Fruit-flavored coffee, foods that combine protein with other benefits, and a greater interest in regional cuisines are among the trends Nestlé predicts will shape food and beverage choices in 2027.

The company’s five-part forecast draws on consumer research, search behavior, menu tracking and retail sales data. An accompanying analysis by Linh Phillips, Nestlé USA’s director of consumer insights and foresight, explores the shifts behind those predictions.

Across the forecast, Nestlé sees consumers weighing value through flavor, nutritional attributes and the experience a purchase delivers.

“We track thousands of early signals across conversations every year, and only a handful become meaningful trends,” Phillips said.

1. Coffee
   Coffee is one area where Nestlé anticipates more experimentation. Fruit-forward matcha drinks, blueberry lattes, Korean cafe-inspired yuzu Americanos and banana bread lattes are examples of fruit flavors moving beyond subtle tasting notes. Phillips also describes coffee drinking behavior extending beyond a morning routine, with consumers seeking refreshment alongside caffeine.
   
   
2. Protein-plus
   Consumers remain keenly interested in high protein foods in 2027, particularly those paired with other foods offering nutritional benefits, Nestlé predicts. Lindh noted that Google search data for protein and probiotics pairings increased 300% year over year. Searches combining protein with collagen rose 190%, while those pairing protein with fiber increased 150%.
   
   
3. Bring on the zest
   Nestlé also predicts growing interest in citrus, sour and herbaceous flavors. Examples include calamansi, sumac, dill and chile-citrus combinations that add sharper flavor to familiar foods.
   
   
4. International flavors continue to appeal
   For international foods, the forecast points toward more specific regional identities, preparations and ingredients. Nestlé cites Mintel’s 2026 research showing 66% of consumers are interested in exploring regional variations within international cuisines.
   
   
5. The intangible extra
   The final prediction focuses on details that make a purchase feel worthwhile, including distinctive textures, presentation and unexpected flavors. Phillips points to brown butter incorporated into cookie dough and chili crisp blended into mayonnaise as examples of products delivering those extras.

Read the full report.