DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. — Flavorchem, a global flavor and ingredient supplier, has released its 2022 trends forecast. Things to keep an eye on in the coming year include:

• Citrus Evolution: Health signaling citrus fruit flavors and ingredients will evolve from consumer’s interest in immune boosting food and beverage products during the pandemic. Exotic citrus flavors like yuzu, blood orange, kumquat, and tangerine will feature more unique flavor profiles in the year ahead.
• Keto Craze: Health and wellness brands are tapping into the keto trend as the market carries strong momentum with an uptick of new keto products expected to hit store shelves in 2022. The diet’s continued growth will enable opportunity to branch out into popular keto categories - snacks, cereals, bars, breads, and cookies.
• Gut Feeling: With 8 in 10 global consumers prioritizing gut health, the digestive health movement continues to flourish as more pre, pro, and post-biotic ingredients are finding themselves in a series of new lineups ranging from nutritional drinks and juices to snacks and dairy.
• Happy Planet: Consumers and food brands will place strong emphasis on ethically and environmentally conscious practices to embrace a more sustainable future. Brand values and transparency, the environmental impact of packaging, new upcycled ingredients, and the next generation of proteins are sustainable trends to watch for in 2022.