Monin 2025 Flavour Trends

Explore five trends that will influence café, bar, and restaurant menus in 2025 and beyond.

Innovation at Monin is fueled by a continuous commitment to exploring new flavours and as we celebrate our 10th year of flavour predictions, we reflect on the robust process that leads to and informs our trends decision. For a decade, a team of internal and consumer insights experts have worked together to identify and track emerging trends that influence flavour preferences. With the support of proprietary and secondary research analysis, this cross-functional team uses an “eye to the street” approach, garnering insights from several empirical sources, including global market excursions and the exchange of trend information with Monin beverage and culinary developers worldwide.

Read on for this year's trends and explore new cocktails, mocktails, and culinary creations.

The 'Reel' World

From Seed to Sip

Wild & Wired

The Hidden Gem

Treat Yourself
The 'Reel' World
From Seed to Sip
Wild & Wired
The Hidden Gem
Treat Yourself

The 'Reel' World

In a "phone eats first" world, visual appeal matters as much as taste to today’s consumers. In fact, 72% agree that food must look as good as it tastes (Menu Matters). With social media driving the latest viral flavour trends, algorithms have more power than ever to shape consumer choices. More than 50% have purchased a food, beverage, or ingredient just because they saw it on social media, and half of Gen Z say that algorithms know their tastes better than their own family (Vogue Business/Archrival).

Expect influencers and brands to “reel” in customers with crave-able content featuring showstopping cocktails, mocktails, and culinary dishes. Also trending this year are desserts and beverages featuring unique textures and sensory experiences, from crunchy pistachios and kunafa in the viral “Dubai chocolate bar” to smoked cocktails, creamy dirty sodas, and crackling lattes. Expect to see operators offer their own twist on popular viral trends to entice patrons to try a flavour experience they can't get at home.

 
 

From Seed to Sip

As consumers increasingly value locally sourced and sustainable options, they want to know more about the journey ingredients make from garden to glass. In fact, 57% of diners say they’re influenced by a restaurant's sustainability practices, and 80% expressed interest in limited-time offers featuring seasonal flavours (Datassential).

Expect to see ingredients like butterfly pea, lavender, and yuzu continue to gain traction on U.S. menus, with projected double-digit growth over the next four years (Datassential). Operators can experiment by pairing fresh herbs, florals, and exotic citrus with popular fruits like peach, coconut, and blueberry to create unique seasonal coffees, cocktails, iced teas, refreshers, and desserts.

By highlighting the origins and journey of unique ingredients, operators can craft compelling stories that turn every sip into a memorable experience. Emphasizing seasonality and traceability not only celebrates local and sustainable sourcing, but also creates a deeper connection with customers, building loyalty and trust through the flavours they love.

 
 

Wild & Wired

Wild, bold alternatives to traditional coffee (that offer energy or functional benefits), such as matcha, mushroom coffee, protein coffee, and energy refreshers, are redefining the coffeehouse experience. Matcha has grown 75% in menu penetration over the past four years, with a projected 51% growth ahead as consumers seek out its clean, steady energy (Datassential). Mushroom coffee is also on the rise with wellness-focused consumers, with adaptogenic varieties like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Reishi delivering both energy and cognitive benefits.

Younger generations are leading the charge in this energy revolution, and their interests lie in iced energy refreshers wired with caffeine and mood boosters, vibrant colors, and flavours. 54% of consumers say they’re interested in ordering energy offerings on premise, and 36% are willing to pay more for the jolt (Datassential). Customized flavour combinations and limited-time offerings will appeal to adventurous customers and transform the traditional coffee break into an exciting, refreshing experience.

 
 

The Hidden Gem

Consumers are increasingly on the lookout for “hidden gems”—restaurants that offer authentic, quality experiences. Menu items that feature regional specialties, signature classics, or modern twists on beloved comfort foods can create moments of connection and delight that keep customers coming back for more. Over 80% of consumers indulge in comfort foods at least once a week, and 53% seek authenticity in their dining choices (Datassential).

Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are drawn to inventive takes on nostalgic favourites, such as hot honey cornbread or elevated peach cobbler. With 63% of U.S. consumers prioritizing atmosphere and experience when dining out (US Foods), operators can enhance their offerings by blending the familiar with the adventurous.

Craft beverages and dishes that evoke nostalgia or create emotional resonance, such as modern versions of Canadian or American classics or unique blends of global flavours. These experiences not only create a deeper connection with guests but also inspire repeat visits.

 
 

Treat Yourself

Today's consumers want to savour life’s finer moments without breaking the bank. Little luxuries like decadent sauces, tasting flights, and add-ons like caviar bumps elevate every bite or sip to feel tailored and unique.

53% of consumers order the items that sound most delicious (Datassential), from indulgent treats like mini churros and cookie butter desserts to savory delights like tapas and elevated street food. Even coffee is now viewed as a reward-worthy indulgence, with seasonal coffee flights, creamy cold foams, and decadent flavours like dulce de leche and tiramisu infusing beverages with a touch of luxury. For patrons who need a pick-me-up, unique shareable treats and rich, yet accessible flavours will satisfy the growing demand for indulgence, one delightful bite at a time.