2026年饮料风味研究报告：碳酸软饮料（CSD）发展前瞻

What's next in CSDs? As drinks brands battle over the hearts,minds andtastebudsof American consumers,a 'newflavor' remains theultimate weapon. A newflavorisexciting.It's a sensory adventure. A way forconsumersto experience novelty, nostalgia and global For drinks brands, it's the frontline of innovation. A means ofcapturing the curiosity (and dollars) of a thirsty population. In this report, we are going to explore the emerging trendsand new opportunities incarbonated soft drinks(CSDs). We've combined the data and insight fromBlack Swan DataandMinteltoanalyzewhat's next in this space. Authors Zainab SarangInsights Consultant, Black Swan Data Chris ToddSenior Insights Director, Black Swan Data CaroleRinguetConsulting Manager, Mintel Black Swan Data is now part of Mintel Our new partnership delivers the mostcompleteandpredictiveview of consumerbehavior. Mintel understands markets and categories, howthey areevolving and why. Black Swan predicts what consumerswant next.Together, we turn early trend signals into opportunity spaces and opportunity spaces into winning products on shelf. CSDflavorlandscape Black Swan Data has identified6primaryflavorplatformsto watch in They are mapped based on their size (volume ofonline conversation) and theirmaturity adoption. This framework acts as a roadmap for innovation–revealing whatflavorsto move onNOWandNEXT. TakeSpicy & Aromatic, for example–amatureflavorplatform that’s well established with Whereas interest inBotanicalsis just beginning tobloom. In this report we will exploretwo platforms:FruityandDessert. We willanalyzethe consumer needs in eachspace, newflavorsto watch, recent product Inside Fruity Premiumizationandexotic fruitsis the key to keeping fruity CSDs interesting. There are 3 types of Fruity CSDs: Berries Flavors likeRedcurrant,GooseberryandBlackberryoffervibrant, tart-sweet notes that deliver a refreshing burst offlavor. Citrus fruits provide a sharp, tangy kick that cuts throughsweetness, offering a revitalizing, clean taste. Tropical & Exotic Exotic fruits likeMangosteen,Dragon FruitandPassion Fruitbring bold, adventurous flavors to CSDs, offering a taste ofsomething new. Fruity is averywell-established flavor profile amongconsumers. Berry and citrus-flavored drinks remain popular. But interest is growing inpremium and exotics fruits thatsignal quality anda sense of discovery. What’s happening on-shelf? While citrusy CSDs dominate launches, berry-based options are on the rise andtropical flavors The ubiquity of citrusflavorsgives brands an opportunity to differentiate with lesserknown berries and global tropical fruits. More novel fruits like this should be includedinflavorinnovations for 2026/27. Tropicalflavorsare on the rise Launches of tropical-flavoredCSDsare growing globally–particularly inEuropeandAPAC. Momentum is slowly building in NorthAmerica, with25launches last year. Our data suggests this will continue to growasUS consumers' interest in tropical andexotic fruits expands. F L A V O RD E E P-D I V E Tropical & Exotic Flavors to watch(0-12 Months) Flavors to watch(12-24 Months) PineappleTPV #259Vol: 28,677 Dragon Fruit Beyond a sense of adventure, exoticfruits deliverwellness cuesandsocial TPV #94Vol: 1,417Growth: +23% They are a way topremiumizesoft drinks. Consumers wantmore than just strawberry, lemon, lime and other common fruityflavors that dominate shelves. While not mainstream yet, rare produce likeJapanese Crownmelons,Rubyglowpineapplesandwhite strawberriesaregaining traction on TikTok. Flavors to watch(24+ Months) These fruits convey exclusivity and luxury. And often deliverdifferent functional benefits to everyday fruits. MangosteenTPV #685Vol: 23Growth: +77% They are perfect forlimited editionorseasonal launches. Summer BerryTPV #332Vol: 2,679 I N G R E D I E N TD E E P-D I V E Mango PuréeTPV #74Vol: 5,205Growth: +76% Dragon Fruit Brands can use dragon fruit to deliverrefreshing,wellness-alignedCSDs withstrong visual appeal. Top 3 Flavor PairingsCoconut CreamTPV #92Vol: 8,315Growth: +63% Dragon fruit has gained superfruit status. USconsumers enjoy its subtle, natural Citrus SparklingWaterTPV #230 And they LOVE itscolor. The bright pink skinand dalmatian flesh is a really popular The fruit also hasantioxidantandhydratingbenefits. Resonating with consumers whowant flavorful but calorie-conscious Italian SodaTPV #543Vol: 11,674 It sits within a broader movement of exoticfruits (like white peach and passion fruit)making fruity CSDs interesting again. Top 3 Base PairingsFruit SodaTPV #49Vol: 1,557Growth: +25% Here are some examples ofnew productlaunchesfrom around the globe tapping Global product launches Inside Dessert As thesober-curiousmovementgrows, consumers are seeking new Dessert-inspired drinks offer a sense of reward andindulgence. Perfect forsnack time, unwindingafter workorrelaxed social occasions. Some consumers view CSDs as one-dimensional. Just analtern