Black currant

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Every year, the food industry's biggest flavor forecasters name a single flavor they believe is about to break through. For 2026, McCormick chose black currant — and there are very good reasons why.

What Is Black Currant?

Black currant is a small, deep purple berry native to central and northern Europe with a flavor profile unlike anything else in the berry family. It's tart, bold, and a little earthy, with a sweetness that builds slowly rather than hitting you all at once. Some describe it as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry with a deeper, more complex finish. It's been a staple in European jams, cordials, and pastries for centuries — and it's only now making serious inroads in the American market.

Why It Works for Makers

Black currant is genuinely versatile. It works in sweet applications — think tarts, glazed confections, macarons, gummies — but it also holds its own in savory contexts like reductions, glazes, and craft cocktail syrups. It has a beautiful, deep jewel-toned color that makes any finished product look stunning without artificial coloring. And it hits the wellness notes consumers are increasingly drawn to, with strong associations with antioxidants and natural ingredients.

The Window Is Open — For Now

Perhaps most importantly for small business makers: black currant still feels special. It's not everywhere yet, which means there's a real opportunity to be the person in your market who introduces customers to it. Whether it's a black currant chocolate truffle, a craft soda, or a cocktail syrup, leading with this flavor right now positions you as someone who's paying attention to what's next.

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