From Sips to Snacks: Lemon Flavour’s Rising Dominance in F&B
Lemon flavour instantly evokes memories of scorchy summer days, where a glass of chilled lemonade offers the perfect balance of tangy and refreshing delight. It also brings nostalgia wavs with half-moon shaped candies from childhood. Its zesty citrus notes awaken the senses, cutting through the heat with a crisp, invigorating burst. Whether infused in beverages, confectionery, savory dishes, or nutraceuticals lemon brings a bright, clean taste that uplifts and energizes—just like that first sip of lemonade under the summer sun.
Lemon flavour is one of the most versatile and in-demand profiles in the food and beverage industry, valued for its refreshing, tangy, and aromatic profiles. Its uses span a wide range of applications, supporting both classic and innovative products.
Lemon: A Refreshing Favourite in non-alcoholic beverages
Lemon’s dominance in the Indian beverage market is clear, particularly in carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and ready-to-drink (RTD) teas. According to a leading market research agency, between July 2023 and June 2024, lemon accounted for 14% of all new CSD launches in India, second only to cola. This reflects a marked shift in consumer preferences toward citrus and refreshing flavour profiles. As more Indian consumers gravitate towards beverages that feel natural, light, and revitalizing, lemon is emerging as a leading contender.
In the RTD tea segment, lemon was the top flavour, representing 19% of all new launches in 2022–23. Popular combinations such as ginger & lemon, lemon & mint, and lemon & zesty each contributed another 5% share of new product launches, showing the appeal of lemon in both classic and innovative tea blends. This growth is supported by consumer sentiment—11.67% of respondents in a recent survey listed citrus flavours, including lemon, as one of their top three preferences in iced teas.
Capability to blend seamlessly with other flavours and add a refreshing twist makes lemon flavour one of the best choices in the non-alcoholic beverages.
RTD Alcohol and Citrus Craze
Lemon’s refreshing profile is not limited to non-alcoholic drinks. It is now making its mark in India’s evolving RTD alcoholic beverage space. A striking 44.07% of surveyed consumers expressed interest in trying packaged RTD alcohol with lemon or lime soda, a sign that citrus is being embraced also for its versatility in mixology-inspired formats.
In India, the flavoured beer category has witnessed notable growth, making up 33% of all beer launches between June 2023 and May 2024. While strawberry holds the top spot, lemon and citrus profiles are rising in popularity, particularly among younger, urban consumers seeking novelty and light refreshment.
Lemon Beyond Beverages
While beverages remain lemon flavour’s strongest domain, its reach extends far beyond. Lemon flavour is now a prominent player in packaged confectionery, bakery, and sweet snacks—each category showing innovative applications of citrus notes.
In the confectionery category, lemon flavour is one of the most popular flavours in hard boiled candies, jellies, gummies, and lollipops. Lemon also used in fusion with other flavours like lemon-watermelon in candies, and lemon-apple in jellies. Approximately 30% of Indian adults express interest in sweet and sour flavours in confectionery, with lemon as a classic sour component.
Lemon is also crossing into categories once dominated by sweeter, creamier flavours—like chocolate. In chocolate confectionery, 13.64% of Indian consumers are interested in citrus-dark chocolate combinations, suggesting a growing taste for bittersweet contrasts. Lemon’s tartness cuts through the richness of chocolate, adding sophistication and depth.
Similarly, in the sweet bakery category, lemon is finding a new audience. Innovations like lemon/lime with cream are gaining traction, with 8.27% of Indian consumers expressing interest in this combination in cakes, rolls, and croissants. The brightness of lemon helps balance richer, sweeter notes, making it an excellent choice for flavour innovation in bakery items.
In the snacking segment, brands are pushing the boundaries with sour-sweet combinations. Noteworthy launches include lemon flavoured sandwich biscuits and lemon cranberry protein bar. These products blend tartness with indulgence, delivering a taste experience that resonates with modern, health-aware consumers.
Functional and Health-Driven Appeal
In the current scenario, health-conscious consumer is seeking more than just taste—they want additional health benefits. Lemon is stepping confidently into this space as well. From kombuchas and vitamin waters to flavoured water to electrolyte-infused drinks, lemon is becoming a staple flavour that supports wellness-focused positioning. Its natural, clean, and revitalizing profile is ideal for products aiming to convey functionality and purity.
Lemon also enhances savoury and plant-based products. Its acidity can cut through richness, making it a valuable addition to sauces, dressings, and dairy-free alternatives. In frozen desserts and plant-based yogurts, lemon delivers a palate-cleansing brightness that enhances the overall experience.
Why Lemon Stands Out
The enduring success of lemon flavour lies in its versatility and trend alignment. It pairs effortlessly with various herbs, spices, fruits, dairy, and even bitter ingredients like dark chocolate. This adaptability allows it to be used across cuisines and product types, supporting both traditional and innovative creations.
Furthermore, lemon fits perfectly within contemporary trends: it is plant-based-friendly, perceived as natural, and works well in low-calorie formulations. It meets the demand for functional foods and beverages, while still delivering on taste—a balance that’s increasingly hard to strike in today’s market.
Keva Flavours as your reliable partner for lemon flavour
Keva Flavours, a leading flavour manufacturer, offers premium-quality lemon flavour in both water- and oil-soluble formats—crafted through carefully sourced ingredients and supported by our strong backward integration capabilities to ensure consistency, quality, and versatility across a wide range of applications. We also offer flavours in liquid, powder, and granules formats. Our expert flavourists and application scientists specialize in customized flavour solutions, supporting clients with product prototyping and recipe re-engineering. With a commitment to innovation and quality, we help bring your lemon-flavoured creations to life with precision and excellence.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, the demand for lemon-infused products will likely grow, powered by its cross-category appeal and alignment with evolving consumer values. Whether you’re developing the next hit soft drink or a health-focused snack, lemon may just be your most powerful, flavour-packed ally. For more such interesting flavour insights read our blogs. For any query write to us at connect.flavours@keva.co.in
Keva has an extensive flavour shop for various food and beverage applications, besides a team of expert flavourists and food technologists for creating custom flavours and matches. To partner with us, contact Keva today.
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The statements, views, thoughts and opinions expressed on blog or social media are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Keva Flavours or its parent organisation. The company does not take any responsibility for the views of the author.