In 2026, consumers seem to have a clear idea of what they want: fewer artifices and more authenticity. In food & beverage choices, elements such as nostalgia, natural colours and functionality perceived as genuine are once again taking centre stage. In this context, a classic yet surprisingly contemporary flavour stands out above all others: cherry.
This is not a passing fad. The trend aligns perfectly with T. Hasegawa’s annual flavour forecast, which crowned dark sweet cherry as the “flavor of the year” for 2026, after monitoring its evolution for more than three years.
According to Mark Webster, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at T. Hasegawa USA, the signals had been evident for quite some time. Global online searches related to dark cherry have grown by 36% year on year, while social media conversations have recorded a +44% increase. Platforms such as Pinterest are also showing triple-digit growth for keywords like cherry vibe or dark cherry red, clear indicators of rapidly accelerating interest.
In recent months, this momentum has translated into a growing number of product launches, particularly in the beverage segment, where cherry is becoming a true protagonist.
Nostalgia is one of the main drivers shaping consumer choices expected for the coming year. Several major players have already moved in this direction. In November, The Coca-Cola Co. brought Mr. Pibb back to the market, relaunching it with a bold cherry-forward profile and refreshed packaging dominated by its iconic burgundy colour.
Shortly afterwards, PepsiCo also announced the permanent return of the wild cherry & cream flavour, further strengthening cherry’s presence in the carbonated soft drinks segment. For Webster, this is no coincidence: cherry manages to embody that blend of memories and emotional comfort that consumers are seeking today, especially in beverages.
Alongside classic cherry sodas, interest is also growing in modern reinterpretations of iconic flavours such as the Shirley Temple. Several functional beverage companies are focusing on this aromatic profile, which combines sweetness, cherry notes and a strong emotional charge.
In September, actor Ben Stiller launched Stiller’s Soda, a “clean soda” brand with just 30 calories per can, inspired by the flavours of his childhood. Among the initial offerings, the Shirley Temple was an obvious choice, a symbol of conviviality and family memories.
Suja Life has also tapped into the nostalgic wave by relaunching Slice Soda in a “healthified” version, introducing among its new products a cherry cola designed to evoke the past while aligning with today’s expectations.
Beyond its emotional value, cherry also carries a strong health-oriented positioning. “It’s nostalgic, but at the same time it has a wellness halo that other retro flavours lack,” Webster points out. Cherries are in fact associated with vitamins, minerals and fibre, elements that enhance their appeal in functional products.
It is therefore no surprise that in 2025 the market saw numerous cherry-based functional beverage launches: from PepsiCo’s cherry vanilla prebiotic sodas to cherry lime energy drinks, as well as low-sugar and better-for-you versions.
Cherry’s visual impact also makes it even more attractive. Its deep, intense red conveys naturalness, indulgence and premium quality. “It has a rich, intriguing colour that already looks good before you even taste it,” Webster explains.
Cherry lends itself to an endless range of pairings — cherry lime, cherry vanilla, cherries & cream — as well as combinations with berries or almond notes. A versatility that makes it ideal for innovating without alienating consumers.
Although traditionally associated with summer, cherry proves to have year-round appeal. “I see it as a year-round flavour,” Webster concludes. “It still has plenty of room to grow and stand out. I don’t believe its moment is anywhere near over.”
For the agri-food sector and the beverage industry, cherry is therefore confirmed not just as a flavour, but as a true language capable of telling a story of tradition, innovation and wellbeing in a single sip.
Source: foodbusinessnews.net
Image source: Food Viva
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