Dominant Color Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry!
The Color Trends in Food and Beverage Reflect Multifaceted Consumer Demands in the New Consumer EraIn the new era of consumption, color trends in food and beverage reflect the diverse inner demands of consumers: a longing for comfort through familiarity, a focus on health consciousness, and a pursuit of exciting elements that ignite passion.Colors in food and beverage are far from mere decorative accents—they play a pivotal role. They evoke specific taste associations, stir emotions, and trigger waves of nostalgia. Extensive research confirms that color has become an indispensable component of our food experiences. For manufacturers, understanding consumers’ current color preferences and the underlying motivations behind them is crucial. This insight not only helps pinpoint market demands but also fuels innovation, enabling brands to stand out in a competitive landscape.
Red, Yellow, Brown: Color Codes that Awaken AuthenticityIn a fast-changing world, consumers increasingly crave familiarity and comfort. They seek connections to simpler times, a desire reflected in rising demands for nostalgic flavors and colors that evoke tranquility.Kelly Newsome, Global Senior Marketing Manager for Colors and Savory Flavors at ADM, notes that consumers gravitate toward traits that are familiar, rustic, and effortlessly comforting. ADM’s research reveals that shades of red resonate most with their yearning for authenticity.Red pairs naturally with flavors like berry sweetness, umami richness, and creamy caramel notes. Market trends suggest red will dominate non-alcoholic beverages: energizing sports drinks, vibrant soft drinks, and bold alcohol-free cocktails. In food, red will shine in candies and baked goods to attract indulgence seekers.
Oterra, a color ingredient producer, observes similar trends. Beyond red, vibrant yellow sparks excitement, while grounding brown alleviates stress—both tapping into consumers’ emotional needs.Blue, Purple, Magenta: Unlocking Boldness and InnovationCurrent flavor trends highlight consumers’ appetite for adventurous, playful combinations—a quest mirrored in their color preferences. Blue, from sea-inspired aquamarine to mysterious navy and midnight hues, symbolizes bold experimentation. In an era of personalization, blue serves as a canvas for individuality.Oterra adds that purple and magenta ignite curiosity, while green represents innovation and breaking conventions.Yellow, Orange, Green: Painting a Palette for Physical and Mental WellnessAs wellness becomes a priority, colors linked to health are rising in demand. Green, associated with hop bitterness, grapefruit zest, tropical fruits, and botanicals, aligns with holistic well-being.From a nutritional perspective, tech-driven solutions like GLP-1 medications and cost-effective nutrient-rich foods are reshaping diets, with color subtly guiding choices. Orange and yellow thrive in convenient ready-to-eat meals, cheeses, sauces, and citrus-infused treats, radiating vitality.
Gray and Rainbow Hues in Desserts: The Magic of Visual IndulgenceLee Brymer, Marketing Communications Manager at Tastewise, suggests desserts are the ultimate window into color preferences. While savory foods tie color to flavor cues (e.g., red for spiciness), desserts prioritize visual allure. Ice cream and frosting, for instance, are "highly Instagrammable—mouthwatering at first glance," Brymer explains. Consumers embrace unconventional hues in sweets, seeking emotional satisfaction through aesthetics.In this realm, "rainbow" and "metallic gray" reign. Gray adds retro-disco flair to treats like shimmering cakes, while rainbow hues symbolize joy. Brands like Dr. Oetker are embracing these trends, injecting vibrancy into the dessert market.
Source: Food & Beverage Industry Observer
