Odds are, you have a McCormick seasoning or two in your spice rack, but did you know the brand chooses a flavor of the year? We’ve got the scoop.

Swipe through to learn about McCormick’s flavor of 2026.

It’s Black Currant!

Drumroll, please…. The McCormick’s Flavor of 2026 is black currant! It’s a berry that has a tart, tangy and sweet flavor. McCormick says black currant addresses consumer demand for ingredients that are opulent and exotic, yet still simple and affordable.

Where Do They Grow?

The black currants typically used in food production are grown in central and northern Europe and northern Asia, where they are native. However, there are black currant species that are native to the U.S. as well. These mostly grow in the Northeast (New York and Connecticut) and in the Pacific Northwest. The plant prefers fertile soils in cool, moist and partly shady environments like woodlands and stream banks.

A Banned Fruit

Although wild and cultivated black currants are making a comeback in some parts of the U.S., growing them was once banned. In the early 20th century, it was discovered that they hosted a fungus that killed white pine trees, which were harvested for timber, so black currants were put on the no-grow list. The ban has gradually been lifted and the plants are becoming more common.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

How Do I Eat Them?

You can eat them fresh if you’re lucky enough to find them at a farmer’s market or similar. Most often, in the U.S., you’ll find black current jam, jelly or sauce. You might also see black currant juice on grocery shelves. Black currant powder is also a delicious and healthful addition to smoothies.

Photography: Mary McDonald via Pinterest

Nutritional Value

Black currants have one of the highest antioxidant values for fruit. They’re packed with anthocyanins, which fight free radicals in the body and reduce cell damage. They also have high levels of Vitamin C, as well as vitamins A, B5, B6, B1 and E.

Cheesecake

Simply make your favorite cheesecake recipe (or buy one!) and top it with fresh black currants if you can find them. Or you can put black currant preserves in a small saucepan on the stove, add a bit of fruit juice and cook and stir to thin the jam a bit before letting it cool and spreading it on your cheesecake. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of juice per half cup of jam.

Photography: Pinterest/Only Crumbs Remain

Black Currant Cookie Bars

Have you ever had apple or blueberry bars that are topped with an oatmeal crumble? You can make a similar dessert using black currant jam. Delicous!

Photography: Pinterest/Annie Ngai {Annie's Noms}