GlobalData’s AI Palette Innovation and Consumer Insights Platform analyzed data from six flavors and ingredients that are expected to promote new product development in the dairy industry in 2025.
Drawing on the world’s largest consumer data lake and featuring 61 billion global data points collected in real time from social media, e-commerce and foodservice menus, the AI platform offers powerful insights into emerging flavors and ingredients, as well as category opportunities.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Emerging Flavors and Ingredients in Dairy,” uses the findings of the AI Palette’s Foresight Engine to identify one outstanding ingredient in each of the six major markets analyzed. These include Australian Ziandhaja chocolate, US Hodjcha and Saudi Arabia pistachio butter.
Each of the six selected ingredients is classified as having “high growth” and “high engagement” based on customer interactions across sites in the social media, retail and restaurant industry in recent years, measured during the review period in March 2025. This report will review how each ingredient can be made into a family of ingredients, provide suggestions for general purpose pairing, and benefit from the brand and can employ these engagements.
Six emerging flavors and ingredients identified in the report:
Hodgecha
This is a Japanese roasted green tea in a reddish brown shade for the roasting process. It offers a variety of functional benefits, including relaxation, stress reduction, and support for blood pressure and cholesterol regulation. An important advantage is its low caffeine content, and Hojicha’s roast notes complement dairy products well. The smoky, nutty flavor profile makes it perfect for cheese.
Flavor Profile: Nuts, smoky, sweet
Ingredient Pairing: Dairy products, caramel, chocolate
Advantages of ingredients: It is mild and versatile, rich in antioxidants, relaxes and relieves stress
selenium
It is a trace mineral and is needed by the body in very small amounts. It plays an important role in forming selenoprotein, which is essential for DNA production, antioxidant defense and immune responses. Because it focuses on preventive health, there is a growing demand for immunity-boosting nutrients, and dairy products act as effective carriers for these ingredients. According to a GlobalData 2024 Q2 survey, 38% of consumers worldwide believe immunity-boosting ingredients are essential when purchasing food and drinks.
Flavor Profile: Antioxidant defense, thyroid function, immune support
Ingredient Pairing: Brazilian nuts, seafood, beef
Advantages of ingredients: Nutritional key points, anti-toxic properties, and consistent taste profile
Pistachio Butter
A creamy, nut-based spread made from finely ground pistachios provides a smooth, rich texture. It is a nutrient-rich ingredient rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, thiamine, copper, and selenium. Dubai Nafe Pistachio chocolate emerged as a viral sensation in 2024, especially when food influencers in Tiktok, showed off the satisfying characteristics and flavor of chocolate, increasing the popularity of pistachio-based products.
Flavor Profile: Nuts, creamy, rustic
Ingredient Pairing: Chocolate, berries, honey
Advantages of ingredients: Enhanced flavors, nutritional benefits, and texture appeal
zinc
It is an important mineral and plays an important role in enzyme reactions, immune responses, protein and DNA synthesis, wound healing and cell division. Zinc is naturally present in a variety of foods and can also be used as a dietary supplement. According to a second quarter of GlobalData survey in the second quarter of 2024, more than a third (36%) of consumers tend to consider foods and drinks fortified with vitamins and minerals as essential. Zinc-enriched dairy products can enhance important contributions to immune function and periods of rapid growth, such as childhood and adolescence.
Flavor Profile: Enzymatic reactions, immune function, cell function
Ingredient Pairing: Seafood, meat, eggs
Advantages of ingredients: Nutritional factors, dairy compatibility, and established market positioning
Finger Lime
Native to Australia, finger lime is a vibrant addition to traditional dishes and offers a keen flavor profile. Packed with antioxidants such as folic acid, potassium, and vitamins E and C, these nutrient-rich fruits are perfect for adding a refreshing citrus touch to smoothies, juices, or cereals and yogurt. According to GlobalData’s 2024 Hot Topics Survey, half of consumers consider plant and plant-based ingredients to promote health, making finger lime an excellent option given its rich vitamin and antioxidant content.
Flavor Profile: Tarts, citrus, frenzy
Ingredient Pairing: Chocolate, ginger, coconut
Advantages of ingredients: Texture elements, health benefits, unique native food
Jandacha chocolate
It is an Italian confectionery made of chocolate made with at least 30% hazelnut paste, creating a smooth, creamy product between milk and dark chocolate. The versatility and wide appeal of Gianduja has become a favorite among chefs who rent it out for a variety of uses, from chocolate fillings to spreads built into desserts such as cakes, mousse, yogurt and ice cream.
Flavor Profile: Nuts, chocolate, creamy
Ingredient Pairing: Coffee, berries, hazelnuts
The advantages of ingredients: Enhanced flavor, creamy texture, increased dul
