McCormick Flavour Forecast Reveals Eight Flavour Trends for 2015

McCormick & Company, a global leader in flavour, today released its McCormick® Flavour Forecast® 2015, highlighting eight enticing trends that will shape the future of flavour.  Now in its 15th year, the much-anticipated report drives flavour innovation and exploration throughout the food industry.

Reflecting the rapidly increasing demand for bolder, more intense flavour experiences, the McCormick Flavour Forecast 2015 pinpoints adventurous global tastes on the rise, like Japanese 7 Spice (Shichimi Togarashi), as well as an appreciation for the robust flavours developed in slow-simmered dishes from around the world.  The report also showcases new ways to elevate pantry essentials to starring roles, like smoking spices and herbs or pairing sours with coarse salt. 

Over the past 15 years, the Flavour Forecast has predicted trends that have changed the way people eat at restaurants and cook in their home kitchens. Even the products found on retail shelves today were impacted by trends forecasted in this industry-leading report. 

“Many early trending flavours in past reports have become favourites of today.  Take chipotle chilli, for instance,” said McCormick Executive Chef, Kevan Vetter.  “When we first identified this chilli pepper as a flavour to watch in 2003, many people couldn’t pronounce it. Today, it’s a household name.  Pumpkin pie spice, sea salt, coconut water and cocktail-inspired flavours have seen similar success, taking over restaurant menus and grocery store shelves.  The flavour trends highlighted within our 15th annual Forecast promise to do the same.”

8 Flavour Trends to Watch 

Identified by a global team of McCormick chefs and flavour experts, these trends offer a taste of 2015 and beyond:

Global Blends On the Move – Japanese 7 Spice (Shichimi Togarashi) offers a new kind of spicy heat, while Shawarma Spice Blend lends warm, spiced flavour to grilled meats and more

Middle Eastern Mezze – These distinctive dips and spreads, packed with zesty herbs and seasonings, offer an approachable and delicious introduction to a vibrant global cuisine

Sour + Salt – Combining coarse salt with surprising sours like pickled ginger, sour cherry, dried mango and lemon zest results in a lively finishing flavour that lends brightness and texture to dishes

Smoked Spices – Smoking spices and herbs deepens their flavour and aroma, adding richness to meals and drinks

Umami Veggies – For a fresh way to savour the tempting “fifth taste,” look no further than naturally umami-rich veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and nori

Liquid Revolution – Fresh purées and juices blended with bold spices and herbs to intensify sauces, pasta, dressings and more - providing a fun, delicious way to enjoy an extra serving of fruits and veggies

Flavour Worth the Wait – Lift the lid to discover the rich flavours from recipes around the world that meld aromatic spices and comforting ingredients into mouth-watering, slow-cooked meals

Cookies Reimagined – Classic spiced cookie flavours take new form in decadent, imaginative desserts that redefine “milk and cookies.”

Visit FlavourForecast.com and pinterest.com/mccormickspice for innovative recipes, images and more ways to explore this year’s top tastes.