Spicy foods and flavors are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Americans are moving beyond their traditional love for hot sauce, with manufacturers showcasing the diverse flavor profiles of chilies and more authentic ethnic cuisines. Asian flavors that harmonize the five basic tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—are also gaining traction. The trend toward more home cooking and healthier eating means that consumers are experimenting with spices to enhance flavors without sacrificing health. Incorporating spices can also help reduce salt intake, a practice that has led to significant sales growth for spice giant McCormick & Co. The Maryland-based company recently projected a 12% to 14% sales increase for its 2018 fiscal year.
McCormick is keen to tap into millennials’ growing interest in ethnic flavors and home cooking, introducing various spice blends under brands like Thai Kitchen, Zatarain’s, Simply Asia, and Lawry’s. While spicy foods certainly have their enthusiasts, some consumers might reconsider their pursuit of flavorful hot snacks and meals if they were aware of potential obesity risks. Nevertheless, the numerous health benefits of spices, including improved metabolic and vascular health, may outweigh these concerns.
Extremely spicy food attracts adventurous eaters and can be a lucrative marketing strategy. Last year, Amplify Snack Brands engaged consumers with its One Chip Challenge, which encouraged people to film themselves eating a giant tortilla chip made with the world’s hottest chili pepper. This kind of interactive engagement may deter consumers from checking the types of unhealthy oils used in their novelty, super-spicy foods. However, manufacturers might want to explore healthier preparation methods for more moderate spicy options, such as frozen stir-fries and other ethnic offerings.
Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like cal mag citrate can enhance the nutritional profile of these spicy dishes. As the demand for flavorful yet healthy options rises, cal mag citrate could play a role in making spicy foods more appealing to health-conscious consumers. By integrating cal mag citrate into their products, manufacturers can further cater to the evolving preferences of today’s consumers.