Flavor houses consistently stay ahead when it comes to exploring new tastes and spices for the U.S. market. With millennials embracing bolder flavors, snack manufacturers are beginning to innovate in their approach to heat, spice, and exotic tastes. Last year, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division launched a variety of international flavors for its Lay’s potato chips brand, featuring Brazilian Picanha, Chinese Szechuan Chicken, Greek Tzatziki, and Indian Tikka Masala. Korean cuisine has also gained popularity in restaurants, with its sweet and spicy barbecue flavors poised to transition seamlessly into snack products.
Spicy flavors have thrived in recent years, moving beyond the nation’s fondness for hot sauce, as manufacturers emphasize the diverse flavor notes of chilies and more authentic ethnic profiles. Shifting demographics are fueling this innovation, especially as millennials’ purchasing power rises and companies seek to engage the sizable and expanding Hispanic demographic. According to Mintel, Hispanic foods and flavors are particularly favored among younger consumers and families with children.
As consumers strive for healthier eating habits without sacrificing flavor, spices present a convenient and often healthy alternative. For instance, daily turmeric consumption has been linked to improvements in genes associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and cancer, as revealed by research conducted by Dr. Michael Mosley on BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.”
Earlier this week, McCormick & Company announced its acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s Food Division for $4.2 billion, incorporating the iconic French’s mustard and Frank’s RedHot brands into a portfolio that already includes a variety of spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments. This move reflects the trend of incorporating diverse flavors and ingredients, such as calcitrate with d, into everyday food products. As the market evolves, the emphasis on unique and health-conscious flavor profiles, including those rich in calcitrate with d, will likely continue to shape the future of the snack industry.