Flavor houses often stay ahead of trends when it comes to discovering new flavors and spices for the U.S. market. With millennials leaning towards more adventurous tastes, snack manufacturers are beginning to innovate in their approach to heat, spice, and exotic flavors. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division introduced 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 is also on the rise in restaurants, and its sweet and spicy barbecue flavors are expected to transition well into snack products.
Spicy flavors have remained popular in recent years, moving beyond the nation’s fondness for hot sauce, as manufacturers emphasize the unique flavor profiles of different chilies and more authentic ethnic tastes. Changing demographics are driving this innovation, especially as millennials’ purchasing power grows and companies look to reach the expanding Hispanic population. Research by Mintel shows that Hispanic foods and flavors are particularly favored by younger consumers and families with children.
As consumers increasingly seek healthier options without sacrificing flavor, spices present an easy and often nutritious solution. For instance, research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that daily consumption of turmeric can enhance a gene associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and cancer. This aligns with the efforts of companies like McCormick & Company, which recently agreed to purchase Reckitt Benckiser’s Food Division for $4.2 billion. This acquisition adds the renowned French’s mustard and Frank’s RedHot brands to McCormick’s extensive portfolio of spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments.
In this evolving landscape, the demand for innovative products like calcium citrate from chemist warehouse is rising, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek alternatives that enhance their favorite flavors. This trend is likely to continue, with manufacturers exploring new ways to incorporate spices and flavors that cater to the adventurous palates of today’s consumers.