Consumers seek global fare with local approach

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Consumers seek global fare with local approach

10 Apr 2026

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Flavor is a key factor when crafting memorable eating experiences, and inspiration comes from every corner of the globe. New and bold profiles excite consumers and broaden their palates, generating a rising interest in global tastes.

According to Innova Market Insights’ Global Flavor Trends 2026 report, 51% of global consumers are seeking cuisines from other countries, with a majority being open to trying traditional foods with a modern or familiar twist.

“Swicy” flavor combinations, authentic Asian and Latin cuisine, and functional ingredients are driving consumers toward fermented foods, complex spices and “newstalgic” goodies.

“Hot and spicy is gaining,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor, CPG and foodservice for Circana, during a keynote session at SNX 2026. “Global and fruit flavor profiles are still winning — think mango or Mexican-inspired cuisine — as well as cultural partnerships, where we see some success through co‑licensing.”

Through co-licensing, brands can appeal to quick trends by combining their core flavor or product with something new — or typically unattainable — to deliver dimension to their portfolio.

Cheez-It’s collaboration with Ortega, a B&G Foods brand known for its taco shells and Mexican seasonings, resulted in Cheez-It Flavored Taco Shells. The new product combines the brand loyalty behind the Kellanova brand with Ortega’s global influence to reach new consumers shopping for Mexican cuisine.

According to Innova Market Insights’ Global Flavor Trends 2026 report, 51% of global consumers are seeking cuisines from other countries.

“The food and beverage landscape is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and manufacturers are under more pressure than ever to meet the changing needs of today’s consumers,” said Leigh-Anne Vaughan, VP of product technologies for Kerry Group. “Brands cannot afford to simply react; they must anticipate and innovate at pace.”

The prominence of social media and travel has Gen Z and millennial consumers embracing hybrid flavors that merge global and local flavors at a faster rate than ever before. From Red Baron’s limited-edition Korean BBQ-Style Classic Crust Pizza to Molly Bz Cookies’ Dubai Chocolate line and King’s Hawaiian’s Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls, baking brands on both ends of the spectrum are hopping on this trend.

Consumers may first hear about these trends from social media, but they’re searching for ways to cut through the digital noise and experience them authentically. For the Gen Z consumer, trying global foods isn’t just about taste; it’s also about exploring identity, community and creativity.

Global grocers, regional markets and delivery services have made this exploration easier, removing the barrier to experimentation. Travel is no longer a necessity and grocery stores are the new getaway destination.

“Today’s brands need to think beyond any single channel,” Lyons Wyatt said. “Online, club, brick‑and‑mortar and social commerce each play a role in giving consumers easier access and in unlocking new, sometimes global, demand pockets.”

What was once considered exotic is now expected in convenient, easy-to-find formats. This presents food manufacturers with the opportunity to leverage limited-time offerings to test demand with unique flavor combinations.

To keep pace with ever-evolving food and beverage trends, brands can tap into different outlets and stretch beyond their traditional capabilities to appeal to new and adventurous consumers on any continent.