Blackcurrant Crowned 2026's Breakout Flavor by McCormick's Forecast

Since 2000, the seasoning company, McCormick, has been publishing its Flavor Forecast. This report charts what is shaping flavor globally. Their forecast has defined and influenced trends, predicting the rise of everything from pumpkin pie spice to ube, Korean BBQ, and swicy. Each year, the report looks at what's new and next, identifying the key flavors consumers can expect to see in the coming months and years. They have identified what will be the flavor of next year, and it might surprise you.

The Flavor of 2026 Is ...

The 2026 flavor of the year is black currant (Ribes nigrum), an edible berry with a distinct yet balanced flavor profile that's sweet, tart, and rich. Black currants are native to central and northern Europe, and northern Asia, and the dark purple fruit has been popular in those regions for centuries. Black currants are generally used as the main flavor or an ingredient in jams and jellies, syrups, candies, desserts, cordials, and liqueurs (think cassis, the magical component of Kir Royales).

McCormick says black currant is quickly gaining popularity, and they believe it will be starring on menus and in food products in areas far beyond its historic range in 2026. "Black currant has a bold, sophisticated flavor that combines sweet with savory and elevates the experience of any dish," says Tabata Gomez, chief marketing officer at McCormick. McCormick is so excited about the taste of black currants, at once tart and tangy, yet also fruity with floral notes, that they have planned out a year-long celebration of what they are calling the next "it" berry.

Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef at McCormick, says, "Black currant is prized for its vibrant intensity, infusing everything from savory reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology." She also mentions its benefits, antioxidants, and several vitamins, most notably vitamin C-one cup of blackcurrants has 203 milligrams of vitamin C, which is almost three times as much as an orange. Studies indicate black currants can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

More Food Trends to Watch For

In addition to selecting the flavor of 2026, McCormick is also calling out three main food trends in its 2026 Flavor Forecast:

Attainable Opulence

The Flavor Forecast notes how consumers are using extravagant treats and experiences as an escape, bringing elevated flavors into everyday life, not just saving them for special occasions. Adding extra layers of flavor to a dessert, entree, or drink, such as adding a black currant sauce to a PB&J cake or to a blood orange cardamom sour.

Simple to Spectacular

This food trend is built around how people are finding beauty in the basics by cooking with care and using simple yet high-quality ingredients, combined with technique and time-with that, anything humble becomes a showstopper. Think homemade sourdough bread, or maybe a slice of that bread topped with pickled vegetables.

Sauce From Somewhere

Sauces have really come to dominate in the past decade plus. People find novel sauces as well as dips, drizzles, and spreads, a way to connect with cultures, enjoy tastes of the world, and enhance meals, according to the Flavor Forecast. These dishes are a primary way for eaters to explore flavor and experiment. Think roasted chicken with toum, a fluffy, deeply garlicky sauce originally from Lebanon, or curry cornbread with garlic crisp.