Did you know that humans only have five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umani but within these categories, there are an untold amount of flavours; more that chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.
Let's face it, we all love those popular sweet flavours, but they aren't the most unique! From lavender to matcha to citrus fruits, there are so many tastes out there, and trust us, you're going to want to try them.
Taste is so important, and when we find a sweet taste that we LOVE, it's hard to let it go, so we're going to help you find new flavours to enjoy...
Why We Love Sweet Flavours?
Our love for sweetness isn't something that has happened in recent years, in fact, it's been around for many many years and it is deeply ingrained in our biology.
Back in the days, our ancestors sought out sweet foods, like fruit, as this was a source of high energy and calories, giving them the fuel they needed to do daily activities. Also, sweetness was usually a sign that it was safe, as bitterness was usually seen as toxic.
Overtime, our bodies have come to reward us when we easy sweet food like candy or apples, by releasing our feel good hormone, giving us a sense of joy.
Must Try Sweet Flavours
Toffee
Toffee flavour is sweet and is made from two main ingredients, which are butter and brown sugar. The butter and sugar mixture is cooked for an extended period at temperatures around 295 Fahrenheit.
Some people think that toffee and butterscotch are the same flavours, but as a matter of fact, they are not. They have a slight difference in their cooking procedure which makes them two different flavours altogether. Toffee flavour is commonly used to make desserts like pumpkin dump cake, toffee bars, and cookies.
Butterscotch
Unlike toffee, Butterscotch is a type of soft-crack candy flavour slightly different from toffee flavour. There are significant similarities between caramel and butterscotch. Butterscotch is made from brown sugar, whereas caramel is made from white granulated sugar.
Butterscotch pudding is said to be scrumptious and is the most common dessert made from this flavour. Also, the butterscotch sauce is used as a topping on ice creams and even cake.
Banoffee
The word Banoffee means banana and toffee. Banoffee flavour is a combination of banana, cream, toffee, and creamy crunch. Banoffee is famous for making pie which is a well-liked sweet dish that originated in the United kingdom.
A Banoffee pie consists of three layers of toffee, bananas, and whipped cream. The topping could be any, but often it is sprinkled with chocolate gratings. Other desserts that contain Banoffee flavour are Banoffee tart, pavlova, and cheesecake.
Matcha (Japanese Green Tea)
Matcha has an earthy, slightly bitter flavour with just a hint of sweetness. Popular in lattes, ice creams, and Japanese mochi, matcha is beloved for its distinct umami taste, which perfectly balances with sweeter ingredients. It can be added to desserts like crème brûlée.
With its vibrant green colour and rich antioxidant content, matcha has gained worldwide popularity as both a delicious and nutritious choice. Its unique, vegetal tones add complexity to desserts, making them visually captivating as well as enjoyable to taste.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its light, floral aroma that brings an aromatic flavour. Often used in lavender honey, syrups, and shortbread, lavender adds a hint of fragrance that feels both luxurious and calming.
Its delicate floral notes pair beautifully with lemon, honey, and vanilla, creating a balanced sweetness that feels soothing and sophisticated. Lavender’s subtle presence makes it a favorite in desserts, transforming each bite into a unique and relaxing experience.
Parma Violets are a popular lavender flavoured sweet.
Salted Caramel
Salted caramel is a timeless combination of sweet and salty, with a rich, buttery base that is hard to resist. This flavour is often drizzled on cakes, filled into chocolates, or used as a sauce for various desserts.
The blend of salt and caramel intensifies the sweetness, adding a savory layer that’s comforting and deeply satisfying. This balanced contrast has made salted caramel universally appealing, offering an indulgent treat that appeals to those who enjoy both sweet and salty flavors.
Ube (Purple Yam)
Ube, a vibrant purple yam, has a nutty and mildly sweet flavor with a creamy texture. Popular in Filipino desserts like ube cakes and ice creams, ube’s unique taste and vibrant purple color make it both visually stunning and delicious.
Its mild sweetness doesn’t overpower, providing a balanced flavour that feels both unique and accessible. Ube’s natural creaminess also makes it an excellent base for rich desserts, giving them a smooth, luxurious texture that appeals to many.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is known for its tart and fruity profile, with a hint of cranberry-like flavour and floral undertones. Often used in teas, jams, and syrups, hibiscus adds a refreshing twist to sweets, especially when combined with other tropical flavours.
Its bright pink hue brings visual appeal, while its slightly sour note balances the sweetness, making it a perfect choice for refreshing summer desserts and drinks.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a warm and spicy flavour with hints of citrus that add an exotic touch to sweets. Commonly used in spiced cakes, chai-infused desserts, and cookies, cardamoms aromatic profile brings warmth and depth, especially in cold-weather treats.
Its cosy yet complex flavour is often paired with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it ideal for desserts that need a touch of spice, like apple pie with custard. Cardamom unique combination of spicy and sweet enhances desserts, adding intrigue to every bite.
Maple
Maple brings a rich, woody sweetness with caramel notes that give desserts a natural warmth. Frequently used in syrups, candies, and baked goods, maple is a favorite natural sweetener for its comforting and indulgent flavour and alway creates a delicious result.
Its deep caramel undertones pair well with nuts, chocolate, and spices, offering a wholesome alternative to refined sugar. The natural sweetness and earthy flavour of maple make it a go-to for anyone seeking a cosy, comforting dessert experience.
Passion Fruit
Passion fruit’s tropical, tangy flavour has a fragrance and sweetness that feel both exotic and refreshing. Often enjoyed in curds, sorbets, sauces, and pavlovas, passion fruit brings a unique balance of tartness and sweetness that lifts any dessert.
Its fragrant aroma and vibrant taste make it perfect for pairing with creamy or buttery bases, adding brightness to rich desserts.
Mango
Mango is renowned for its juicy, sweet taste with a touch of tanginess and floral notes. Found in sorbets, smoothies, and tropical cakes, mango’s lush flavour instantly elevates desserts. Its bright, golden hue and naturally sweet profile make it ideal for warm-weather treats, adding a refreshing and fruity punch.
Mango pairs wonderfully with creamy bases or even a touch of spice, making it versatile enough for both sweet and savory applications.
Watermelon
Watermelon has a light, crisp sweetness with hydrating, refreshing qualities that make it ideal for hot days. Popular in sorbets, popsicles, salads, and smoothies, watermelon’s subtle flavour keeps desserts light and refreshing.
Its high water content and crisp sweetness make it an ideal base for cooling, hydrating treats that feel effortless and enjoyable. Watermelon is also versatile enough to work well in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a unique, clean flavour that is beloved in many cuisines.
Unique Combination of Flavours
Flavours that are so different from each other, are often a great choice for pairing, and they complement each other so well!
Matcha can be paired with Lavender in a crème brûlée , the earthy matcha will balance the floral notes of Lavender.
Consider a salted caramel and hibiscus tart: the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel contrasts beautifully with the hibiscus’s tart and fruity tang, adding layers of depth and surprise.
For a cosy autumn twist, try maple and cardamom shortbread cookies, where warm, spicy cardamom elevates the maple’s woody sweetness, resulting in a comforting treat perfect for chilly days.