 1981 as a way for turkey experts to guide home cooks through making a Thanksgiving Turkey. Today, talk-line experts will expand to social media to meet consumers where they are and showcase their expertise with a new generation.
83% of respondents in a Butterball survey said social media is a great place to get menu inspiration or recipes for Thanksgiving.
Seasonal and Limited-Edition Snacking
Seasonal and limited-edition snacks found their way onto top sellers this fall, ranging in flavors from the classic pumpkin spice to sweet potato, ultimate cheddar and more. And according to a Mintel report, 26% of U.S. consumers tend to choose flavors that fit the season, providing opportunity for food and beverage developers looking to innovate in the seasonal and LTO space.
26% of U.S. consumers tend to choose snack flavours that fit the season (eg pumpkin spice, barbecue)
Products of Note:
Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cup of Noodles were released in October at select Walmart locations. The pumpkin spice flavored offering provided a shock factor for consumers and piqued interest on social media.
Good & Gather Sweet Potato Hummus is a limited-edition product made with chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds and spices. It is free from artificial colors and flavors, and retails in a 10-oz. pack.
38% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Doritos Ultimate Cheddar Flavored Tortilla Chips are now available for a limited time only. The product claims to take crunch and cheese to another level.
69% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Smartfood Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Popcorn is now available as a limited time flavor. The air-popped contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and 15g wholegrains per serving.
41% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Fall Inspired Beverages
Each year, consumers await seasonal offerings for warm fall beverages especially from favorite coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin and more. Pumpkin Spice is still a reining favorite, but apple crisp, cinnamon Crunch are all gaining ground and the coffee space isn’t the only segment featuring fall flavors. Sparkling waters and alcoholic beverages alike have entered the seasonal and LTO space.
Products of Note:
Bud Light Fall Flannel Seltzer Limited -Edition Variety Pack includes the following flavors: Apple Crisp; Maple Pear; Pumpkin Spice; and Toasted Marshmallow for Fall 2021
32% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Baileys Savor a Churros joins the famous Irish whiskey cream brand and the iconic Mexico City Churrería El Moro to introduce a limited-edition churro-flavored Irish cream for desserts and spirits.
Perrier Mystère Potion Blackberry Flavored Carbonated Mineral Water is a limited-edition pack for Halloween 2021. It is free from juice, sweeteners and calories.
30% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Starbucks Non-Dairy Pumpkin Spice Almond milk & Oatmilk Creamer is a blend of almondmilk and oatmilk with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg.
40% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
“Seasonal fall drinks mark the unofficial start of fall, despite the fact that they're ushered in while summer heat prevails. At the heart of the drinks is a sense of comfort and indulgence, and as the pandemic continues to disrupt lifestyles there's more desire for comforting sensory experiences than ever.” – Mintel
The Takeaways
For consumers, fall isn’t just a season – it’s a time for gathering with family and friends, indulging in festive product offerings, giving thanks and celebrating. This season featured holiday-themed introductions and innovative fall releases, both in flavor and format. Innovation in seasonal products and LTOs featured exciting flavors from cinnamon sugar to ultimate cheddar, apple crisp and more. And consumers are interested in these seasonal flavors with 48% saying they believe they should be enjoyed year-round. Many of these flavors will inspire innovation for the upcoming months as we lead into the winter season, so the question is, how can these innovations inspire your winter product developments and beyond?
Click here for the full report!
Order your free flavor sample here.
You deserve more. Let’s get started.
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or chat us up at www.fona.com/contact-fona/
Sources in full report
