Flavors of 2025

Our Mission: At Fontana Flavors, we excel in linking consumer trends and global shifts to create inspiring, crave-worthy flavors for 2025 and beyond. We are dedicated to delivering dynamic flavors that resonate with evolving consumer preferences.

Our Philosophy: We believe in the power of imagination , reshaping the flavor landscape and echoing Albert Einstein’s belief that “Imagination will take you
everywhere.”

Collaboration and Execution:

• Collaborative Ideation: We work closely with you to develop bold, trend-driven solutions for foodservice and retail.
• Rapid Commercialization: Our streamlined process quickly turns concepts into market-ready products.
• Flavor Sampling & Testing: We provide customized samples that suit your product format and audience perfectly.

Engage with Fontana Flavors: Explore cutting-edge flavor trends through consultations,
demos, or sample requests. Let’s create craveable solutions tailored for your brand.

FLAVOR IN 2025:

• Driven by Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen Alpha craving bold, global, and craveable options.
• Industry demands value-added solutions with flavor-first differentiation.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES:

• Global Comforts
• Heat Complexity
• Elevated Nostalgia
• Umami Layers
• Plant-Based Innovation

KEY MESSAGE:
Fontana Flavors delivers trend-driven, custom flavor solutions that align with evolving consumer
tastes and operational needs.

1. Global Exploration and Cultural Diversity
• Lifestyle Impact: Both Gen Z and Millennials have grown up in a world where access to global cuisines is easier than ever, thanks to social media, travel, and diverse communities. They embrace global flavors and are eager to experience new culinary traditions.
• Flavor Impact: This has resulted in the rise of Southeast Asian flavors like tamarind, lemongrass, and sambal, as well as fermented and umami-rich ingredients such as miso, black garlic, and kimchi. These flavors cater to their desire for adventure and authenticity, often tied to personal values of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

2. Health & Wellness Consciousness
• Lifestyle Impact: Both Millennials and Gen Z are focused on health and wellness, but in a balanced way. They value natural, plant-based ingredients and holistic wellness, yet also enjoy indulgence in moderation. Gen Alpha, influenced by their health-focused parents, is growing up in a wellness-
centric environment.
• Flavor Impact: This has driven the demand for savory flavors that balance indulgence with health. For example, plant-based umami flavors (like mushroom and miso) offer rich, satisfying tastes without relying on animal products. Herbal and botanical infusions (rosemary, turmeric, ginger) reflect their wellness-driven preferences while still delivering bold flavors.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Consumption
• Lifestyle Impact: Sustainability is central to the identity of these generations. Gen Z and Millennials are highly aware of climate change and environmental issues, which has shaped their food choices, emphasizing local, plant-based, and ethically sourced ingredients.
• Flavor Impact: The rise of plant-based umami flavors (mushroom, soy, fermented foods) and alternative ingredients like seaweed-based broths or chickpea-based sauces correlates with their desire for sustainability. These flavors meet their cravings for rich, deep tastes while aligning with their environmental values.

4. Desire for Unique, Shareable Experiences
• Lifestyle Impact: Social media plays a key role in influencing Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennials’ food choices. They seek out visually striking, highly shareable experiences, often driving the demand for unique flavor pairings that stand out on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Flavor Impact: This has propelled trends like savory-sweet combinations (hot honey, soy-caramel), visually bold dishes, and culturally inspired foods that offer novelty and excitement. Savory-sweet mashups, as seen in sauces like honey chili or soy-based caramel, reflect their desire for multi-sensory food experiences.

5. Crave for Bold, Unapologetic Flavors
• Lifestyle Impact: Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha are known for being unapologetic in their choices, seeking experiences that align with their personal identities. This translates to a demand for bold, in-your-face flavors that reflect their confidence and rejection of traditional norms.
• Flavor Impact: This attitude aligns with the popularity of spicy, tangy, and umami-rich flavors, like the use of chili, sambal, and black garlic in mainstream foods. Hot honey, jalapeño-infused dishes, and elevated comfort foods cater to this crave for boldness, providing a dynamic sensory experience.

