Last updated on February 2nd, 2025
McCormick has released the 25th edition of the Flavor Forecast, its annual report on the latest culinary trends, naming Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year.
Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow chile pepper” in English, is native to South America, where it is a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. The pepper has fruity, tropical notes, reminiscent of passion fruit and mango, with a moderate heat ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units.
Today, Aji Amarillo is trending beyond Peruvian cuisine, showing up as a key ingredient in appetizers, drinks and entrees, with an anticipated 59 percent menu growth over the next four years.
Established in 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has predicted flavors such as pumpkin pie spice, chipotle, Korean BBQ, ube and Swicy. The report explores what is shaping the future of flavor at home, restaurants and grocery stores.
It’s crafted through a blend of primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative research, as well as social listening insights and SEO trends. It encompasses flavor, culinary trends and stories, cooking techniques and applications, exploring trends on the cusp of adoption around the world.
Other flavor predictions and trends identified in the Flavor Forecast 25th Edition include:
- Tropical bibes: Warm-weather flavors and cuisines to taste tropical fruits, seafood and island and beach cuisines.
- Charred and smoked: These culinary techniques underline and emphasize the natural characteristics of a dish or ingredient. Smoky, charred, roasted and ultra-caramelized notes come through in unique ways and a variety of applications.
- Deliciously unexpected: Reimagined familiar ingredients and unexpected combinations, evoking curiosity and cravings. This includes the chili cucumber salad trend that has amassed nearly 23 million views on TikTok.
“For nearly 25 years, McCormick has defined flavor and influenced flavor trends through the Flavor Forecast, inspiring discovery and innovation in everyday foods and beverages. From chipotle to chai, matcha and tamarind – these are all flavors we’ve predicted that have cemented themselves in global cuisine,” said McCormick CMO Tabata Gomez.
“As a global leader in flavor, we are champions of bold flavor. We continue to see younger generations explore creative ways to spice up their foods so we love that this year’s Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, is providing the perfect gateway for consumers to explore and expand their palate.”
To mark the forecast’s 25th anniversary, McCormick will host its first Flavor Night Market Feb. 21-22 in Miami. The free event will feature more than 30 food vendors serving Aji Amarillo-inspired food and beverages.
Attendees can also enjoy games, music and a McCormick pop-up store, where the new Aji Amarillo Seasoning and other merchandise will be available for purchase.
[RELATED: McCormick Names 2024 Flavor Of The Year, Releases Annual Report]
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