Flavors into Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmaceuticals Market
Flavoring is a subtle but powerful lever in OTC product design. Historically critical in pediatric medicines, flavors are increasingly used across adult OTC formulations — cough syrups, chewables, lozenges, oral suspensions, and even some topical and oral hygiene products — to improve palatability, adherence, and product differentiation on crowded retail shelves.
Market drivers: rising consumer preference for pleasant sensory experiences, growth of pediatric and geriatric OTC segments (where taste matters more), expansion of chewable and liquid formats, and stronger collaboration between flavor houses and pharmaceutical manufacturers are pushing demand for pharmaceutical-grade flavors. Regulatory attention to safety, allergen disclosure and masking of bitter APIs also influences formulation choices. Market analysts estimate the global flavors-into-OTC market to be a multi-billion-dollar sector, with projected growth driven by Asia-Pacific expansion, new format launches, and innovation in taste-masking technologies.
Market Research Future
+1
Trends and product innovation: fruit, citrus, herbal (mint), and novel natural flavors…