January 10, 2025 – In the US, consumers’ busy lifestyles drive interest in relaxation flavors, fueled by a growing focus on mental well-being, work-life balance, and natural approaches to wellness. Innova’s 360 research relaxation flavors trends analyze the market trends and consumer preferences and potential new product launches in the US market.
Relaxation Flavors Trends
Rising stress and anxiety are driving 22% of US consumers to purchase food and beverages with calming, de-stressing, or relaxing benefits. The increasing focus on mental health fuels interest in flavor trends that promote emotional wellbeing and support work-life balance. Many consumers seek natural, clean-label products infused with botanical relaxation flavors like chamomile and lavender, known for their soothing properties.
Sweet flavors also appeal to those looking to unwind, while tea flavors stand out for their unique ability to balance calmness and alertness. berries and summer fruits, brown flavors, warm spices, and creamy, rich flavor profiles are preferred by consumers when they want to feel relaxed and calm.
Relaxation flavors are niche in the US, and it presents significant growth potential. Brands can expand this market by raising consumer awareness and incorporating calming flavors into diverse product categories, meeting the growing demand for stress-relief solutions in everyday moments.
Social Media Trends
The calming effect and taste lead to positive reception related to relaxation flavors trends across social media and online platforms. Young Millennials and Gen Z lead the discussions, reflecting their interest in wellness trends. On social media platform X, the relaxation flavor trend generated 7 million reach and 21 million impressions in the US over the past year, with 45% female and 55% male participation in the conversations.
Lemon, honey, and turmeric are the most discussed relaxation flavors across social media and online platforms for their soothing and restorative properties. Other flavors like lavender, cinnamon, ginger, and butterfly pea flower also gain attention, showcasing a diverse palette of options that appeal to a broad consumer base.
Herbal Relaxation Flavors Trends
Social media engagement highlights a growing consumer preference for herbal teas as a natural stress relief solution. Hot drinks, particularly tea, dominate conversations with 65K engagements around relaxation flavors across online platforms. This reflects an interest in health and wellness, with consumers increasingly turning to herbal blends for their calming effects and functional benefits.
Brands are responding to this trend by innovating within the relaxation and wellness space. Harney & Sons, for instance, capitalizes on the demand for health-enhancing beverages with its matcha and wellness collection. Offering a variety of green teas and herbal blends like matcha, hibiscus, and peppermint herbal, the brand prioritizes organic and natural ingredients to meet consumer desires for relaxation and overall wellness.
Similarly, Yogi Tea’s relaxation and wellness range appeals strongly to consumers seeking balance and stress relief through traditionally herbal remedies. Blends featuring kava root, chamomile, lavender, and cinnamon provide a soothing experience, while adaptogenic ingredients like ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms in their Mandarin Mint Mindfulness tea elevate mood and promote mental clarity.
Herbal teas with botanical and functional ingredients are redefining the relaxation category, bridging the gap between indulgence and wellness.
Floral Relaxation Flavors Trends
Floral flavors are gaining attention as a compelling solution to meet the growing consumer demand for relaxation and wellness. This aligns with Innova’s top flavor trend, Floral Fascination, which highlights the rising global appeal of floral notes in food and beverages. 3 in 5 consumers globally perceive herbal and floral flavors as beneficial for their health, reflecting an interest toward products that promote both mental and physical wellbeing.
Brands are blending functional ingredients with floral and herbal flavors to craft innovative offerings that enhance relaxation. For instance, Taika Zero Sugar Strawberry Matcha Latte combines the calming properties of matcha with adaptogens to promote relaxation and calmness. Similarly, Bonus Coffee Company’s Pina Colada Ground Coffee blends tropical pineapple and coconut flavors with wellness-focused benefits, appealing to consumers seeking indulgence paired with functionality.
What’s Next in Relaxation Flavors Trends?
The integration of relaxation flavors and functional ingredients presents an opportunity to create products that not only soothe but also deliver a sense of indulgence. Brands can leverage functional ingredients to meet the growing demand for relaxation-focused beverages, expanding their reach in both traditional and emerging categories. They can incorporate adaptogens or CBD (cannabidiol) to create unique offerings. Experimenting with unique flavor combinations, such as citrus and floral or spicy and sweet, to create novel products can help brands to stand out in the market.
Expanding relaxation flavors trends beyond traditional beverages, brands can introduce them in smoothies, functional waters, and coffee alternatives, as well as in snacks, desserts, gummies, and even savory foods. This approach caters to diverse consumer preferences and integrates relaxation into various lifestyles to attract new consumers.
The growing focus on mental health and wellness allows brands to market relaxation flavors as part of a holistic self-care routine. Collaborations with mental health professionals can further endorse the benefits of these offerings, reinforcing their role in stress management. As consumers prioritize mental wellness, relaxation flavors are likely to expand in many product categories, becoming a key component of everyday wellbeing.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Relaxation Flavors in the US report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
