T. Hasegawa’s 2026 Food and Beverage Flavor Trends Report has named dark sweet cherry as the 2026 Flavor of the Year.
According to the report, dark sweet cherry will be a standout flavor in 2026 due to its “striking deep red color, intense sweetness and impressive versatility. With a complex flavor profile described as 'juicy, rich and tart,' dark sweet cherry is a nostalgic favorite for many North American consumers familiar with varieties such as Chelan, Sweetheart, Lapin, Stella, Bing and more,” the report stated.
T. Hasegawa predicts that dark sweet cherry will be a featured flavor in cocktails, beverages, candy, desserts and even meat glazes and sauces. Backing up this prediction, global searches for "dark cherry" were up 36% year-over-year from 2024 to 2025, while TikTok views for "dark cherry" were up 44% during the same time period.
"Dark sweet cherry has grown very popular over the past year because it strikes a perfect balance between taste, visual appeal, versatility and nostalgia," said Mark Webster, vice president of sales and marketing at T. Hasegawa USA. "Dark sweet cherry has a unique sweet flavor profile that is complex and nuanced, with a hint of tartness that stands out in everything from cocktails and sodas to desserts and even sauces for savory dishes."
"Food and beverage trends are a direct reflection of social, cultural and economic changes. But consumers will always seek heightened experiences—and a lot of that comes down to flavor," explained Webster.
Dirty sodas, botanical drink flavors and a focus on fiber are also predicted to be standout trends in 2026, the company predicts.
Read more about how convenience store operators stay on top of hot and trending flavors in the December 2025 issue of NACS Magazine article “The Next Big Flavor Trends in C-Stores.”