Snacking is still growing positively, especially among millennials and Gen Z-ers. Consumers sought after snacks that provided comfort, nostalgia, and variety during their time stuck in quarantine and who could blame them? They looked for snacks that were both functional, nutritional, and not lacking in flavor. We noticed a couple of trending flavor profiles that you should keep your eye out for – and give them a try! Check out some of these profiles currently trending in the snack category:
- Elote: A sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory blend inspired by the flavors of a popular Mexican street food, elote. Those contrasting flavors are brought together with notes of sweet corn, salty cheese, and spicy chile.
- Baharat: A traditional seasoning blend from the Middle East and similar to garam masala, Baharat seasoning blend brings warm and earthy notes with a subtle sweet heat. It’s wonderfully paired with chocolate for that unique sweet warming experience.
- Yuzu Serrano: Taken from the classic pairing of serrano peppers and yuzu sauce on yellowtail sashimi, chefs are adding this citrus fruit flavor to their menu items while highlighting new chiles. These flavors are married up with an added a hint of lime.
- Herbs de Provence: A combination of aromatic dried herbs, like thyme and marjoram, is coupled with lavender in this French staple seasoning blend. We see this botanical blend being added to cheese curds and trail mixes.
- Hibiscus: Not just meant for tea anymore, hibiscus is bringing its floral tartness to foods and compliments sweet and savory foods alike. Its full of antioxidants and vitamin C and offers a gorgeous magenta hue to any food its used in.
- Nashville Hot: Everyone likes some spicy chicken, so of course the force for its evolution is upon us. Most blends contain notes of fermented chiles for its complex, savory heat, a touch of sugar for sweetness, and some vinegar that complete the traditional flavor top notes of Nashville Hot.
- Thai Sweet Chili: This sweet heat condiment sauce is a blend of sugar, peppers, garlic, and other flavorful ingredients. It’s a versatile and bold flavor profile.
- Mojo: A staple in Cuban cuisine, this profile originates from a marinade using the indigenous sour orange, a citrus fruit commonly blended with garlic and earthy herbs. Many items on the market have been limited to Mexican cuisine and we’re seeing consumers’ curiosities expanding to foods from other Latin American cuisines.
Is your innovation team considering expanding your product line with trend-forward flavor profiles? Please call me or one of our well-seasoned team members today!
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