Irvine, CA, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abstrax, a global leader in terpene science and flavor innovation, is releasing its 2026 Cannabis Flavor & Application Trends Guide, a new resource developed to help brands decide what to launch in 2026, which flavors to prioritize, and how to build winning product portfolios in a crowded market. The report combines Abstrax’s own proprietary terpene and flavor sales data with third party market research to map the next wave of growth across vapes, gummies, pre-rolls, and beverages for both cannabis and hemp brands.
Built from years of research, development, and commercial launches, the 2026 report distills what is actually selling on dispensary shelves. It highlights that nearly 60 percent of cannabis consumers prioritize flavor above all else when choosing vapes, and that flavor variety is the top driver for purchases across North America. It also shows how low brand loyalty in many categories creates room for disruptors that lead with bolder, more targeted flavor systems.
“Abstrax has reached a point where we’re not just interpreting other people’s data. We now have our own multi-year flavor and terpene dataset that we aggregate alongside the best available market research,” said Kevin Koby, CEO of Abstrax. “The 2026 Flavor & Applications Guide turns that information into something actionable that a brand can use to gain an edge. If you’re planning out your next 12 to 18 months of launches, you can open this report, look at your current portfolio, and see exactly where you are in terms of flavor, function, and format. It’s like a free cheat sheet.”
Flavor guidance is organized by demographics and use cases so teams can quickly see where their current product lineup may need attention. Gen Z and Millennial consumers dominate vape purchases and respond strongly to innovative, nostalgic, and exotic profiles, so the guide calls out five high performing territories that can run across vapes, gummies, and beverages.
“The report is built for line reviews and innovation meetings,” said Jack Peat III, President of Abstrax. “You can sit down with your team, lay your current options next to these trends, and immediately see where your gaps are. Our goal is to give brands a clear starting point and then help them execute with terpene and flavor systems that are scaled, compliant, and true to the experience they promise.”
The Trends Guide shows which products are now category essentials and which formats are best for bringing new consumers into cannabis. Edibles remain the leading non-inhalable format, with gummies representing roughly three quarters of edible sales. A growing share of consumers name edibles as their preferred way to consume cannabis because they are convenient, discreet, and flavor forward. The guide treats gummies and other non-inhalable products as must haves and shows how flavor planning can keep core SKUs relevant while introducing limited editions without adding operational drag.
It even contains guidance for navigating the recent legal changes surrounding hemp and cannabis beverages, along with recommended flavor profiles that are gaining popularity in cannabis and mainstream beverages, including next-gen citrus and tropical fruits like lychee, blood orange, yuzu, guava, and pineapple. It also explores herbal, floral, and spiced profiles that speak to wellness and special occasions. Guidance on how to pair these flavors with terpenes, adaptogens, and other functional ingredients also illuminate how brands can build beverages that deliver both flavor and effect.
While the 2026 Cannabis Flavor & Application Trends focus on regulated cannabis, the framework extends to functional beverages, edibles, and other categories that rely on flavor to drive repeat purchases. The guide is available for free today on Abstrax Tech’s website.
Click here to download the 2026 Cannabis Flavor & Application Trends guide.
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About Abstrax: Where Innovation and Science Meets Flavor Mastery
Abstrax Tech is a flavor science company pioneering the future of cannabis-inspired terpene innovation. Founded in 2017, the company has become a global leader in advanced flavor discovery, product safety, and scalable solutions for the cannabis industry. At its core, Abstrax Tech combines rigorous research with bold creativity, operating under the philosophy of Flavor Intelligence™ - the idea that science and data can unlock extraordinary sensory experiences.
The company’s portfolio spans a wide spectrum of products, including hemp-derived and botanical terpene strain profiles, flavored terpene blends, mood-boosting formulations, custom creations, and specialized solutions for edibles, vapes, and concentrates. These offerings are trusted by brands ranging from ambitious startups to the largest multi-state operators, who rely on Abstrax to deliver consistent, compliant, and scalable products that meet evolving consumer demands.
Abstrax also leads the industry in cannabis toxicology research for inhalation safety, helping to set new standards of compliance and consumer protection. Their discovery of key compounds such as cannasulfurs - responsible for the cannabis plant’s gassy aroma - and fatty acids that produce the “cheese” note highlights an unmatched ability to decode the chemistry of flavor and aroma.
The company’s leadership and innovation have earned widespread recognition. Abstrax has been featured on the cover of Forbes, honored on Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators list, and ranked twice on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. With a vision to be the most trusted flavor partner for brands worldwide, Abstrax continues to push boundaries, turning bold ideas into unforgettable consumer experiences.
Attachments
Daniel Cabuay Abstrax +1 (562) 294-5805 pr@abstraxtech.com
