Several days ago we published McCormick's prediction for flavor of the year, black currant, but NPR's Neda Ulaby reports that chefs and food business insiders think that additional foods and flavors are poised to be big in 2026. Among these predictions beyond the afore-mentioned black currant, along with cinnamon rolls, pandan, and cabbage.

Pandan lamingtons from Cuisine Magazine

Swicy - the sweet/spicy combination - is out, to be replaced by swangy and swavory. Those are "sweet, spicy, converging with tangy" flavors that take swicy to new heights. Examples of swangy would be vinegar-forward items like chutneys, while swavory would be miso caramel or chile plum flavors.

Also out for 2026 is pistachios in everything, while in are new twists on tiramisu, such as peanut butter and jelly or banana. Other experts believe that guava, black sesame, and celery in desserts are due for a breakout year. If any of these comes to fruition I won't be mad about it as most of these flavors and combinations sound pretty good to me. Of course, no one has a crystal ball and it is difficult to predict when something will catch on - I don't think anyone foresaw Dubai chocolate.