Food Flavours Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global food flavours market value reached around USD 15.18 Billion in 2024. The increasing consumer demand for unique and exotic flavours is a significant factor, with products like spicy mango salsa and lavender-infused lemonade gaining popularity among adventurous eaters. Flavoured beverages like kombucha and sparkling water are becoming increasingly popular in regions like Asia-Pacific. As a result, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of USD 23.80 Billion by 2034.

Food Flavours Market Growth

Food flavours are ingredients added to food to enhance flavour and aroma. Modern flavourings provide the consumer with a wide sensory experience and maintain flavour and taste consistency through either natural or artificial flavours. Flavours are most found in bakery products, beverages, snacks, confectioneries, and health products.

The food flavours demand is being driven by the increasing consumption of packed and processed foods owing to the increasingly fast-paced lifestyle of the consumers. The growing awareness regarding healthy food consumption is further aiding the market due to the rising demand for natural food ingredients and flavours. The industry is also driven by the rise in disposable incomes, leading to increased customer spending on organic products. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, consumers are increasingly beginning to shift towards plant-based and natural products, which further propelling the demand for natural flavours. The rising adoption of flavours with specific functional benefits like ginseng and green tea to increase focus, enhance immunity, and reduce mental stress is further invigorating market growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Investment in research and development, growing popularity of exotic flavours, and adoption of sustainable practices in sourcing ingredients are the key trends propelling the market growth.

November 2024

Coca-Cola launched a tropical holiday flavour lineup, including Coca-Cola Tropical and Sprite Pineapple, available exclusively through its Freestyle machines for a limited period. This offering reflects growing consumer demand for unique flavours and innovative beverage experiences during festive seasons.

November 2024

Rubix Foods, a leader in culinary innovation focused on delivering flavour and functional ingredients to the restaurant industry, has announced the launch of The NEXT Flavour Report. This report on flavour insights integrates proprietary data, third-party research, and unique findings from Rubix's NEXT Flavour Network, which comprises three prominent social media influencers catering to Gen Z audiences. The report aims to reveal the flavour trends that are expected to influence restaurant menus in 2025.

November 2024

Sharwood, recognised as one of the most reliable brands in the Indian cooking sauces sector in food flavours market, is expanding its offerings and modernising its product line beyond conventional curry sauces with the introduction of the Street Food Sizzler range. This new collection aims to deliver the lively tastes of contemporary Indian street food to households throughout the UK and features meal kits, sizzle sauces, and roti wraps.

October 2024

The Hershey Company, in collaboration with C4 Energy, introduced candy-inspired protein powders in flavours like Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, catering to fitness enthusiasts seeking indulgent yet functional options.

Investment in Research and Development

Creativity and innovation are important aspects of the growth of the food flavours industry. The rising research and development activities to adopt current trends and adapt to the changing demand of consumers is aiding the market for food flavours. For example, additions are being made in food flavours, not just to strengthen flavour of the food products but to also enhance their aroma or to get rid of unpleasant odour from foods like eggs. Essential oils like lavender and lemon are also being added to make the food more appealing in terms of aroma. The growing addition of flavours in sports and energy drinks is anticipated to further supplement the market growth of food flavours with innovations like the inclusion of pomegranate juice, green tea, and other flavours in these beverages.

Growing Popularity of Exotic and Unique Flavours

The growing popularity of exotic and unique flavours in the food industry is evident through various innovative products and culinary trends. Haagen-Dazs is known for its premium ice cream and has introduced several innovative flavours that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Examples include Olive Oil Ice Cream and Saffron and Pistachio Ice Cream, which highlight unique culinary inspirations and cater to adventurous consumers seeking new taste experiences, further boosting the demand of food flavours market. Ben & Jerry's is famous for its quirky and unconventional ice cream flavours. They have offered limited-edition flavours like Brownie Batter Core and P.B. Dough, which combine unexpected ingredients to create exciting flavour profiles that appeal to a wide audience. Moreover, Kettle Brand is known for its kettle-cooked potato chips that feature unique flavours such as Beer-Flavoured Chips and Butter Chicken Chips. These flavours reflect a trend toward incorporating entire meal inspirations into snack foods, appealing to consumers looking for bold tastes.

