McCormick & Co. predicts consumers drink icy mocktails and eat “creamy creations” to beat heat

The company’s most recent installment of its well-established Flavor Forecast released July 24 declares shoppers looking for “reprieve from both sun and spice” are seeking “refreshing new ways to hydrate, replenish and beat the heat.” And they are not settling for summertime classics, such as lemonade or snow cones. Rather, McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter says that consumers want more sophisticated takes on iconic treats, such as a spiced watermelon rose granita or a blueberry vanilla clamansi juice shaved ice. Part of the appeal of these bolder beverages, which combine fresh fruit syrups, bitters, sours and spices, is that they won’t taste diluted as the ice melts, according to McCormick. They also appeal to consumers abstaining from alcohol, which has developed into an influential macro-trend that has inspired a plethora of ready-to-drink mocktails or “dry” alternatives. They also tap into growing consumer interest for beverages such as kombucha and a desire for “ vibrant visuals .” Demand for more global flavors also prompted the spice company to predict that milkshakes will be replaced by “new creamy creations,” such as a buttermilk masala chaas drink or mango lassie bites with coconut cream, that borrow heavily from countries such as India and Thailand. These same principles also will apply to summer snacks, according to one of the chefs that works with McCormick. In a video segment created to promote the Flavor Forecast, Chef Niven Patel describes how he reconfigured the ingredients from a traditional Indian soup made with yogurt and okra to create a chilled appetizer. According to McCormick this is just one example of how consumers will be drawn to products that combine plant-based ingredients with dairy for a “new creamy cool” delight.