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Beer Flavour Trends 2026
European market research from the Metarom Group 2026 beer newsletter, published by Metarom Australia with the natural flavours we make in Sydney to match each trend.
The top 5 beer flavours launched in Europe between January 2024 and December 2025 were lemon, mango, lime, raspberry and grapefruit, with peach and ginger the up-and-coming flavours of 2025. Growth is coming from alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers, fruit-flavoured beers aimed at younger drinkers, and craft beers.
Top 5 beer flavours launched in Europe
Flavours of new beer products launched in Europe between January 2024 and December 2025, ranked.
- 1Lemon
- 2Mango
- 3Lime
- 4Raspberry
- 5Grapefruit
Up-and-coming flavours in 2025: Peach, Ginger.
What is happening in the beer market
The beer market is currently driven by both economic constraints and new consumer expectations.
An affordable product, beer particularly appeals to the younger generation, who prefer it to wine or spirits for budgetary reasons. In the UK, 59% of 18 to 34 year-olds say they drink beer to save money.
At the same time, innovation is focusing on low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers, in response to a growing demand for moderation and well-being. These products, now perceived as a modern lifestyle choice, are diversifying by incorporating additional benefits inspired by functional beverages.
Finally, the demand for variety is growing: consumers, especially young adults, are looking for new flavours (fruity, lemony or original) and are drawn to craft beers or limited editions, which remain under-exploited in recent innovations.
No/low: alcohol-free beer is gaining ground
In France, beer is the most consumed no/low drink: 61% of French no/low drinkers choose beer (-4 pts vs 2024), ahead of cocktails at 42% (-6 pts), spirits at 21% (+4 pts), wine at 17% (+7 pts) and sparkling wines at 14% (new). Source: SoWine barometer 2025.
Alcohol-free beers and beer-based alcohol-free beverages are increasingly popular, particularly among 18 to 25 year-olds (+11% vs 2024). Consumers see them as a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle without giving up enjoyment. They prefer alcohol-free beers that reproduce the taste of their alcoholic counterparts, offer specific nutritional benefits, or introduce innovative flavours.
For brands, this opens up opportunities for innovation and communication around well-being and hydration. Alcohol-free beer is establishing itself as a modern choice, combining pleasure with a healthy lifestyle.
Alcohol-free beer-based drinks flavoured with apricot juice, and with white peach and green tea
A leading brand in alcohol-free beers, Tourtel Twist continues to innovate with recipes that are increasingly varied and indulgent. The brand recently launched a new apricot juice variety, enriching its fruity range with a sweet, summery flavour. At the same time, Tourtel Twist is aligning with the well-being trend with a White Peach & Green Tea recipe, reduced in sugar by 30%. The choice of tea is associated with an image of naturalness and health.
Alcohol-free beer-based drink flavoured with mango, pineapple and orange
Cool+ launches a new alcohol-free beer flavoured with mango, pineapple and orange. Enriched with zinc, ginseng and vitamins C, B5 and B6, low in calories and preservative-free, it illustrates the no/low trend by combining fruity flavour, naturalness and health benefits.
In search of novelty: flavoured beers are changing the game
Flavoured beers are establishing themselves as a dynamic segment, driven by young consumers' appetite for new and more affordable tastes. Fruity, citrus, exotic fruit and even botanical profiles particularly appeal to a generation seeking originality and freshness, far from the traditional bitterness of beer.
Innovation plays a key role: limited editions and craft creations attract attention, offering brands the chance to surprise and explore new flavour territories. This diversification reflects a strong expectation to combine pleasure, variety and sensory experience, making flavoured beers an essential lever for renewing interest in the category.
Blond beer in three flavours: lemon/lime, mango/passion fruit and cherry/pomegranate
Desperados is expanding its offer in France with a new range of blond flavoured beers designed for summer, with reduced alcohol content emphasising lightness and conviviality. The range was voted Best Beverage Innovation by French consumers according to Worldpanel by Numerator, and ranked 4th best launch by NielsenIQ.
Beer-based drinks in three flavours: apple, lemon/yuzu and raspberry/pomegranate
Somersby is entering the French market with a range of blond beers infused with fruity notes. With these original combinations, Somersby aims to appeal to a young, inquisitive audience.
Craft beers: authenticity and creativity on the rise
In 2025 the craft beer market continued to grow, up 11 points compared with 2024. This is explained by consumers' growing appetite, particularly among younger generations, for new and original taste experiences. Craft breweries stand out for their ability to surprise: original recipes, limited editions, unexpected flavour pairings and creative packaging.
Beyond innovation, craft beers embody a quest for authenticity. Their local production and traditional know-how appeal to consumers looking for transparency, proximity and commitment to independent producers. Storytelling about ingredient origins, brewing methods and the brewers themselves has become an essential lever.
Craft lager from Hamburg
Digga Bräu combines Hanseatic brewing tradition with a sweet, refreshing note. Golden yellow in the glass, with a fine foam, it reveals a smooth, floral taste.
West Coast Double IPA
This beer reflects the artisanal trend, highlighting expertise and product quality. Hand-brewed in Cornwall with carefully selected ingredients, its full-bodied taste with notes of pine, grapefruit and tangerine reflects the brewer's attention to flavour.
Our natural flavours to capture these trends
The flavours Metarom selected for this category. Each code links to its full page with tasting notes, dosage, price breaks, PIF and SDS. All are made in Sydney with a 5 business day lead time plus transit.
| Code | Flavour | Tasting notes | Range | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMP9722 | Peach | fleshy, velvety, mellow | Natural range (MPG carrier, water soluble) | 10kg |
| AAG0822 | Grapefruit | citrus, bitterness, floral | Beverage range (ethanol/alcohol carrier, water soluble) | 8kg |
| AMP9649 | Pear | true-to-fruit, beurre-bosc, floral | Natural range (MPG carrier, water soluble) | 10kg |
| AMR9656 | Raspberry | berry, floral, musky | Natural range (MPG carrier, water soluble) | 10kg |
| AAG6517 | Gingerbread | cinnamon, honey, spicy | Beverage range (ethanol/alcohol carrier, water soluble) | 8kg |
Source: Metarom Group market newsletter 2026 (Beer), covering product launches in Europe from January 2024 to December 2025. Download the original PDF.
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