Asian markets marry odd flavors to suit adventurous tastes
Implications - Viral content such as EpicMealTime and the Baconator created a North American obsession with ultra-fatty foods. This is mirrored and skewed in Asian markets, as experimental flavor combinations are booming, particularly in casual eating. This speaks to a general desire for adventure, even in the realm of everyday cuisine.
Trend Themes
1. Experimental Flavor Combinations - The trend of Asian experimental flavor combinations is disrupting the casual eating industry, leading to new opportunities for adventure and new taste experiences.
2. Edible Novelties - Edible novelties such as deep-fried soup, chicken-flavored rice balls, and heart-shaped watermelons are disrupting the food industry giving people the opportunity to experience comfort food in unexpected ways.
3. Charcoal-inspired Edibles - The trend of charcoal-inspired donuts in Asia is disrupting the traditional sweet industry, creating a balance between sweet and untraditional flavors with the utilization of charcoal.
Industry Implications
1. Casual Eating - The casual eating industry is seeing a shift towards experimental flavor combinations, leading to a new generation of adventurous eaters.
2. Fast Food - The fast-food industry is embracing edible novelties, including deep-fried soup and chicken-flavored rice balls, to cater to consumer desire for comfort food in unexpected forms.
3. Sweet Industry - The sweet industry is facing disruption through the trend of charcoal-inspired edibles, creating a balance between sweet and untraditional flavors with the utilization of charcoal.