6. Convenience with High Quality
• Lifestyle Impact: Both Millennials and Gen Z value convenience but refuse to compromise on quality. They want fast, convenient food options that are also fresh, flavorful, and aligned with their values.
• Flavor Impact: This has influenced innovations in quick-service restaurants (QSR) and fast-casual chains, with bold, globally influenced menu items that are both convenient and satisfying. For example, flavor profiles such as chipotle, miso, and chimichurri are being incorporated into easy-to- eat formats like bowls, wraps, and sandwiches, balancing convenience with quality and flavor complexity.

7. Inclusivity and Customization
• Lifestyle Impact: Both Millennials and Gen Z value inclusivity, expecting brands to offer options that cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. They often look for customization in their food choices, allowing them to express their individuality.
• Flavor Impact: This has led to the rise of versatile sauces and condiments, allowing customization in fast-casual environments. Think sauces like chimichurri or spicy aiolis, which allow consumers to personalize their meals. Customization also feeds into trends like global spice blends (baharat, za’atar) and herb-forward sauces (pesto, zhoug), offering flexibility for individual flavor preferences.

1. Global Comfort Foods Reimagined – “Turning Familiar Favorites into Flavor Adventures”
2. Heat & Complexity – “Spicy Profiles Evolve with Sweet, Smoky, and Tangy Layers”
3. Elevated Nostalgia – “Modern Twists on Timeless Classics”
4. Indigenous and Heritage Ingredients – ”Authentic, Storytelling Flavors That Connect Cultures and Consumers”
5. Umami Revolution – “Craveable Umami Layers are Essential for Savory Success”
6. Hyper-Local and Foraged Flavors – “Bringing Local and Wild Flavors to the Menu”
7. Hybrid Beverages – ”Beverage Flavors Transcend Categories into Savory Applications”
8. Plant-Based Flavors Beyond Meat – “Highlighting Vegetables and Unique Plant-Derived Flavors”
9. Bold Breakfast – “Elevating Breakfast with Savory Global Twists”
10. Ethical & Sustainable Ingredients – “Flavors that Prioritize Sustainability without Sacrificing Taste”

1. Global Comfort Foods Reimagined
“Turning Familiar Favorites into Flavor Adventures”

Trend Insight:
Comfort foods are redefined with global flair, offering familiarity with new and exciting flavor experiences.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Birria Charred Tomato Dip
• Flavor: Smoky, savory birria meets roasted rich tomato.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Birria, charred tomato, grill scraping.
• Application: Perfect for dipping sliders, tacos, or empanadas.
2.Adobo Umami Marinade
• Flavor: Tangy soy-vinegar balance with umami layers.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Adobo, charbroiled beef, schmaltz.
• Application: Ideal marinade for chicken thighs, ribs, or grilled pork.
3.Kimchi Ranch Sauce
• Flavor: Tangy-spicy, creamy, with fermented notes.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Kimchi, sour cream, schmaltz.
• Application: Sauce for fried chicken, chicken nuggets, burgers, or fries.

2. Heat with Complexity
“Spicy Profiles Evolve with Sweet, Smoky, and Tangy Layers”

Trend Insight:
Consumers want heat with nuance—Heat isn’t just about spice; it’s aboutlayered complexity that balances sweet,
smoky, and savory..

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Tamarind Chili Glaze
• Flavor: Tangy-sweet tamarind meets smoky chili heat.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Tamarind, chili crisp, smoked vinegar.
• Application: Glaze for wings, ribs, or seafood/meat skewers.
2.Smoked Honey Habanero Drizzle
• Flavor: Sweet upfront, smoky with a lingering habanero kick.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Smoked honey, habanero, grill scraping.
• Application: Drizzle for crispy chicken tenders or roasted sweet potatoes.
3.Chili-Lime XO Marinade
• Flavor: Bright lime balances umami depth and spicy chili.
• Key Fontana Flavors: XO sauce, lime leaf, charbroiled beef.
• Application: Marinade for short ribs, grilled shrimp, or tacos.

