FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS

Innovation on the Menu

This edition discusses the importance of innovative menus and flavor trends in the foodservice industry to attract consumers and overcome challenges in the post-pandemic recovery.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #1

FEAR LIES IN THE UNKNOWN

30% of consumers are likely to be deterred by new flavors if they are not described on the menu. Operators should ensure that menu lingo is clear to provide consumers context into what they are ordering and remove the fear of the unknown.

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #2

ON-PREMISE DINING PROMOTES NEW FLAVOR TRIAL

Nearly half (46%) of consumers are more likely to try new flavors when eating at a restaurant than when ordering takeout/delivery. For restaurants more geared towards takeout and delivery, like limited-service restaurants, menu items should still offer elevated flavor experiences, but should focus more on balancing new flavors with well-established flavors and ingredients.

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #3

THERE IS POWER IN SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Younger consumers are more than three times more likely to be motivated to visit a restaurant by social media recommendations than older generations; 38% of Gen Z consumers are motivated to try a new flavor from a social media recommendation versus only 11% of Gen X and older consumers. Operators can seek flavor inspiration from emerging TikTok food trends, while picture-worthy platings will encourage consumers to post their meal and promote your restaurant.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #1

FEAR LIES IN THE UNKNOWN

30% of consumers are likely to be deterred by new flavors if they are not described on the menu. Operators should ensure that menu lingo is clear to provide consumers context into what they are ordering and remove the fear of the unknown.

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #2

ON-PREMISE DINING PROMOTES NEW FLAVOR TRIAL

Nearly half (46%) of consumers are more likely to try new flavors when eating at a restaurant than when ordering takeout/delivery. For restaurants more geared towards takeout and delivery, like limited-service restaurants, menu items should still offer elevated flavor experiences, but should focus more on balancing new flavors with well-established flavors and ingredients.

Flavor Innovation - Takeaway #3

THERE IS POWER IN SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Younger consumers are more than three times more likely to be motivated to visit a restaurant by social media recommendations than older generations; 38% of Gen Z consumers are motivated to try a new flavor from a social media recommendation versus only 11% of Gen X and older consumers. Operators can seek flavor inspiration from emerging TikTok food trends, while picture-worthy platings will encourage consumers to post their meal and promote your restaurant.

Download the Full 8-Page
Flavor Flash for:

  • Current and emerging trends in flavors and ingredient innovation on the menu
  • Opportunities to overcome hurdles in food service
  • Specialty flavors to entice consumers with special diets
  • How to combat flavor trial barriers and guide the consumer palettes
  • Trending international flavors on the menu
  • And more!

*Base: 1,946 internet users aged 18+ who have ordered food from restaurants in the past three months. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, December 2021.

Download the Full 8-Page
Flavor Flash for:

  • Current and emerging trends in flavors and ingredient innovation on the menu
  • Opportunities to overcome hurdles in food service
  • Specialty flavors to entice consumers with special diets
  • How to combat flavor trial barriers and guide the consumer palettes
  • Trending international flavors on the menu
  • And more!

*Base: 1,946 internet users aged 18+ who have ordered food from restaurants in the past three months. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, December 2021.