McCormick & Company has designated Black Currant the 2026 Flavor of the Year. The berry features a distinct yet balanced flavor profile that’s sweet, tart and rich. Alongside this, The Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA-headquartered company has released the 2026 Flavor Forecast, its annual report showcasing the latest culinary trends shaping the way food is prepared and enjoy food worldwide.
Since 2000, the forecast has defined and influenced trends, predicting the rise of everything from Chipotle and 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.
Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavor that’s earthy, slightly floral and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in desserts, jams, syrups, candies, drinks and liqueurs. It’s quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon.
Alongside the Flavor of the Year, McCormick has identified three trends in its 2026 Flavor Forecast, as described below:
Attainable Opulence
Consumers are using extravagant treats and experiences as an escape, bringing elevated flavors into everyday life, not just special occasions. Example recipes include Blood Orange Cardamom Sour and Sweet and Tangy Stuffed Chicken Tenders.
Simple to Spectacular
In a digital-forward world, people are finding beauty in the basics by cooking with care and using simple, quality ingredients combined with technique and time. With that, anything humble becomes a showstopper. Example recipes include Pickled Veggie Toast on Homemade Sourdough Bread and Easy Focaccia Halloumi BLT.
Sauce from Somewhere
“Flavor fluency” is more common than ever. People are looking for ways to connect cultures, bring regional tastes of the world forward, and enhance daily meal routines through novel sauces, dips, drizzles and spreads that spark curiosity and inspire trial, connect cultures, and – above all – help create flavor exploration. Example recipes include Roasted Chicken with Toum and Sambal Crusted Lamb Chomps.
“Black Currant is the next ‘it’ berry on the scene. For 26 years, McCormick and Flavor Forecast have been ahead of the intersection of food and culture,” said Tabata Gomez, chief marketing officer at McCormick. “This year we’re doing more than predicting a flavor; we’re having a year-long celebration of Black Currant, a bold, sophisticated flavor that combines sweet with savory and elevates the experience of any dish.”
“Black Currant is gaining attention in kitchens, prized for its vibrant intensity, infusing everything from savory reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology with bold, sophisticated flavor,” said Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef at McCormick. “Rooted in history and bursting with benefits, Black Currant shines in kitchens, cocktails, and beyond.”
About McCormick
Founded in 1889, McCormick & Company manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavoring products. With over $6.7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, its most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, Gourmet Garden, FONA and Giotti. The breadth and reach of our portfolio uniquely position us to capitalize on the consumer demand for flavor in every sip and bite, through our products and our customers’ products. We operate in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions, which complement each other and reinforce our differentiation. The scale, insights, and technology that we leverage from both segments are meaningful in driving sustainable growth.
