Flavors That Are Making Waves in 2025

Snacking habits are evolving, and so are the flavors that sell. With the average consumer snacking up to three times a day according to research, convenience services operators and suppliers have a major opportunity to boost sales—if they’re offering the right products.

Consumers aren’t just looking for a quick bite; they want snacks that deliver bold flavors, new experiences, and nostalgic comforts. According to Mondelez’s 2024 State of Snacking, 95% of consumers snack for flavor, taste, and texture, and 94% snack as a treat. The demand for novel and exciting flavors is increasing, with 75% of consumers expressing excitement about discovering new snacks. This is an opportunity for operators to introduce trending flavors that captivate consumers and drive sales.

Food Flavor Trends

Turn Up the Heat

Spicy snacks have been on the rise for years, but 2025 is set to be the year they truly take over. Nearly 15% of new salty snack launches in 2023 featured bold heat, according to Euromonitor. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are driving this demand for spicy, bold flavors, eager to challenge their taste buds with everything from sriracha to jalapeño-infused treats. This trend isn’t just for spice lovers, it’s crossing generational lines. More and more consumers are looking for that extra thrill in their snacks.

The appeal of spicy snacks isn’t just about heat, it’s about the overall experience. Consumers are looking for complex, intense flavors that are fun and exciting. Whether it’s a fiery chip or hot honey-infused pretzels, spicy snacks bring an extra layer of flavor that appeals to the adventurous eater.

Sweet Meets Savory

Consumers are increasingly drawn to snacks with layered flavors, and sweet-savory combinations are also in demand. According to Innova Market Insights, 64% of consumers seek snacks with layered flavors, and sweet-savory combinations are leading the charge. This trend appeals to consumers who want something different than the usual salty or sweet options.

Classic examples of this trend include chocolate-covered pretzels, salted caramel popcorn, and honey-roasted nuts. However, new variations are emerging, such as truffle chips, maple-bacon popcorn, sweet-spicy trail mixes, and honey-soy-flavored popcorn.

A key driver of this trend is umami, the rich, savory flavor often associated with ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and truffle. Food featuring this rich sweet-meet-savory combo are capturing shopper interest and offering a sophisticated twist on traditional options.

Ethnic Flavors Gain Mainstream Appeal

The appetite for ethnic and global flavors continues to grow, driven by consumers’ desire for more diverse, exciting taste experiences. According to Mintel, 27% of consumers are interested in tasting products with international flavors, with Asian, African, and Latin American cuisines influencing snack products.

Flavors rooted in Mexican cuisine continue to trend, while Korean BBQ is also maintaining a strong presence. Global flavors like yuzu, pandan, and tamarind are gaining popularity and appearing more frequently in products across categories. Snacks that showcase these flavors appeal to consumers who are eager to experience something new and different.

Nostalgia Never Goes Out of Style

It’s not just about what’s new—nostalgia is making a big comeback in the snack world. However, instead of simply re-releasing old favorites, brands are giving them a modern spin.

Consumers are seeking comfort in the familiar and in fond childhood memories. Mondelez’s 2024 State of Snacking report found that 79% of consumers associate snacks with memories of home. This trend, dubbed “newstalgia,” is about revisiting fond flavors, brands, and trends while giving them a fresh twist such as:

• Tiramisu or crème brulé-inspired cakes and beverages
• PB&J-flavored protein bars
• Cereal-flavored chips, cookies, and shakes

Reinvented classics tap into consumers’ desire for comfort and familiarity, while the new formats and combinations add excitement. For convenience services operators, curating a selection that taps into these emotional connections can drive impulse buys and encourage repeat purchases.

Tips to Leverage Trends

Stocking machines and markets with new products isn’t just about following trends—it’s about boosting sales by aligning with real consumer behavior. While there’s no universal answer to what should go in any vending machine, understanding these flavor shifts, knowing each machine or market’s sales and consumer interest can make all the difference in sales.

• Review sales data to identify top-performing flavors and opportunities in product mix.
• Test new options first. Adding a small selection of trend-inspired snacks can help gauge interest before expanding offerings.
• Tie into existing in-demand offerings. Look for snacks that blend trending flavors with past high earners such as sweet-salty trail mixes or gourmet PB&J-flavored popcorn.
• Highlight limited-time offerings. Seasonal or rotating international flavors can create excitement and drive impulse purchases.