Wixon Captures Exotic Taste of Tropics in New Flavor Systems
July 21, 2025 | 3 min to read
Tamarind and Guava flavors highlighted in novel applications at IFT FIRST
FRANCIS, Wis. – Wixon launched its latest flavor innovations at the IFT FIRST annual expo in Chicago today at booth S4616. The globally-inspired, guava and tamarind flavor systems offer product developers bold, exotic taste profiles with a familiar sweet and tart appeal. Each of the flavors is distinctive yet versatile enough to be used in either featured or supporting roles in both sweet and savory food and beverage applications. “The guava is a blend of strawberry and pear with tropical notes,” explains Jessica Lopez, Flavor Chemist, Wixon. “While the tamarind tastes of a mix of lemon and apricot with a subtle caramel-like back note.”
Guava and tamarind are rapidly emerging as trending flavors in the food and beverage industry, enticing consumers with their bold, globally-inspired profiles. These flavors reflect the growing popularity of Latin American and Southeast Asian cuisines among U.S. consumers. According to the market intelligence firm, Datassential, over the past four years, guava and tamarind have experienced triple-digit growth in new U.S. menu items at 184% and 202%, respectively.
“The sweet-tart flavor of guava is well-known among Latino, Asian, and Caribbean communities,” says Rachael Jarzembowski, Wixon Marketing Manager. “This gives it cultural resonance while still delivering novelty. Similarly, tamarind is widely used in global cuisines. It offers a singularly distinctive sweet-sour-tart profile that appeals to more adventurous, flavor-curious consumers.” Because of their dynamic profiles, the guava and tamarind perform well in sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor systems.
Snack and beverage applications, featuring Wixon’s guava and tamarind flavor systems, will be available to sample during the annual event. Visitors are invited to booth S4616 to experience the flavors’ sweet-tangy tropical appeal in the following:
- Guava Iced Black Tea
- Spicy Guava Potato Chips
- Sweet Guava Beef Jerky
- Tamarind Refresher Beverage
- Tamarind Mango Potato Chips
- Tamarind Ginger Beef Jerky
For more information about these and other Wixon flavor solutions, visit www.wixon.com.
About Wixon Inc.
As a trusted manufacturer of dry and liquid custom taste solutions since 1907, Wixon provides seasoning blends, flavors, and flavor technologies to food, beverage, and nutritional companies across all retail and foodservice channels. Wixon also offers consumer packaging options for companies seeking turnkey solutions for dry mix food, beverage, and nutrition products. Combining creative taste capabilities and solutions with a passion for service, Wixon drives innovation and differentiation for its customers. Located in St. Francis, Wis., Wixon is certified FSSC 22000, a Food Safety System certification fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Visit www.wixon.com for information on products and capabilities.