Flower power is in full bloom within the F&B space.
In the most recent NEXT Flavor Report by Rubix Foods, 67% of Gen Z survey respondents expressed the desire to see more floral flavors on restaurant menus.
Let’s explore a few of the emerging floral flavor trends.
Raise Your Rose-Colored Glasses
One floral flavor that’s been particularly gaining momentum lately is rose, which has been appearing on restaurant menus in dishes like the pink rose petal pancakes and rosewater-infused maple syrup at Little Hen, a brunch restaurant with locations in Miami, Houston, and New York City.
Rose has also been penetrating beverage menus across the nation, as evidenced in drinks like the rose latte served at Lassi & Spice in Seattle and the rose petal lemonade sold at the better-for-you chain Flower Child.
“In many Asian and Middle Eastern traditions, rose water or rose syrup has long been used in sweets and drinks. It brings a floral, almost honey-like note that pairs beautifully with dairy, fruit, and even tea,” said Audrey Santos, sous chef at Maricel’s Kitchen, an independent restaurant based in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
“You can use rose as a subtle accent. A few drops of rose water can transform panna cotta or custard, making them taste more elegant. Rose syrup can also be used in glazes for cakes, where the aroma hits before the sweetness, which always delights guests,” Santos told FI.
“On the beverage side, rose pairs naturally with green tea, sparkling sodas, and even lattes, adding both fragrance and color,” Santos added.
However, when experimenting with rose and other floral-forward flavors, Santos says it’s important to exercise restraint, as a little can go a long way – and it can easily overpower the other flavors in a drink or dessert.
“When used with balance, [rose] gives desserts and drinks a sense of luxury, like you are tasting something timeless yet fresh. That is why I believe rose will continue to grow on menus and retail shelves, especially in beverages, confections, and baked goods,” Santos shared.
“One of my favorite, easy to make, rose-flavored items is a vanilla cupcake with a rose water cream cheese frosting. The rose water gives a subtle hint to show its presence. Cupcakes are a way to experiment, without a big outlay. As I mentioned, just make sure not be too overpowering and too forward with the rose water.”
Other Trending Floral Flavors
Beyond rose, other floral flavors have also been taking off lately, including:
- Hibiscus
- Cherry blossom
- Lavender
- Elderflower
The NEXT Flavor Report projected that lavender specifically will enjoy +30% menu growth over the next four years, which has already been showing up in beverages ranging from the lavender latte at Snooze: An A.M. Eatery to the blueberry lavender lemonade at Panera Bread.
And on the food retail side, there’s the Brambleberry Lavender Fruit Crush Bar by Floura & Co., a company founded by Jeni Britton of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams that makes fiber bars from upcycled fruit trimmings.