Rising Demand for Natural and Organic Flavours

The shift towards natural and organic flavours continues to gain momentum as consumers increasingly prefer products with clean, transparent labels. This demand is driven by growing concerns over the health impacts of artificial additives, preservatives, and flavour enhancers, leading to a preference for all-natural ingredients. Companies like Givaudan and Symrise are responding by expanding their offerings of natural flavours derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. For example, Givaudan has developed a line of plant-based flavours aimed at the rising demand for organic food products, ensuring their flavours meet the strict standards of the organic certification process. A notable example is Coca-Cola, which is reformulating some of its beverage offerings to include only natural flavours, such as using real fruit juice in drinks like Minute Maid. In the same vein, Nestlé has been increasingly focused on using natural flavourings in their products, including their popular KitKat line, which features more organic and natural flavours like sustainably sourced vanilla, mango, matcha, and cocoa. This trend is encouraging more companies to invest in natural and organic flavour solutions.

Flavour Innovation in Plant-Based Products

As the plant-based food trend continues to thrive, flavour innovation in plant-based products has become critical to mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods. The growing interest in vegan and vegetarian diets is driving food manufacturers to develop plant-based alternatives that deliver familiar flavours, leading to food flavours market development. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have led the charge in creating plant-based burgers that replicate the taste and texture of beef. For example, Beyond Meat has partnered with McDonald's to launch the "McPlant" burger, a plant-based alternative featuring flavours and textures designed to resemble beef, catering to the growing demand for plant-based option in mainstream fast food. Another example is Oatly, which has innovated with plant-based dairy alternatives, offering oat milk and ice cream that feature flavours reminiscent of traditional dairy products. The PepsiCo-owned Quaker brand is also making strides by launching a range of plant-based protein bars with flavours, including peanut butter and chocolate. These flavour innovations are essential for meeting the growing demand for plant-based foods across various global markets.

Food Flavours Market Trends

Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices in sourcing ingredients for their flavours. This includes using organic farming methods and ensuring ethical sourcing of raw materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. For instance, Mother Murphy’s has been at the forefront of sustainable flavour innovation, emphasising the importance of sourcing ingredients from small-scale, sustainable farmers. Their commitment to ethical wildcrafting practices ensures that biodiversity is preserved while creating unique flavour profiles, which contribute to the food flavours market value. This approach not only supports local communities but also aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainability in food products.

The growing popularity of functional beverages, those that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, has further led to an increased demand for flavours that enhance taste without compromising health. Flavours used in sports drinks, functional teas, and health-focused juices are particularly sought after. For instance, products featuring flavours such as yuzu, hibiscus, and matcha are becoming common in health-focused drinks.

Food Flavours Market Restraints

The food flavours industry is subject to strict regulations regarding the use of flavouring agents, which vary by country. For instance, in Europe, natural flavours must be produced using traditional food preparation methods, while in the U.S., natural flavours are required to be derived from natural raw materials without artificial constituents, which impacts the food flavours demand growth.

There is a growing consumer aversion to artificial flavours due to health concerns and a preference for clean-label products. This shift is pushing manufacturers to reformulate their products using natural flavours, which can be more expensive and complex to source and produce. The decline in demand for synthetic flavours can limit options for manufacturers and increase production costs. Moreover, the presence of certain flavouring agents can trigger food allergies in some consumers. For example, high levels of salicylates found in flavoured foods can cause allergic reactions, leading to increased scrutiny from health organizations and potential regulatory actions that could hinder the market growth.

Food Flavours Market Dynamics

A number of flavouring companies have turned their focus on the pet food industry owing to the growing adoption of pets, which is presenting lucrative growth opportunities for the expansion of the market for food flavours. Similar to human food products, the growth in the demand for natural and organic flavours in pet foods is providing further impetus to the growth of the food flavours market, especially as incomes rise and spending power increases. Innovations in pet foods are also anticipated to provide healthy growth opportunities for the food flavours industry.

