In the world of flavor trends, brown sugar is set to take the spotlight in 2025. T. Hasegawa, a California-based flavor development company, has named brown sugar as the flavor of the year for 2025. This sweet and sticky ingredient is gaining popularity for its versatile and nostalgic flavor profile, which lends itself to a variety of unique uses in the food and beverage industry.
According to T. Hasegawa, brown sugar is being increasingly featured in coffee shops in the form of “brown sugar lattes” and is also making waves among mixologists for the deep flavor notes it adds to craft beverages and cocktails such as Old Fashioneds and dark rum-based drinks. Because brown sugar is not refined to remove all of its molasses content, it retains a rich caramel-like flavor and a warm color that appeals to foodies and culinary influencers on social media.
Brown sugar is typically made by combining refined white sugar with molasses, and it comes in both light and dark varieties. Natural brown sugar, which is refined but still contains some natural molasses, is available in different varieties such as turbinado, demerara, and muscovado sugar, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of size and sucrose levels.
“The future of brown sugar lies in its adaptability and versatility,” T. Hasegawa stated in its flavor report. “As the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients continues to grow, unrefined and organic brown sugar options are likely to dominate the market. Its role in fusion cuisines, unique beverages, and plant-based innovations will continue to expand, ensuring that brown sugar remains a timeless and essential ingredient in both traditional and modern culinary landscapes.”
As we look ahead to 2025, it seems that everything will indeed be coming up brown sugar, as this beloved ingredient takes center stage in the world of flavor trends. Get ready to see brown sugar popping up in a wide range of innovative and delicious culinary creations in the years to come.
