Flavor Experience 2025

Top row, left to right: Smoothie King’s Amanda Daily shared trend insights at the annual Flavor Trends Roundtable. Mountaire Farms served up a Crispy Szechuan Hot Chicken Drumstick, tossed in spicy chile crisp, and topped with pickled cucumbers and a drizzle of honey and miso mayo. Bottom row, left to right: Featuring cutting-edge flavor accents in familiar cocktail builds, Dole showcased a Perilla Pineapple Mojito and a “Pandarin” French 75, with brandy, pandan, Dole pineapple juice and mandarin segments. David Portalatin, Circana’s Senior VP & Industry Advisor, Food & Foodservice, explored winning elements of value that are resonating with consumers, highlighting emerging pathways for growth across the restaurant landscape.

The 2025 Flavor Experience took place in August in Newport Beach, Calif., showcasing three days of flavor trends and consumer insights, along with food and beverage inspiration—all aimed at giving high-volume menu developers a roadmap to menu success in 2026 and beyond. Presented by Flavor & The Menu magazine, this singular annual event explores the ever-evolving world of flavor, marking more than two decades of inspiring innovation in foodservice.