When the company behind the industry's most closely watched flavor report picks an "it" berry, foodservice operators should pay attention. McCormick has spent 26 years telling the industry what's coming next—and for 2026, its answer is Black Currant. Now the flavor giant is putting that call into action with two limited-edition menu collaborations that show operators exactly how a trend berry travels from the spice aisle to a dessert pizza and a frozen yogurt cup.
Starting August 3, McCormick is bringing its 2026 Flavor of the Year to life through partnerships with two fan-favorite brands: New York–born pizzeria Prince St. Pizza (August 3–August 31) and Mediterranean lifestyle brand Go Greek Yogurt (August 31–September 28). The back-to-back rollouts are designed to prove one thing—that a small, bold berry can flex across wildly different formats and dayparts.
Why Black Currant, and Why Now
McCormick crowned Black Currant its 2026 Flavor of the Year as part of the annual Flavor Forecast, the global report that has identified emerging tastes since 2000. The pitch: a berry that reads bold, bright, and versatile, with the added tailwind of perceived health benefits that resonate with today's better-for-you consumer.
"For 26 years, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has explored the intersection of food and culture to predict the future of flavor," said Tabata Gomez, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at McCormick. "We identified Black Currant as the next big thing in flavor because it is a small-but-mighty berry that is bold, bright, and deliciously versatile. Together with Prince Street Pizza and Go Greek Yogurt, we're bringing Black Currant to life through unexpected, craveable experiences that show why it earned its title as this year's 'it' berry."
A Dessert Pizza Built for Nostalgia
The first drop is a first for Prince St. Pizza: its debut nationwide dessert pizza, the Black Currant Big Apple Pie Pizza. Available at all locations throughout August, the pie is topped with McCormick Black Currant Finishing Sugar and a frosting drizzle, pairing dark-berry notes against classic apple-pie sweetness.
To amplify the launch, the brands tapped social media sensation and longtime fan Hannah Stocking to spotlight the moment. Consumers can try it in person or order nationwide delivery through Prince St. Pizza's website, UberEats, and Postmates.
"This collaboration brought together two brands that share a passion for flavor and creativity," said Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince St. Pizza. "Partnering with McCormick gave us the opportunity to explore a completely new side of pizza, blending familiar dessert-inspired flavors with the bold, over-the-top approach our guests expect from Prince St. Pizza. The result is a fun, nostalgic offering that's unlike anything we've done before."
A High-Protein Frozen Yogurt Play
The second rollout leans into wellness. Go Greek Yogurt is introducing a limited-edition Black Currant frozen yogurt, available exclusively until September 28 at participating stores nationwide. Built on the brand's signature high-protein, probiotic-rich base, the flavor channels the same dark-berry profile McCormick highlights across its Sweet & Smoky Black Currant Seasoning and Black Currant Finishing Sugar—now in a creamy, refreshing format.
"At Go Greek Yogurt, we are always looking for meaningful ways to bring new experiences to our guests through thoughtful collaborations and exceptional ingredients. Partnering with McCormick to celebrate Black Currant as its Flavor of the Year was a natural fit," said Tanja Subotic, Co-Founder of Go Greek Yogurt. "Black currant's delicious balance of tartness and sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy tang of authentic Greek yogurt. We are excited to share this limited-edition creation and invite our guests to discover this new flavor!"
Why It Matters
For operators and buyers, this is more than a fun collaboration—it's a live demonstration of how to monetize a named trend. McCormick's Flavor of the Year gives menu developers a credible, industry-backed peg, while the two-format execution (indulgent dessert on one side, high-protein better-for-you on the other) shows the flavor's range across price points and guest occasions.
- LTOs drive traffic and buzz. A limited-edition, delivery-enabled item with an influencer tie-in is a proven recipe for trial and social reach—useful for any operator planning a fall menu refresh.
- Trend berries are stackable. The same Black Currant Seasoning and Finishing Sugar behind these drops are available at retail, so restaurants and foodservice teams can test the flavor on their own applications without reformulating from scratch.
- Health-forward framing sells. Go Greek Yogurt's probiotic, high-protein base pairs the "it" berry with wellness cues—an on-trend combination for grocers, cafés, and QSR operators chasing functional appeal.
The practical takeaway: watch what the flavor authorities forecast, then move early. Black currant is bright, versatile, and easy to slot into a signature dessert, beverage, or better-for-you SKU before the trend goes mainstream.
How to Try the 2026 Flavor of the Year
Beyond the collaborations, McCormick's Sweet & Smoky Naturally Flavored Black Currant Seasoning and Black Currant Finishing Sugar are available now, along with recipes for both. Learn more about the brand and its flavor program at mccormickcorporation.com.
Looking for more moves at the intersection of flavor trends and food marketing? See how Quaker turned an edible calendar into a habit-driven marketing playbook, and how PRETZELIZED partnered with Crayola for back-to-school snacking.
Is black currant the next breakout flavor on your menu—or a passing novelty? Drop your take in the comments and tell us how you'd put the 2026 "it" berry to work.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