The growing experimentation with flavours of ingredients that dogs are usually allergic to like chocolate, nutty, and buttery flavours in pet foods like chewy snacks and biscuits, is further projected to aid the market growth. Moreover, the rising introduction of doggy ice creams that may include fruit flavours, which are healthy and safe, is further expected to support the market growth of the food flavours in the animal and pet food industry. In addition to taste, pet owners are also increasingly seeking food items that are high in nutrients and favour a balanced diet, which is also likely to propel innovations in the food flavours industry and, thus, is projected to aid the market growth over the forecast period.

Food Flavours Industry Segmentation

“Food Flavours Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Natural Flavours
• Artificial Flavours

Market Breakup by End User

• Beverages
• Dairy and Frozen products
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Savoury and Snacks
• Animal and Pet Food

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Food Flavours Market Share

Market Insights by Type

The demand for natural flavours is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034 and occupy a significant food flavours market share. The natural flavours segment reflects a growing consumer preference for clean-label products that contain recognisable and minimally processed ingredients. There is a clear trend among consumers favouring products labelled as "natural" over those containing artificial additives. Studies indicate that more than 70% of consumers prefer products with "natural" on their labels, which drives manufacturers to increase their offerings of natural flavours. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a heightened awareness of the health risks associated with artificial ingredients have led consumers to seek out natural flavours derived from real food sources such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Market Insights by End User

The bakery and confectionery segments are expected to witness a CAGR of 5.2% whereas the dairy and frozen products are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period, which can boost food flavours market opportunities. Consumers are increasingly seeking unique and exotic flavours in baked goods and confectionery items. This trend has led manufacturers to experiment with floral, herbal, and fruit flavours that provide distinctive taste experiences. For example, flavours like lavender, matcha, and various fruit blends are becoming popular in baked products.

The flavoured beverage market, including juices, energy drinks, and alcohol-free beverages, has also seen a steady increase in flavour innovations. For example, Coca-Cola introduced Coca-Cola Starlight, a space-inspired flavour with notes of raspberry and vanilla, while PepsiCo launched Pepsi Maple Syrup to cater to seasonal preferences. The market is expected to grow at a rate of 5% annually due to these trends.

Dairy and frozen products are another key segment in food flavours market as addition of flavours enhance the taste of products such as ice cream, yoghurts, and cheeses. A 2022 report by the Dairy Research Institute (DRI) highlighted the increasing demand for natural and exotic flavours in dairy products. In response, companies like Nestlé and Danone are experimenting with unique flavours like lavender and coconut for premium dairy lines.

Savoury and snacks are a large application area for food flavours, driven by the growing demand for variety in taste experiences. According to Euromonitor International (2023), the savoury snacks market is expanding due to the popularity of bold, spicy, and innovative flavours. Brands like Lay’s and Pringles are incorporating international flavours such as Sriracha, truffle, and peri-peri to attract more consumers.

Food Flavours Market Regional Insights

Europe Food Flavours Market Outlook

The UK market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2025 and 2034. The European Union's stringent regulations on food additives have encouraged the adoption of natural flavours, boosting market growth and impacting the food flavours market dynamics and trends. The EU's focus on food safety and consumer health has led to a preference for natural over artificial additives. A rich culinary heritage and openness to global cuisines have increased the demand for diverse and exotic flavours. European consumers are exploring new taste experiences, leading to the incorporation of international flavours into traditional dishes.

North America Food Flavours Market Growth

The market growth in the region is anticipated to be 5.0% in the forecast period. The Canadian market is anticipated to grow at CAGRs of 5.7% between 2025 and 2034. Consumers in North America are increasingly seeking natural and organic flavours, leading to a rise in products with clean labels and transparent ingredient sourcing. A survey conducted by FMCG Gurus found that 75% of North American consumers find clean-label products appealing when defined the term. This indicates a strong market trend towards transparency and natural ingredients in food and beverage products, which can impact food flavours market revenue.

