Here is a look at the latest “10 things you should know” that are impacting food and flavor. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.”
1. Seeds
Seeds are trending as a nutrient-dense powerhouse packed with many health benefits like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to a Mintel report, “26% of breakfast cereals launched contained seed ingredients” in the past five years. Seeds are also said to be more sustainable than nuts because they require less water and are more affordable.
-Mintel
2. Cholula Salsa and Taco Seasoning
Cholula introduced two new category lines this month, salsa and taco seasoning lines. Their salsa line includes an Original Salsa, Salsa Verde, and Smoky Chipotle. Their new taco seasoning line has three different options: Original Recipe Mix, Smoky Chipotle Recipe Mix, and Chili Garlic Recipe Mix.
-Food Industry Executive
3. Plant-Based Chocolate Chips
Nestle released two new dairy-free chocolate chip flavors, Plant-Based Semi-Sweet and Plant-Based Dark Chocolate. In reaction to Mintel’s 2021 report stating that 48% of consumers are looking for more plant-based products, Nestle wants their products to be enjoyed by everyone no matter their dietary preference or restrictions.
-Veg News
4. Unexpected Flavor Pairings
According to a Mintel report on beverages, “40% of consumers agree that trying new flavors or ingredients is less intimidating when paired with familiar ones.” Some trending unfamiliar flavors and ingredients that are being paired with familiar flavors in beverages are mint, olive oil, spices, and cardamom.
-Mintel
5. Beer Can Chicken Beer
Perdue Farms released a “first-of-its-kind” limited-edition product, Beer Can Chicken Beer. This beer product is a honey double-citrus summer ale that is brewed with grilled chicken seasonings like rosemary, thyme, and pink peppercorn. The beverage is said to taste tangy, juicy, and have hints of sweetness.
-USA Today
6. Oleato Coffee Line
Starbucks unveiled their new line of crafted beverages at select locations in the US, the Oleato Line. This series of beverages is made with arabica coffee blended together with extra virgin olive oil. Despite the added calories, adding olive oil is touted with health benefits like heart and digestive health.
- BuzzFeed News
7. McDonalds Panzerotti
McDonald’s launched an experimental pizza concept in Italy, the Panzerotti. This new product is a pizza pocket that is shaped like a calzone and contains Italian tomatoes and mozzarella. The Panzerotti may make its way to their US restaurants because it can be fried in their existing kitchens.
-Media Post
8. TruffVels
Kraft Heinz collaborated with Compartés Chocolatier to create a limited-time chocolate and cheese truffle, TruffVels. These truffles are designed to look like the iconic Velveeta shells and the outer coating is made with Velveeta-infused white chocolate.
-Food Dive
9. Mini Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers
Trader Joe’s launched a new snack product, Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers. These bite-sized crackers are made with poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion and salt and have a cream cheese filling in the middle.
-| Trader Joe’s
10. Pickle Roulette Pack
Originally an April Fool’s joke, American Licorice Co. released a new Sour Punch Straw product to their line, Pickle Roulette. This new product has all green sour candy straws with hidden flavors like green apple, lemon lime, watermelon and pickle in each pack.
-Candy Industry
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