Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Global Taste Charts, offering the food and beverage industry a detailed view of how flavour is evolving across the Middle East and where innovation is headed next.

Built on the expertise of more than 1,200 scientists, 100 flavourists and extensive consumer research, the 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers across the Middle East are eating, drinking and experimenting with flavour. The result is a practical, forward-looking guide designed to help manufacturers respond to fast-moving tastes with clarity and confidence.

As consumer expectations continue to fragment and intensify, the 2026 Taste Charts expand from six to eight categories, covering Refreshing Beverages; Tea & Coffee; Savoury Snacks; Sweet; Sauces & Dressings and Meat. This broader view captures the growing crossover between indulgence and wellness, tradition and novelty, plus global inspiration with local identity, all increasingly shaping flavour decisions in the region.

Flavour Trends in the Middle East

Newstalgia: Tradition Reworked for Today
Comfort flavours are being reimagined through premium formats and modern twists. Across the Middle East, classic flavours such as date, za’atar, cardamom and saffron are appearing in unexpected formats, from date mustard and za’atar ice cream to camel milk pistachio iced coffee. This blend of nostalgia and creativity stirs emotional connection while celebrating cultural identity.

Beyond Burn: Layered Heat, Global Meets Local
Consumers in the Middle East are moving away from one-note spiciness toward more nuanced heat. Paprika-led blends are gaining momentum across snacks, sauces, grilled meats and ready meals, offering smoky, sweet and aromatic complexity inspired by street food traditions. This shift supports richer seasoning systems that deliver depth rather than intensity alone.

Hydration with Character: Fruit-Forward Refreshment
Refreshing fruits continue to play a key role in beverage innovation across the Middle East. Watermelon features prominently in sparkling waters, juices and alcohol-inspired drinks, aligning with demand for clean-label, vibrant, hydrating and naturally sweet thirst quenchers.

Micro Moments of Indulgence
In fast-paced lifestyles, small treats are taking on outsized importance. Across the Middle East, bite-sized energy balls, chilli-lemon snacks, mini desserts and convenient marinated proteins are delivering moments of indulgence and reward without the commitment of full-scale indulgence.

These insights are supported by KerryNow™, a digital platform that allows customers to access Kerry’s flavour portfolio, instantly order samples of trending flavours featured in the 2026 Taste Charts and receive expert support on product applications, regulatory guidance and sample selection.

“The 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers are eating and drinking today, with a growing desire for contrast, comfort, depth, and meaning in flavour,” said Pinar Taskin, Marketing Manager, Kerry Middle East, Türkiye and Pakistan. “Designed to support R&D and marketing teams, the 2026 Taste Charts help guide product development that resonates locally while drawing on global flavour cues. Across markets from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia, and from Kuwait to Jordan, we are seeing a stronger use of local flavours reinterpreted with a global twist. By bringing together sensory science, cultural understanding, and real consumption data, the charts highlight where flavours are gaining momentum and how they are being expressed locally. Each year, through the launch of these Taste Charts, we support our customers in moving more confidently from idea to product while keeping pace with evolving tastes across the region.”