MAASTRICHT, NL— Nutrition, health and beauty solutions provider dsm-firmenich announced Milky Maple as its flavor of the year for 2025.
The mix of creamy milk with the rich, natural sweetness of maple offers a sense of calm and contentment with a wide range of applications.
“As food and beverage trends shift toward comfort, nature and personal wellbeing, people increasingly gravitate towards flavors that offer a taste of familiarity, balance and connection,” said Maurizio Clementi, EVP of taste, texture and health at dsm-firmenich. “Milky Maple delivers on this demand – it is a soothing embrace that draws people into a world of warmth and indulgence.”
A longtime North American staple, maple is expanding its presence worldwide and transcending geographic and cultural boundaries. Since early 2019, dsm-firmenich’s trend analysts have observed maple gain popularity as a versatile ingredient across Europe and Asia.
“Maple is evolving from a regional favorite to a global flavor phenomenon,” said Jeffrey Schmoyer, VP of human insights at dsm-firmenich. “Its ability to offer a feeling of coziness and its versatility has driven its momentum across diverse cultures and cuisines.”
“As food and beverage trends shift toward comfort, nature and personal wellbeing, people increasingly gravitate towards flavors that offer a taste of familiarity, balance and connection.” —Maurizio Clementi | EVP of taste, texture and health | dsm-firmenich
The flavor’s adaptability has been shown through its range of uses, which go beyond syrup and enter the world of baked goods. As a naturally derived ingredient, maple sap’s unique sweetness and warm, earthy undertones make it a desirable alternative to traditional sweeteners.
“Maple is going mainstream,” said Mikel Cirkus, senior director, foresight and design at dsm-firmenich. “Candy cap mushroom — a natural forest product with a distinctive maple aroma — is already prized by chefs as a flavoring for baked goods, ice cream, confectionary and even beer. This mushroom, part of the Milk Cap group, mirrors the appealing ‘brown note’ qualities of maple, satisfying consumer mood for food that is deeply entrenched in nature.”
The other half of the top flavor, creamy milk, is also seeing a surge in popularity, especially in Asia, where its smooth taste and texture provide a perfect pairing for maple’s sweetness. The trend outlines milk’s nostalgic and simplistic qualities, which reinforces Milky Maple as a flavorful and immersive sensory experience.
“Milky Maple is an invitation for people to pause and savor a moment of pure warmth and decadence,” Clementi said. “This flavor is a journey – and a gentle reminder of the joy, comfort and connection that can be found in simple pleasures.”
In fall 2024, maple was seen in a range of seasonal products, including Maple Glazed Donut Holes from DEUX and Lexington Bakes’ Maple Pecan Chip Cookie.