3. Elevated Nostalgia
“Modern Twists on Timeless Classics”

Trend Insight:
Nostalgic flavors resonate, but younger consumers seek premium, bold interpretations.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Pizza Dip 2.0
• Flavor: Cheesy, pepperoni-forward, with smoky undertones.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Pepperoni, pizza sauce, sautéed onion.
• Application: Dip for garlic knots or mozzarella sticks.
2.PB&J Savory Dressing
• Flavor: Roasted peanut and tamarind deliver savory nostalgia.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Roasted peanut, tamarind, smoked pepper.
• Application: Drizzle for crispy fried chicken sandwiches.
3.S’mores BBQ Glaze
• Flavor: Smoky, sweet-savory, with notes of charred marshmallow.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Smoked marshmallow, brown sugar, charbroiled beef.
• Application: Glaze for ribs or pulled pork sliders.

4. Indigenous and Heritage Ingredients
“Authentic, Storytelling Flavors That Connect Cultures and Consumers”

Trend Insight:
Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, value flavors rooted in cultural authenticity and tradition.
Indigenous and heritage ingredients bring rich stories, bold flavors, and premium appeal to menus.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Calamansi Adobo Marinade
• Flavor: Zesty citrus balances savory Filipino-inspired soy-vinegar umami.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Calamansi, adobo, pan drippings.
• Application: Marinade for grilled chicken skewers, pork belly, or roasted vegetables.
2.Purple Corn Chimichurri
• Flavor: Herbaceous and vibrant with a subtle sweetness from purple corn.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Chimichurri, charred corn, lime leaf.
• Application: Drizzle for skirt steak, roasted sweet potatoes, or tacos.
3.Wild Rice and Mushroom Umami Dip
• Flavor: Earthy, rich umami with nutty undertones from wild rice.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Wild mushroom, schmaltz, sautéed onion.
• Application: Creamy dip for root vegetable chips, roasted vegetables, or bread platters.

5. Umami Evolution
“Craveable Umami Layers Are Essential for Savory Success”

Trend Insight:
Traditional umami ingredients provide a backbone for craveability, evolving with bold, modern applications.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Black Garlic Gochujang Mayo
• Flavor: Creamy, spicy mayo with deep rick black garlic and fermented chili heat.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Black garlic, gochujang, kimchi.
• Application: Sauce for burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, or dip for crispy chicken bites.
2.Miso Caramelized Onion Dip
• Flavor: Sweet-savory onions balanced with deep miso flavor.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Miso, sautéed onion, schmaltz.
• Application: Dip for roasted potatoes, vegetable platter, soft pretzels, or veggie sandwich spread.
3.Vegan Thai Chile Lime Marinade
• Flavor: Bright citrus with authentic fish sauce flavor, balanced by chili heat and subtle sweetness.
• Key Fontana Flavors: vegan fish sauce, lime leaf, chili crisp, smoked vinegar.
• Application: Marinade for grilled tofu steaks or charred cauliflower steaks

6. Hyper-Local and Foraged Flavors
“Bringing Local Ingredients and Wild Flavors to the Menu”

Trend Insight:
Consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, seek authentic, place-specific ingredients with a story. Foraged and local flavors add premium
appeal and connect to sustainability.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1. Charred Leek & Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce
•Flavor: A rich, creamy sauce combining sweet, smoky charred leeks with earthy wild mushrooms for a deep umami flavor.
•Key Fontana Flavors: Charred leek, wild mushroom, smoked cream.
•Application:
• Sauce for grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted beef.
• Base for creamy mushroom pasta or topped on savory polenta.
2.PB&J Savory Dressing
•Flavor: A balance of roasted peanut creaminess and tangy tamarind for a nostalgic yet savory twist.
•Key Fontana Flavors: Roasted peanut, tamarind, smoked pepper.
•Application: Drizzle for crispy fried chicken sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders.
3.S’mores BBQ Glaze
•Flavor: Smoky, sweet-savory BBQ glaze with indulgent notes of charred marshmallow and brown sugar.
•Key Fontana Flavors: Smoked marshmallow, brown sugar, charbroiled beef.
•Application: Glaze for ribs, pulled pork sliders, or smoked brisket.

