Taste mash-ups: Exciting flavour combinations to watch in 2026

Heading towards the new year, flavour mash-ups are quickly emerging as a top trend, with consumers taking great delight in the bold and unexpected pairings appearing on their supermarket shelves. The drive to find unique flavour combinations is transforming product innovation, and inspiring manufacturers to craft exciting flavour combinations that achieve perfect taste sensations.

Predicting the best flavour combinations in 2026

In 2026, flavour combinations will continue to push boundaries as brands explore unique and unusual pairings. Below are the top flavour mash-ups to watch: 

Complex savoury flavours

The fusion of sweet and savoury continues to captivate consumers seeking indulgent flavours, with pairings like miso caramel or meaty with fruit becoming increasingly popular. Achieving this balance requires precision: the savoury element must be elevated so that the sweetness does not overpower it.

OHLY^®’s Taste Modulation solutions bring satisfying umami and complexity to the savoury flavours in meats, snacks and seasonings. By leveraging these yeast extracts, formulators can add roundness and savoury depth to their products, creating stand-out flavour combinations. 

Bold, intense heat

Bold spice flavours have been a big hit throughout 2025, and this trend is expected to grow even stronger in the new year. However, consumers are now seeking flavour complexity rather than simple chilli heat. This means manufacturers must find new ways to add depth, character and intensity to develop interesting flavour profiles and combinations. 

OHLY^®’s culinary hot sauce powders can play a vital role in helping product formulators to achieve bolder, long-lasting flavour sensations. These powders, based on popular hot sauces, are naturally rich in hot and spicy ingredients which we’ve made into a convenient powder so that they can be easily blended and deliver a specific spice profile for into sauces, rubs or marinades without affecting consistency.

Rich, umami flavours

Umami flavours are set to take centre stage among 2026’s trending flavours, offering a layered, savoury taste that appeals to a broad range of consumers. However, achieving umami intensity can be difficult. Yeast-based ingredient solutions can help manufacturers strike this balance. By improving taste and delivering richer flavour profiles, savoury building blocks can deliver a powerful umami impact and taste modulation solutions help to mask off-notes. In soups, sauces and plant-based products, they can also bring out the flavour and taste whilst adding balance and roundness to help manufacturers creating the best flavour combinations.

The future of unique flavour combinations

Whilst responding to trends has its benefits, manufacturers should aim to create products with lasting appeal. One of the most significant trends across the last few years has been the continued focus on functionality. Consumers now expect not only delicious and unique flavours, but also clean labels with ingredients that meet their health and nutritional needs. Yeast-based ingredients for taste improvement are a useful, versatile solution for manufacturers seeking new and exciting flavour combinations to appeal in today’s market. Designed for specific flavour and formulation challenges, Ohly’s solutions can help with sodium reduction or simply deliver indulgent flavour with clean-label benefits.

Get ahead of the best flavour combination trends with OHLY^®

Ohly supports manufacturers aiming to appeal to evolving consumer tastes. Our solutions provide taste improvement with clean label benefits, while our taste modulation technologies bring out specific flavour profiles or combinations. By partnering with our experts, you can confidently craft the flavour mash-ups that inspire and create flavour trends in 2026 and beyond.