Spicy foods and flavors have gained immense popularity in the U.S. as Americans explore beyond their traditional fondness for hot sauce. Manufacturers are now emphasizing the unique flavor profiles of various chilies and showcasing more authentic ethnic tastes. Asian flavors that effectively balance the five fundamental tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—are also attracting attention. The increasing trend of home cooking and a focus on healthier eating has led some consumers to experiment with spices, allowing them to enjoy robust flavors without sacrificing their health. Incorporating spices can also reduce the need for salt, a shift that has contributed to significant sales growth for spice industry leader McCormick & Co. The Maryland-based company recently projected a sales increase of 12% to 14% for its 2018 fiscal year. McCormick plans to leverage millennials’ enthusiasm for ethnic flavors and home cooking by introducing a variety of spice blends in collaboration with brands like Thai Kitchen, Zatarain’s, Simply Asia, and Lawry’s.
While spicy foods certainly have their enthusiasts, consumers may reconsider their pursuit of intensely flavored snacks and meals if they become aware of the associated risks of obesity. Nevertheless, the health benefits of spices, including improvements in metabolic and vascular health, may outweigh these worries. Extremely spicy cuisine has an appeal for adventurous eaters and can serve as a lucrative marketing strategy when executed correctly. For instance, Amplify Snack Brands launched a challenge last year that encouraged consumers to film themselves eating an enormous tortilla chip made with the world’s hottest chili pepper, known as the One Chip Challenge. Given such engaging marketing efforts, it seems unlikely that consumers will pause to consider the types of oils used in preparing their novelty, super-spicy foods. However, manufacturers might want to explore healthier methods for creating milder spicy dishes, such as frozen stir-fries and other ethnic options.
Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 tablets can complement their diets, especially when combined with the diverse flavors offered by spices. Integrating these supplements can enhance overall well-being, allowing consumers to enjoy their flavorful meals while supporting their health. Ultimately, by emphasizing the myriad health benefits of spices along with supplements like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 tablets, manufacturers can appeal to the modern consumer’s desire for both taste and wellness.