ADM has published its 2026 flavor and color trends report, noting that 2026 will be a year in which consumers will seek to cultivate personal resilience. Consumers around the world are seeking ways to overcome persistent challenges and stressors.

The company has highlighted three categories of flavors and colors that can help consumers feel more resilient, while adding moments of joy and prioritizing wellness. These are “Authentic Well-Being,” “Give Me More,” and “Newstalgia Dreamland.”

Authentic Well-Being

Wellness is at the forefront of consumers’ minds, and people are seeking to support longevity and their physical well-being, along with mental resilience and social conditions. Orange and yellow hues, alongside bright citrus flavors and creamy notes can help reflect an interest in authentic, nourishing choices, according to ADM.

To appeal to this category, use wellness associated flavors; indulgent or soothing flavors; berries and tropicals alone or in combination with botanicals; global-local authenticity; and flavors which extend core ingredients. These can be combined with colors such as sunrise, mellow yellow, or roasted peach.

Give Me More

Consumers want deeper experiences with attention-grabbing flavors and colors, and consider it self-care during times of uncertainty. They’re daring brands to give them more creative and intriguing flavors and colors, such as bold blues, unique greens, culinary mash-ups, and an all-in-one approach to taste and texture.

Flavors can include bold pairings; indulgent tastes; all-in-one flavors; cuisine mashups; and category crossovers, combined with hues like bohemian berry, sweet mint, or juniper forest.

Newstalgia Dreamland

Timeless and trustworthy tastes and colors of the past reimagined in modern applications can help consumers cope and feel connected across generations, ADM reported. Blending tradition with innovation can help brands with storytelling. Vibrant reds, pinks, and purples, along with indulgent and retro tastes, can help evoke “newstalgia.”

Flavors should be favorite and familiar, comforting, and evocative of both old and new. Some noteworthy colors can include red delicious, summer raspberry, or classic concord.

ADM’s full report can be found here.