A promotional graphic for 'Flavour Forecast 2026' featuring a central black square with gold text, surrounded by plates of food including steak, pizza, pastries, sliders, and a salad on a purple background.
A promotional graphic for 'Flavour Forecast 2026' featuring a central black square with gold text, surrounded by plates of food including steak, pizza, pastries, sliders, and a salad on a purple background.

Experience the 2026 Flavour Forecast®!

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavour Forecast has identified the global trends shaping the future of flavour, from chipotle and pumpkin pie spice to ube and Korean BBQ. For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavour of the Year – a vibrant berry known for its tart yet sweet taste and versatility in foods and drinks.

This “it” berry is inspired by our 2026 trends – the answers to cravings observed around the world: Attainable Opulence, Simple to Spectacular, and Sauce from Somewhere.

A styled food spread on a warm brown table, featuring a burger with fries and cheese, a plate of fried fish with green beans, a dessert bowl with berries and cream, a small dessert cup, two foamy orange drinks in highball glasses, and a shallow bowl with a yellow sauce.

Trend #1:

Attainable Opulence

Amid a dynamic global environment, home cooks are seeking extravagant treats and experiences as an escape, enjoying elevated flavours in everyday dining experiences, not just special occasions.

A styled food spread on a rustic wooden table, featuring colorful sliced sandwiches, open-faced toast topped with pickled vegetables and avocado, a small salad, pickled peppers in a glass jar, and two glasses of bright green drink garnished with cucumber slices.

Trend #2:

Simple to Spectacular

In a digital-forward world, home cooks are finding beauty in the basics – appreciating meals crafted with care, from scratch, and with ingredients close to home.

A styled food spread on a warm brown table, featuring a burger with fries and cheese, a plate of fried fish with green beans, a dessert bowl with berries and cream, a small dessert cup, two foamy orange drinks in highball glasses, and a shallow bowl with a yellow sauce.

Trend #3:

Sauce from Somewhere

Home cooks are more flavour fluent than ever – embracing bold, next-level sauces, dips, drizzles, and spreads – not just for taste, but as a way to explore the world.

the 2026 flavour of the year:

Black Currant

  • Black currants are native to parts of central and northern Europe and northern Asia.
  • The berries have a tart-and-tangy, yet sweet flavour reminiscent of a harmonious blend of grapes and raspberries.
  • Some people know fresh black currant for its perceived health benefits and popularity in jams, cocktails, and more.

Get Cooking with Black Currant Recipes

PB and J Cake with Black Currant Sauce

PB and J Cake with Black Currant Sauce

Prep Time: 20m | Cook Time: 1h

Black Currant Labneh with Roasted Beets

Black Currant Labneh with Roasted Beets

Prep Time: 15m | Cook Time: 20m

Black Currant Rosemary Crème Brûleé

Black Currant Rosemary Crème Brûleé

Prep Time: 10m | Cook Time: 1h15m

A chef in a commercial kitchen wearing black gloves tosses golden-brown fried potato wedges into a large stainless steel bowl over a dark metal work surface.
Breaded and fried food items suspended in mid-air above a metal bowl, with a person wearing black gloves holding the bowl in a commercial kitchen setting.

Are You a Chef or Restaurant Operator?

Visit our Club House For Chefs Flavour Forecast experience.

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