The Global Impact of Indian Flavours on F and B Innovations
Indian cuisine is renowned for its intricate layering of spices, creating deep, bold, and aromatic flavour profiles that captivate the senses. In recent years, Indian flavours have transcended regional boundaries, influencing global food and beverage innovation across various categories. From beverages to savoury snacks, the rich tapestry of Indian spices and ingredients is reshaping culinary experiences worldwide.
In this blog we will explore how Indian flavours are transforming the global food and beverage landscape, highlighting specific flavour tonalities making waves in different product categories. From tropical fruits and aromatic spices to curry-inspired blends, berry bursts, delicate florals, and distinctive Indian ethnic notes—these flavour tonalities are making a strong mark across categories. Discover how these uniquely Indian inspirations are adding depth, excitement, and cultural richness to products around the world.
Tropical Fruit Flavours
Indian tropical fruit flavours are increasingly influencing global cuisine, driven by their unique taste profiles and indulgence. These flavours are being adopted in a variety of categories, from beverages and desserts to snacks and confectionery, appealing to both traditional and adventurous consumers. Global brands are increasingly experimenting Indian tropical fruit flavours in fusion products, cocktails, and premium beverages to attract adventurous consumers.
Alphonso Mango is the most dominant and widely recognised Indian tropical fruit flavour globally. It is featured in juice drinks, dairy products, snacks, confectionery, and even sauces. Indian coconut is another fruit flavour which used in juice drinks, dairy alternatives, desserts, and snacks. Combinations like coconut & pineapple and coconut water with lime are gaining traction in international markets. Guava, especially pink and white varieties, is emerging as a trendy flavour in juices and beverages. Lychee is loved for its delicate sweetness and floral notes. It is used in juices, cocktails, desserts, and even flavoured teas, both in India and globally. Pineapple is a classic tropical flavour used in juices, dairy drinks, and snacks.
Combinations like coconut & pineapple and mango & pineapple are especially popular in global product launches. Fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and kokum are rising stars and have potential for global influence due to their novelty. Tamarind is a cross-cultural flavour with a significant presence in global cuisines. In the United States, tamarind is gaining popularity, especially in sauces and seasonings. For example, 49% of US category users like or are interested in tamarind in dips and sauces, and it was named McCormick’s Flavour of the Year for 2024.
Spice Flavours
Indian spice flavours are having a significant impact on global cuisine, as consumers around the world seek out bold, aromatic, and complex taste experiences. These spices are being adapted into a wide range of products, from snacks and ready meals to beverages and fusion foods.
Masala tea (masala chai) flavour is gaining traction in global cuisines, particularly being explored in categories such as ice cream, and latte, where its sophisticated profile appeals to younger consumers and those seeking novel flavours.
Ginger is a highly versatile and globally embraced flavour, playing a prominent role in both traditional and innovative food and drink products across many regions. Ginger is found in a range of drinks, from functional juices in China to ginger beer in the UK and taste-enhancing spritzes in Germany. Ginger is gaining momentum in sweet categories, such as plant-based biscuits and cookies, and is paired with caramel or lemon for added complexity and intensity in France and Spain.
Masala blends are a foundation of Indian cuisine and are now appearing in global products. For instance, masala popcorns, chips, and even masala-flavoured dips and spreads are gaining traction, especially among young and experimental consumers.
Indian curry inspired flavours
Indian curry-inspired flavours are making a significant impact on global cuisines, driving innovation and fusion across a wide range of food categories. Their complex, aromatic profiles and adaptability have made them popular in snacks, ready meals, sauces, and even fusion dishes worldwide.
A globally recognised flavour, tikka masala is featured in snacks, ready meals, and fusion products outside India. Tandoori flavours, known for their smoky and spicy notes, are used in global snacks and ready meals. North Indian butter chicken to South Indian coconut-based curries—are widely used in global ready meals, sauces, and snacks. Fusion products often blend curry notes with other world cuisines, such as Mexican or Middle Eastern. Offbeat Indian curry flavours are emerging in instant noodles, pasta, and ready meals, both in India and globally.
Floral Flavours
Indian floral flavours are increasingly influencing global cuisine, driven by a growing consumer interest in botanical and natural ingredients that offer both unique taste experiences and perceived wellness benefits. While floral flavours have traditionally been used in teas and desserts in India, their influence is now expanding into a wider range of food and drink categories globally.
Rose is one of the most prominent Indian floral flavours. Globally, rose is gaining traction in chocolates, baked goods, and even savoury sauces. Rose flavour is paired with spices and nuts for indulgent experiences, and appears in innovative products like raspberry rose & Szechuan pepper sauce (Spain).
Another Indian floral flavour Hibiscus is known for its tart, floral flavour and vibrant colour. It is used in teas, drinks, and increasingly in baked goods and desserts. Hibiscus is featured in global products like spiced hibiscus tea blends and hibiscus-infused cookies and loaves.
Berry flavours
Indian berry flavours are beginning to influence global cuisine, especially as consumers and brands seek out novel, healthful, and culturally rich ingredients. While not as mainstream as mango or spice-led Indian flavours, certain Indian berries like Jamun (Indian blackberry), amla (Indian gooseberry), ber (Indian jujube) are gaining attention for their unique taste profiles and wellness benefits. Jamun is being used in yoghurts and desserts. Amla is capturing attention of brands in juices, wellness candies, and functional foods. Ber is making its way in snacking and confectionery innovations.
Ethnic Flavours
Indian ethnic flavours are increasingly influencing global cuisine, driven by their bold taste profiles, versatility, and the growing consumer appetite for authentic and novel food experiences. These flavours are being used not only in traditional Indian dishes but also in fusion foods, snacks, ready meals, sauces, and even beverages worldwide.
Flavours like rasmalai, ghee, vada pav, chaat, panipuri, samosa, etc. are inspiring global cuisine by bringing the vibrant, nostalgic, and indulgent essence of Indian street food and traditional sweets to a diverse range of products. These flavours are driving innovation in snacks, bakery, confectionery, and ready meals, capturing the imagination of consumers worldwide
Partner with Keva Flavours to align with global flavour trends
Keva Flavours is a trusted name in the flavour industry, renowned for its expertise in traditional Indian and innovative flavour solutions. Our seasoned team of flavourists crafts tailor-made flavours across diverse food and beverage categories, offered in multiple formats to suit the evolving market demands.
Backed by a skilled applications team, we support our partners with product prototyping and recipe reengineering. We also help our customers with the latest market trend insights. Whether you are enhancing an existing product or creating something new, Keva Flavours offers end-to-end support as your one-stop flavour partner.
Let us help you elevate your product portfolio with consumer-winning taste experiences. To learn more, explore our blogs or reach out to us at connect.flavors@keva.co.in.
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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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