‘Tis the season for delicious holiday delights.
While we all love the foods of our family feast, everyone knows what makes this time of year special (and the reason you want a new gym membership in January) is the abundance of delightfully decadent treats.
Whether it’s sweet or savory, it’s the foods and beverages that come before, between, and after the meals that make the season bright.
Although the flavors of these festive favorites might seem like tradition at this point, consumers and developers alike are finding magical new ways to surprise this holiday season.
Trending Through the Snow
What are the first flavors you think of this time of year?
The answer might depend on where you’re from.
An analysis of the most popularly searched recipes shows that even in the US alone, your favorite holiday flavor might vary by region.
For example, in the Northeast, people focused on fruity and nutty flavors like cranberry, fig, and hazelnut. In contrast, in the South, the warmth and richness of white chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg were on their minds.
These differences continued when comparing the Midwest and the West, where the cold weather states looked for the comfort and decadence of flavors like caramel, molasses, and chocolate, the coastal region desired to get inspiration from nature with the tastes of fig, pear, ginger, pomegranate, and molasses.
Some of these may be surprising, but what isn’t is that these and other flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog shine in seasonal LTOs (limited-time offerings)
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! LTOs!
Though it only showed up once in the previous list, one of the biggest movers in this year’s trends, according to data from Tastewise, is Cranberry.
But this tart berry is starring in more than the love-it-or-hate-it gelatinous sauce on every family’s table. No, we’re talking about staring in sodas, decadent bars, moist muffins, and much more.
Also gaining a rise in popularity is Speculoos, one of our top 10 trending flavors for 2025. The European biscuit associated with cookie butter is popping up everywhere, from frozen desserts to scoopable moose cups, and even beer!
It might be cold outside, but no product seamlessly incorporates the tastes of the holidays, like ice cream. With offerings like sugar cookie, peppermint bark, or an eggnog flavor that still is a bit boozy, the only thing melting away are your worries.
Still, while classic flavors like these may never go out of style, many people are looking for a little something extra this year.
Elevating the Christmas Shopping List
Whether it’s looking to get lost in a winter wonderland of sweets or rockin’ around the charcuterie board, this year, consumers desire a more “premium” taste experience.
Instead of just gingerbread, try molasses gingerbread for a more artisan vibe. Turn a plain cheesecake into something more elegant and intriguing, like a Belgian Chocolate or Dulce de Leche cheesecake.
Why should sweets have all the fun?
Elevate that cheese plate or charcuterie board with premium and imported European cheeses,
or replace your fondue with the rapidly rising popularity of Raclette.
Whatever taste it is that brings joy, here at Edlong, all we want for Christmas is for you to have a happy, healthy, and flavorful Holiday season!
Topics: Innovation
Resource Type: Article
Resource Region: US