The Future of Flavor Starts Here | McCormick Flavor Forecast Guide

Since its launch in 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has served as our annual trend report and global flavor platform, shaping what’s next in kitchens, menus, and palates around the world. Take a journey through our top flavor predictions.

Dive Into the Flavor Forecast Reports

See how we successfully predicted global flavor trends.

How the Flavor of the Year Has Come to Life

Take a look at the past three Flavor of the Year Seasonings that could be a part of your back-of-house lineup.

2026 Flavor of The Year - Coming Soon!

aji amarillo seasoning on a bed of aji amarillo peppers

2025 Flavor of The Year

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tamarind pasilla chile seasoning on a mountain of spices

2024 Flavor of The Year

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vietnamese cajun seasoning on a bed of seafood boil

2023 Flavor of The Year

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Shaping the Global Heat Landscape

Since launching our annual Flavor Forecast in 2000, we’ve identified more than 50 bold, spicy flavors that have inspired innovation across menus and products worldwide – reinforcing our position as a global leader in heat.

McCormick has been at the forefront of predicting the evolution of spicy flavors, showcasing how heat has transformed and diversified over time.

• Chili-forward heat: Bold beginnings with guajillo and hot Sichuan peppers.
• New sources of heat: Exploring beyond chilies with peppercorn and Creole mustard.
• Layered pairings: Unexpected combinations like red pepper + grapefruit or chili + cocoa.
• Global influences: Sauces and seasonings such as Ethiopian berbere and Japanese 7 spice.
• Modern expressions: Textural sensations like chili crisp and salsa macha redefining today’s heat.

Download Infographic (PDF)

Predicting the Evolution and Diversification of Heat infographic

Infographic © McCormick Flavor Forecast

Bring on the Heat — with the Leaders in Flavor Innovation

Because we are Heat-Forward, our entire portfolio, including our Flavor of the Year-inspired products, showcases a spectrum of heat levels inspired by diverse global regions.

French's Stone Ground Dijon Mustard

Our boldest Dijon yet, this stone-ground mustard delivers robust flavor that enhances deli sandwiches, vinaigrettes, sauces, and marinades for flavorful proteins.

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McCormick Culinary Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning

Tamarind shines in this tangy, Mexican-inspired seasoning blend, pairing the mild heat of pasilla chiles and savory notes of paprika, coriander, and onion.

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Perfect Pinch Zesty Pepper Seasoning Blend

A premium blend of peppers delivers a touch of heat, complemented by the zest from lemon, orange, tomato, and red bell pepper, without the salt.

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Cholula Chili Lime Seasoning

This vibrant seasoning combines zesty lime flavor with heat from arbol and piquin peppers, bringing bold taste to seafood, fried appetizers, and even fresh fruit.

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McCormick Culinary Vietnamese Cajun Style Seasoning

Featuring the 2023 Flavor of the Year, Vietnamese Cajun, this blend has mild heat and a balanced and savory flavor.

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McCormick Culinary Aji Amarillo Seasoning

Aji Amarillo, the 2025 McCormick Flavor of the Year, is blended with oak smoke, garlic, and onion to create a sweet, spicy blend with medium heat and tropical notes.

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McCormick Culinary Korean BBQ Gochujang Style Seasoning

This delicious blend of herbs and spices delivers the signature taste of gochujang with a modest heat for traditional Korean and everyday dishes.

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Cattlemen's Louisiana Hot Spicy & BBQ Sauce

Sweet-and-savory ingredients meet bold heat from Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce in this rich, flavorful BBQ sauce crafted for everyday spice lovers.

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OLD BAY® Hot Sauce

Authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor meets a dash of spicy heat in this legendary hot sauce, enhancing favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and Bloody Marys.

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Frank's RedHot Mango Habanero Wings Sauce

Sweet mango and fiery habanero combine in this spicy-sweet sauce. Use it right out of the bottle on chicken wings or to create new dishes with irresistible flavor.

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