Flavor Forecast for 2009

Mintel International is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. They provide insights into worldwide trends. Here is their flavor forecast for 2009:

1. Persimmon: It is viewed as an exotic and unique fruit and the expectation is that companies will combine it with more common fruits in things like yogurts.
2. Starfruit: Unusually shaped, distinctly flavored fruit. Mintel expects it to be in chutneys and other sauces and dishes in the coming year.
3. Lavendar: Lavendar is already in a lot of home fragrances, but we will likely see it in more foods and drinks like chocolate and teas. I have tried the Lindt Lemon-Lavendar chocolate and it is quite tasty! It is soothing and aromatic.
4. Cactus: Cactus is already popular in Latin America, and it is expected to be in new food products around the world.
5. Chimichurri: Another Latin American classic,this sauce is for grilled meats. Look for it in steak sauces.
6. Peri-Peri: This is an African hot sauce that is already popular in the UL and expect to travel worldwide and infuse flavor.
7. Masala: An extension from the curry trend. Lay's has already introduced India's Magic Masala Chips.

Looks like we will see some very different flavors this year. Let me know if you see new products with any of these flavors. I would love to try the cactus!