7. Hybrid Beverages
“Beverage Flavors Transcend Categories Into Savory Applications”

Trend Insight:
Savory takes on beverage-inspired flavors create craveable, experiential sauces and dressings.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Nitro Yuzu-Soy Dipping Sauce
• Flavor: Tangy, umami-rich with a creamy, velvety finish.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Yuzu, soy sauce, umami drizzle.
• Application: Dipping sauce for crispy chicken or sushi rolls.
2.Botanical Hibiscus-Chili Glaze
• Flavor: Floral, spicy-sweet with a tart edge.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Hibiscus, chili crisp, smoked honey.
• Application: Glaze for wings, ribs, or charred vegetables.
3.Bloody Mary Tomato Dressing
• Flavor: Bold, savory, with peppery and tangy undertones.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Charred tomato, Worcestershire, smoked pepper.
• Application: Dressing for protein-packed breakfast bowls or grilled shrimp salads.

8. Plant-Based Flavors Beyond Meat
“Highlighting Vegetables and Unique Plant-Derived Flavors”

Trend Insight:
The next wave of plant-based innovation focuses on highlighting vegetables and global umami flavors.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Grilled Eggplant & Smoked Chimichurri Sauce
• Flavor: Smoky and herbaceous with subtle umami.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Grill scraping, chimichurri, smoked vinegar.
• Application: Drizzle for eggplant steaks, vegan tacos, or couscous bowls.
2.Lion’s Mane XO Mushroom Sauce
• Flavor: Deep umami with hints of fermented seafood, plant-based.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Vegan fish sauce, XO sauce, wild mushroom.
• Application: Sauce for tofu steaks, stir-fries, or jackfruit dumplings.
3.Crispy Chickpea Tamarind Dip
• Flavor: Creamy, savory-sweet with tangy tamarind.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Chickpea, tamarind, garlic umami.
• Application: Dip for pita chips, crudité platters, or falafel bites.

9. Bold Breakfast
“Elevating Breakfast with Savory Global Twists”

Trend Insight:
Breakfast becomes a playground for bold, globally-inspired savory flavors.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Korean Gochujang Hollandaise
• Flavor: Spicy, creamy, and umami-forward.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Gochujang, smoked cream, schmaltz.
• Application: Drizzle for breakfast burritos, eggs Benedict, or hash bowls.
2.Shakshuka-Spiced Aioli
• Flavor: Rich and creamy with tomato, garlic, and smoky spice.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Charred tomato, garlic, smoked pepper.
• Application: Sauce for breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, or dipping hashbrowns.
3.Maple-Bacon Schmaltz Drizzle
• Flavor: Savory-sweet with smoky, rich undertones.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Maple, schmaltz, smoked vinegar.
• Application: Drizzle or dipping sauce for chicken and waffles or savory pancakes.

10. Ethical & Sustainable Ingredients
“Flavors That Prioritize Sustainability Without Sacrificing Taste”

Trend Insight:
Sustainability is key for younger consumers, driving innovation with upcycled and ethically sourced ingredients.

Savory Applications Using Fontana Flavors:
1.Upcycled Spent Grain Miso Dressing
• Flavor: Savory, nutty, with miso umami depth.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Miso, smoked cream, wild mushroom.
• Application: Dressing for hearty salads or roasted root vegetables.
2.Kelp Chimichurri Marinade
• Flavor: Herbaceous, briny with oceanic umami.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Kelp, chimichurri, garlic umami.
• Application: Marinade for seafood, tofu, or grilled cauliflower.
3.Heritage Bean Adobo Dip
• Flavor: Creamy, smoky with deep umami.
• Key Fontana Flavors: Adobo, pan drippings, sautéed onion.
• Application: Dip for chips, veggies, or protein-packed breakfast bowls.