CHICAGO — What’s the next sriracha? It may be maple, matcha or tikka masala, said Kelli Heinz, director of marketing and industry affairs for Bell Flavors & Fragrances.

Kelli Heinz, Bell Flavors & Fragrances
Kelli Heinz, director of marketing and industry affairs for Bell Flavors & Fragrances

“Eighty-two per cent (of U.S. adults) say they are willing to try new flavors,” Ms. Heinz said during a presentation on emerging flavor trends at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, held May 24-26 in Chicago. “Confections and snack items are the perfect way to do that because it’s just a little taste (in a familiar format).”

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Northbrook, Ill., identifies and tracks flavor trends as they move from fine dining menus all the way to mainstream grocery shelves.

“A great example is sriracha,” Ms. Heinz said. “It started as an exotic flavor at ethnic restaurants, and it moved throughout this trend cycle and now it’s an everyday condiment at all the restaurants you usually go to.”

Ms. Heinz discussed five flavor trends to watch in the confectionery and snack categories.

Click for a slideshow of five emerging flavor trends.