This shift is driven by a growing awareness of health and wellness, prompting manufacturers to innovate with healthier flavour option. The rise of alternative protein sources and functional beverages has led to the development of new flavour profiles to enhance consumer appeal.

Asia Pacific Food Flavours Market Dynamics

The market in the Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% between 2025 and 2034. The Indian market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% in the forecast period. Rapid economic development and urbanisation have led to higher disposable incomes, increasing the consumption of flavoured processed foods and beverages and influencing the food flavours demand forecast. Countries like India and China are witnessing a surge in demand for convenience foods with diverse flavours. Brands are increasingly incorporating traditional Chinese spices like star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger into instant noodles and snack products. A strong tradition of using spices and herbs has driven the demand for authentic and traditional flavours in the market.

Middle East and Africa Food Flavours Market Drivers

A young and growing population is driving the demand for flavoured convenience foods and beverages. Urbanisation and changing lifestyles are leading to a higher consumption of processed foods with diverse flavours, boosting the food flavours market expansion. Traditional flavours and spices are being integrated into modern food products, catering to local tastes and preferences. The fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours is creating new opportunities in the market. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the demand for traditional spices in the Middle East is on the rise, driven by consumer preferences for authentic flavours in processed foods.

Latin America Food Flavours Market Trends

The regional market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 4.4% between 2025 and 2034. The Brazil and France markets are expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0% and 3.2% in the forecast period. An expanding middle-class population is leading to increased consumption of flavoured snacks and beverages, which can boost the food flavours industry revenue. Economic improvements have enhanced purchasing power, allowing consumers to explore premium and diverse flavour options.

There is a growing trend of incorporating indigenous ingredients into flavour profiles, appealing to both local and international markets. Traditional flavours are being modernised to cater to contemporary tastes, boosting the market growth.

Innovative Food Flavours Startups

Startups are generally focused on innovation and disruption across various industries, leveraging emerging technologies to create unique solutions that address modern challenges. Many startups in food flavours market are harnessing advancements in AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance their products and services, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, with startups developing eco-friendly products and practices to meet consumer expectations for environmental responsibility.

webAI

webAI empowers businesses to utilise AI directly on their devices, eliminating the need for cloud infrastructure and ensuring complete data privacy. By focusing on enterprise-grade applications, webAI enables companies to build, deploy, and control advanced AI models efficiently. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also enhances data security and provides real-time insights, even in offline environments.

Suno

Suno leverages FDA-cleared AI technology to assist dental providers in enhancing clinical care and administrative efficiency. The platform utilises machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing to improve diagnosis precision and treatment accuracy while automating various practice operations.

Competitive Landscape

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global food flavours market, looking into their capacity, market share, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnabouts and mergers and acquisitions. Companies are actively innovating and adapting to changing consumer preferences by focusing on natural and plant-based ingredients. With a growing demand for healthier and cleaner label products, manufacturers are investing in research and development to create unique flavour profiles that cater to consumers' desires for authenticity and sustainability. This includes the development of exotic and botanical flavours, as well as the incorporation of vegan and organic options into their product lines.

Firmenich SA

Firmenich SA is a Swiss multinational company specialising in the creation of flavours and fragrances. Founded in 1895, it has grown to become one of the largest privately-owned companies in its sector. Firmenich operates globally, providing innovative solutions to various industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and household products.

Frutarom

Frutarom Industries Ltd., founded in 1933, is a global leader in the food flavours market. The company operates through two main divisions: the Flavours Division, which accounts for about two-thirds of its sales, and the Fine Ingredients Division, which produces natural extracts and aroma chemicals.

Givaudan Group

Givaudan Group is a Swiss multinational company founded in 1895 that specialises in the creation of flavours and fragrances. It is recognised as one of the largest companies in the flavour and fragrance industry. Givaudan operates globally, serving customers across various sectors including food and beverage, personal care, and household products.

Other major players in the food flavours market are Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kerry Group, PLC, and Robertet SA, among others.