FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
Regional and International Flavors
“Global cuisines remain a conduit of both creativity and comfort despite the volatility of the past two years. Slight shifts are emerging pointing to signs that while mainstream cuisines remain popular consumers are exploring beyond the classics. While interest in exploration signifies innovation opportunities, brands will need to offer balanced introductions. Infusing regional flavors and ingre- dients can refresh well-established cuisines, and small, shareable portions and relatable descriptions can make trial approachable for emerging cuisines.”
— Anna Fabbri, Flavor and Ingredient Trends Analyst
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
REGIONALIZATION CUES AUTHENTICITY AND ADVENTURE
The lingering impact of the pandemic has consumers even more hungry for flavor exploration that can work for both familiar and lesser-known cuisines. Peppering in regional ingredients can revitalize mainstreamed global cuisines while elevating authenticity and value. Blending regional U.S. cuisines and flavors into new food or drink formats brings familiar yet intriguing novelty.
YOUNGER CONSUMERS SEEK FLAVOR TRIAL ACROSS DIFFERENT FOOD AND BEVERAGE FORMATS
In exploration, older consumers seek small tastes: appetizers still top the list of preferred foods to try new cuisines. Younger consumers, on the other hand, show signs of being more exploratory with interest in flavor trial across multiple foods/drinks. This suggests that diversified global offerings, in both packaged products and menus, will be met by welcoming, young audiences.
MORE EDUCATION WILL LEAD TO LESS INTIMIDATION
Predictably, dissatisfaction is the leading barrier to international cuisine trial. This suggests that for some, with rising prices everywhere, cuisine exploration may take a temporary backseat. Yet with other avenues for trial, like travel and dining out, being even more out of reach, packaged products can deliver on new tastes. Brands can help ease intimidation with transparency and information.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
REGIONALIZATION CUES AUTHENTICITY AND ADVENTURE
The lingering impact of the pandemic has consumers even more hungry for flavor exploration that can work for both familiar and lesser-known cuisines. Peppering in regional ingredients can revitalize mainstreamed global cuisines while elevating authenticity and value. Blending regional U.S. cuisines and flavors into new food or drink formats brings familiar yet intriguing novelty.
YOUNGER CONSUMERS SEEK FLAVOR TRIAL ACROSS DIFFERENT FOOD AND BEVERAGE FORMATS
In exploration, older consumers seek small tastes: appetizers still top the list of preferred foods to try new cuisines. Younger consumers, on the other hand, show signs of being more exploratory with interest in flavor trial across multiple foods/drinks. This suggests that diversified global offerings, in both packaged products and menus, will be met by welcoming, young audiences.
MORE EDUCATION WILL LEAD TO LESS INTIMIDATION
Predictably, dissatisfaction is the leading barrier to international cuisine trial. This suggests that for some, with rising prices everywhere, cuisine exploration may take a temporary backseat. Yet with other avenues for trial, like travel and dining out, being even more out of reach, packaged products can deliver on new tastes. Brands can help ease intimidation with transparency and information.
Download the Full 8-Page
Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Regional & International Flavors
- Where cuisine exploration is most popular
- The importance of regional authenticity
- How to hook picky eaters on international cuisine
- The importance of Blue Zones
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, December 2021.
Download the Full 8-Page
Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Regional & International Flavors
- Where cuisine exploration is most popular
- The importance of regional authenticity
- How to hook picky eaters on international cuisine
- The importance of Blue Zones
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, December 2021.
