Coffee in Technicolor

Innovation today in the coffee space is astounding, offering a bevy of globally inspired builds. Thanks in large part to the rise of the global bakery, coffee drinks serve as an ideal platform for new-to-American-consumer flavor builds. Innovation here is often guided by the color story—look to the proliferation of matcha, pistachio, black sesame, butterfly pea powder and ube as evidence here. Saffron is next. The spice’s unique profile lends itself well to both hot and cold coffee creations, adding its warm floral tones and rich yellow hue. At Flora Jean’s in Little Rock, Ark., the Iced Saffron Latte stands out with its gorgeous color, offering a heady blend of saffron, cardamom and vanilla.

Flavors on the Edge is an ongoing series that explores emerging ingredients poised to become high-impact flavor builders.