Learn more about the rise of intense flavors in formulations, including:
- Spicy Baked Goods
- Globally Inspired Snacks
- Tropical Tastes
Food has always been a form of escape, but in the wake of global events over the past few years, the demand for unique, adventurous flavors has skyrocketed. From spicy sweets to tropical tastes, people are looking for a way to mimic the feeling of traveling without leaving the comforts of their own home. This concept is known as edible escapism, and it’s growing in popularity with 74% of global consumers saying they like food and drink products with new, unusual and exotic flavors1.
As demand for intense flavors and edible escapism continues to rise, so do other trends we have discussed in depth, including clean, plant-based ingredients and free-from products. To satisfy consumer demands, formulators are seeking creative ways to incorporate innovative flavor combinations, while still making sure their formulations are checking boxes for things like simple, healthy ingredients.
Let’s dive into three flavor-packed trends fueling interest in intense flavors and edible escapism:
1. Spicy Baked Goods
Turn up the heat on the traditionally sweet bakery category, like muffins and breads, with the rising interest in spicy baked goods. With over 20% of consumers interested in complex heat flavors2, food manufacturers can tap into a growing market by adding a spicy element, such as habanero or Mexican hot chocolate, to a sweet baked good.
With complex flavors like this, there must be a balance in the formulation to allow for the heated flavors to shine but not overpower the other ingredients. To accomplish this, formulators can use neutral-yet complimentary-ingredients, such as almond flour, to provide the desired balance. Neutral and slightly nutty in taste, almond flour works well in spicy bakery applications as the flavor notes balance out the sweetness of the sugar-allowing for the intense, spicy tastes to emerge. If you are looking to crank up the heat even further in your bakery offerings, flavored almonds, such as Sriracha almonds, can act as a vehicle to deliver the spicy experience consumers are demanding in a variety of baked goods.
2. Globally Inspired Snacks
First taking off during the height of the pandemic, people all over the world are seeking globally inspired snacks that transport their taste buds to new regions. In fact, 58% of consumers prioritize globally influenced flavors, like za’atar – a Middle Eastern spice mix containing a blend of floral, tangy and nutty flavors – when selecting snacks3, highlighting the desire for flavor tourism.
Boldly flavored almonds provide an opportunity to introduce unique global flavors into snack formulations, such as a snack bar. Whether enjoyed on their own, or in a snack mix, flavored almonds like Wasabi and Soy or Sriracha help consumers escape their everyday and indulge in unique flavors from various parts of the globe.
3. Tropical Tastes
Predicted to be a top trend in 2023, tropical flavors and colors have been found to inspire feelings of positivity and help individuals escape from stressful realities2. Additionally, around 50% of people perceive tropical and exotic flavors to be healthier, a key priority for today’s consumers4. These bold, ocean-front flavors such as guava and pina colada, allow shoppers to be mentally transported to a sunny beach.
Take consumers on a trip to the islands with tropical tasting and healthy, almond-based snack mixes, cookies, protein bars and ready-to-drink beverages. By pairing flavored ingredients like coconut and mango within almond-based products, food manufacturers can innovate a delicious tropical taste explosion that also provides nutritious benefits such as protein and fiber.
In all corners of the food and beverage industry, consumers are demanding unique edible experiences containing adventurous tastes from all over the globe. With 70% of shoppers ranking new and interesting flavors as important purchase criteria3, the demand for intense flavors is here to stay. Formulators can rely on the bold tastes of flavored almonds to make a snack mix stand out or depend on the neutral taste of unflavored almond ingredients to let the flavors of their exotic formulations shine.
For more expertise on intense flavors and edible escapism, check out our article with Kurt Waananen, R&D Director at Blue Diamond Growers, here. If you’re hungry for more insights on what to expect from flavor innovation, or to learn which almond inclusion flavors are available in your area, contact us or request a sample today.
References:
1 “ADM Releases Color and Flavor 2023 Trend Report,” Perfumer & Flavorist. 2022.
2 “2023 Flavor trends for food and beverage,” Nutritional Outlook. 2023.
3 “Flavor trends: Fusion snacks tipped for multisensory eating experiences,” Food Ingredients First. 2022.
4 “Flavor, Color & Texture: New Flavors are Sparking Consumer Interest,” FMCG Gurus. 2022.
