Food and drink infused with toasted flavors offer a sophisticated profile
Implications - Consumers are experiencing an emergence of food and drink offerings that are characterized by unexpected burnt, bitter notes. Often incorporated into dishes and drinks that don't normally require direct contact with a grill, such charred menu items provide a complex and assertive smoky flavor that helps bring out complementing flavor profiles and balance out sugar contents. This progression speaks to the consumer preference for unexpected sweet and salty combinations that highlight the contrast between the two profiles.
Workshop Question - How can your product or service grant consumers a small sense of adventure?
Trend Themes
1. Sweet and Savory Blends - Consumers are enjoying unique flavor pairings, such as sweet and savory, in food and drink offerings.
2. Unconventional Seasonings - Gourmet food-flavored salts and BBQ seasoning on vegetable chips speak to a trend in adding unconventional aromas to popular condiments.
3. Burnt/charred Flavors - Charred menu items and burnt caramel chocolates highlight a shift towards assertive smoky and bitter notes in food.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage industries can benefit from offering innovative flavor and seasoning options to appeal to consumers' evolving palates.
2. Gourmet and Specialty Foods - Gourmet and specialty food industries can benefit from offering unique seasonings and flavor pairings to differentiate themselves in the market.
3. Food Packaging and Manufacturing - Food packaging and manufacturing industries can capitalize on the trend towards unconventional flavor pairings by offering seasonings and blends for home cooking and consumption.
