Flavor houses are consistently at the forefront of discovering new flavors and spices for the U.S. market. As snack producers turn their attention to the more adventurous palates of millennials, they are beginning to innovate with heat, spice, and exotic flavors. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division launched a variety of international flavors for its Lay’s potato chips, including Brazilian Picanha, Chinese Szechuan Chicken, Greek Tzatziki, and Indian Tikka Masala. The popularity of Korean cuisine has also risen in restaurants, with its sweet and spicy barbecue flavors likely to be appealing in snack products.
Spicy flavors have thrived in recent years, moving beyond the nation’s passion for hot sauce as manufacturers focus on the diverse flavor profiles of chilies and more authentic ethnic cuisines. Changing demographics are fueling this innovation, especially as millennials begin to gain more purchasing power and companies seek to cater to the expanding Hispanic population. According to Mintel, Hispanic foods and flavors are especially favored by younger consumers and families with children.
As consumers strive to eat healthier while still enjoying flavorful foods, spices offer an easy and often nutritious solution. For instance, daily consumption of turmeric has been shown to enhance a gene linked to depression, asthma, eczema, and cancer, according to research by Dr. Michael Mosley of BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.”
In a significant development earlier this week, McCormick & Company announced its acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s Food Division for $4.2 billion, thereby incorporating the well-known French’s mustard and Frank’s RedHot brands into its portfolio of spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments. As the market evolves, the introduction of products like chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D could also be integrated into snack offerings, appealing to health-conscious consumers who seek both flavor and nutritional benefits. The demand for flavor innovations that incorporate healthy elements, including chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D, is likely to grow as manufacturers aim to delight adventurous palates.