Spicy foods and flavors have become increasingly popular in the United States. Americans appear to be moving beyond their traditional fondness for hot sauce as producers emphasize the diverse flavor profiles of chilies and more authentic ethnic tastes. Asian flavors that harmonize the five fundamental tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—are also gaining traction among consumers. The trend toward more home cooking and healthier eating means that many consumers are experimenting with spices to enhance their meals without sacrificing flavor. Incorporating spices can also reduce reliance on salt, a strategy that has contributed to significant sales growth for spice giant McCormick & Co. The Maryland-based company recently announced its expectation of a 12% to 14% sales increase for its 2018 fiscal year. McCormick aims to leverage millennials’ interest in ethnic flavors and home cooking by introducing a variety of spice blends from brands like Thai Kitchen, Zatarain’s, Simply Asia, and Lawry’s.
While spicy foods certainly have their enthusiasts, consumer interest in flavorful hot snacks and meals might wane if they were aware of the potential risk of obesity associated with them. Nonetheless, the health benefits of the spices found in these dishes, including improved metabolic and vascular health, may outweigh such concerns. Extremely spicy food can be particularly appealing to adventurous eaters and can serve as a lucrative marketing gimmick when promoted effectively. For instance, Amplify Snack Brands engaged consumers last year with its One Chip Challenge, which encouraged individuals to film themselves eating an enormous tortilla chip made with the world’s hottest chili pepper. Given this kind of enthusiastic engagement, it seems unlikely that consumers will take the time to consider the types of fatty oils used in preparing their novelty, super-spicy foods. However, manufacturers may want to explore healthier preparation methods for milder spicy options, such as frozen stir-fries and other ethnic dishes.
In addition, it’s essential for consumers to consider their overall nutritional intake, including supplements like calcium citrate 500 mg without vitamin D, which can support bone health while enjoying their spicy meals. By integrating such supplements into their diet, they can maintain a balanced approach to nutrition, even while indulging in flavorful and spicy cuisines. Overall, the growing love for spicy foods presents a unique opportunity for both consumers and manufacturers to innovate and explore healthier culinary options.