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Spanning from June to September, the summer season is filled with refreshing flavors and summertime classics consumers look forward to each year. Each summer, consumers await innovative seasonal and limited-edition products that feature exciting new flavors, formats and collaborations. Bakery, snacks, and dairy dominated this season, but developers can find inspiration cross category.

From summer’s nostalgic tastes to BBQ season and the hype around pickle, let’s take a look back at the trending seasonal products and flavors for summer, and see where you can find inspiration for your brand.

57% of consumers are interested in purchasing limited-edition retail items or restaurant specials/LTOs in the summer – Datassential

Below are summer’s top flavors in seasonal and limited-edition launches this year.

Top Flavors in Seasonal/LTO Products:

North America Introductions, Jun. 2025 – Sept. 2025

• Pumpkin/Squash/Gourd & Spice/Spicy
• Caramel/Caramelized & Apple
• S’mores
• Cherry
• Hot
• Caramel/Caramelized
• Dill & Pickle/Pickled
• Strawberry
• Mango
• Key Lime

Growing Flavors in Seasonal/LTO Products:

Global Introductions, Q2 2024 vs. Q2 2025

• Peanut Butter +500%
• Chilli/Chilli Pepper +500%
• Pickle/Pickled 400%
• Barbecue/BBQ/Barbacoa 400%
• Brownie 400%

Notable Product Introductions:

• 7up Endless Summer Flavored Soda
• Siggi’s Spiced Pear & Fig Simple Ingredient Skyr Low Fat Yogurt
• La Colombe S’mores Latte

Flavors on the Menu

1,167 launched menu items & LTO’s in Summer 2025 – Datassential

• Zaxby’s Nerds Strawberry Milkshake
• Wawa Spicy Jalapeno Ranch Pizza
• Potbelly Pork BBQ Mac

Key Trends

• Nostalgic Tastes
• Barbecue
• Pickle Summer

Top Categories

Bakery, Snacks, & Dairy ranked highest for top North America categories with summer seasonal and limited-edition offerings – Mintel GNPD

Nostalgic Tastes

S’mores, lemonade, watermelon and more — the nostalgic tastes and feelings of summer ring true to consumers each year. Consumers love these classic flavors and are intrigued by those with unique and exciting modern twists to switch things up. We’re seeing this turn toward nostalgia in both the retail and dining space. 

Products of Note: 

Kroger Summer Collection Fireside Nights Ice Cream features campfire orange swirl & s’mores spices in toasted marshmallow flavored ice cream.

Coca‑Cola® Orange Cream blends Coca-Cola's classic taste with orange and vanilla flavors for a creamy taste. It is reminiscent of an orange creamsicle with a twist. 

Barbecue

Grilling season isn’t grilling season without some barbecue! While an already beloved profile, variations of barbeque are showing growth globally. We’ve seen 400% growth in Global Introductions, Q2 2024 vs Q2 2025 according to Mintel. Innovation opportunities with this profile are endless, especially in the savory space.

81% consumers love or like BBQ – Datassential

Products of Note:

Kraft Smoky Barbecue Mac & Cheese is a limited edition and features a blend of savory BBQ and cheesy mac. It is said to be smoky, sweet and seasoned to perfection.

Snickers Chocolate Barbecue Sauce was crafted with NFL player Josh Allen. The sauce features a sweet, savory, and smoky taste experience.


Pickle Summer

Pickle profiles are popping off! In fact, pickle was listed as one of the top limited-edition/seasonal flavors in product launches this season. We’ve also seen 400% growth in Global Introductions, Q2 2024 vs Q2 2025. From pickled flavored candy to non-alcoholic beverages and more, there’s much innovation potential with this exciting profile.

71% consumers love or like pickle – Datassential

Products of Note:

Clancy’s Spicy Dill Pickle Flavored Wavy Potato Chips are gluten free chips topped with a spicy dill pickle seasoning for a “kick of heat in every bite.” | Aldi

Sonic Picklerita Slush was a limited-time offering that featured pickle juice and lime flavors with pickle-flavored gel bubbles and a dill pickle chip garnish. The fast-food chain had a full pickle menu in collaboration with Grillo’s for a limited time | Sonic


A Word From Our Expert

Roger Lane, Sr. Product Manager

“This summer reminded us that flavor isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s also about the moments and memories it evokes. Smoke in the air, tangy bites that surprise and familiar comforts returning to the table all shaped the season’s story. What makes these flavors stand out isn’t novelty alone, but the way they reimagine tradition. This season proved that the most powerful tastes are the ones that feel both timeless and new, and grounded in comfort yet alive with fresh energy.”

View our Seasonal Lookback on Summer Flavors

Order your free flavor sample here.

You deserve more. Let’s get started.

What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let McCormick Flavor Solutions market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor, seasoning and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact your sales representative or chat us up here.