The future of flavor is here: McCormick for Chefs unveils its 2026 Flavor of the Year: Black Currant, a berry featuring a distinct yet balanced flavor profile that’s sweet, tart and rich. Alongside this, McCormick® also announces the 2026 Flavor Forecast®, their annual report showcasing the latest culinary trends shaping the way people prepare and enjoy food worldwide.  

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has explored what is shaping the future of flavor globally. It has defined and influenced trends over the years, 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 chefs and operators 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 jams, syrups, candies, desserts, 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: 

• Attainable Opulence: Amid a dynamic global environment, patrons are seeking extravagant treats and experiences as an escape, enjoying elevated flavors in everyday dining experiences, not just special occasions. Example recipes include: 
  • Blood Orange Cardamom Sour 
  • Sweet and Tangy Stuffed Chicken Tenders 
• Simple to Spectacular: In a digital-forward world, patrons are discovering beauty in the basics – appreciating meals crafted with care, from scratch, and with ingredients found close to home. Example recipes include: 
  • Pickled Veggie Toast on Sourdough Bread 
  • Easy Focaccia Halloumi BLT 
• Sauce from Somewhere: Patrons are more flavor fluent than ever – embracing bold, next-level sauces, dips, drizzles and spreads – not just for taste, but to explore the world. Example recipes include: 
  • Roasted Chicken with Toum  
  • 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.” 

To learn more about the 2026 Flavor Forecast, visit www.mccormickforchefs.com/en-us/2026-flavor-forecast.

Click here to view the 25^th Edition of the Flavor Forecast. Also, click here to read the Gold Medal Classroom article, “Forecasting Future Flavors,” which detailed how the 2022 Flavor Forecast was created. 

Photos courtesy of McCormick for Chefs®