FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
Protein
“Proteins are center of the plate influencers: their flavors drive the side dishes paired around them for nearly half of consumers. Value-added flavor innovation is a great start to connecting with consumers looking for convenience, but it cannot be the only solution that brands bring to the table. Protein marketers can partner with brands from adjacent categories to cross-promote pairings to keep consumers exploring with ease in a time when consumers are balancing burnout, the allure of foodservice and the volatility of protein prices.” — Mimi Bonnett, Senior Director – U.S. Reports
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
THE FUTURE PROTEIN CONSUMER IS EVOLVING
Lower engagement among Gen Z and their lukewarm consumption of the most popular flavors with proteins, like barbecue, garlic and teriyaki, suggest that new product innovation may be missing the mark to inspire participation for this next generation. Looking to foodservice menus for inspiration is not a new tactic, but one that should be reinforced to remain competitive as the allure of dining out is challenged by rising meat prices.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE PLATE
Simplifying the shopping, meal planning and cooking experience even just a little while supporting interest in economical cuisine and flavor exploration can come from protein innovation and pairings. Value-added meats and meat analogs featuring marinades, rubs and seasonings offer both convenience and versatility while helping to shape the whole meal experience.
EVOLVING PALATES POINT TO HEATING AND SWEETENING UP THE MENU
Consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are opting for greater diversity in their cuisine selections, reaching for a mix of mainstream and emerging cuisines. Complex flavor profiles featuring a mix of heat and sweet, smoky notes and botanicals are gaining traction, often driven by Millennial consumers who are the most prolific foodservice patrons.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
THE FUTURE PROTEIN CONSUMER IS EVOLVING
Lower engagement among Gen Z and their lukewarm consumption of the most popular flavors with proteins, like barbecue, garlic and teriyaki, suggest that new product innovation may be missing the mark to inspire participation for this next generation. Looking to foodservice menus for inspiration is not a new tactic, but one that should be reinforced to remain competitive as the allure of dining out is challenged by rising meat prices.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE PLATE
Simplifying the shopping, meal planning and cooking experience even just a little while supporting interest in economical cuisine and flavor exploration can come from protein innovation and pairings. Value-added meats and meat analogs featuring marinades, rubs and seasonings offer both convenience and versatility while helping to shape the whole meal experience.
EVOLVING PALATES POINT TO HEATING AND SWEETENING UP THE MENU
Consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are opting for greater diversity in their cuisine selections, reaching for a mix of mainstream and emerging cuisines. Complex flavor profiles featuring a mix of heat and sweet, smoky notes and botanicals are gaining traction, often driven by Millennial consumers who are the most prolific foodservice patrons.
Download the Full 7-Page
Flavor Flash for:
Flavor Flash for:
- Evolving flavor trends in meat and meat alternatives
- The importance of convenience and versatility in protein
- Where the rise in home cooking points to flavor opportunities
- Which meat analogs are consumers most likely to use while cooking
- Finding a mix of heat and sweet through regional flavors
- And more!
*Base: 1,969 internet users aged 18+ who have consumed proteins in the past three months, July 2021. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel.
Download the Full 7-Page
Flavor Flash for:
Flavor Flash for:
- Evolving flavor trends in meat and meat alternatives
- The importance of convenience and versatility in protein
- Where the rise in home cooking points to flavor opportunities
- Which meat analogs are consumers most likely to use while cooking
- Finding a mix of heat and sweet through regional flavors
- And more!
*Base: 1,969 internet users aged 18+ who have consumed proteins in the past three months, July 2021. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel.
