INNOVATING WITH TRENDING SAVORY TASTES: INSIGHTS FROM THE LATEST FLAVOR INNOVATION MAPS An Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, FoodResearchLab Group: www.foodresearchlab.com Email:
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Keeping up with the latest trends isn't just for industries like technology or healthcare; chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts also need to stay updated. To innovate, they must create new flavors, introduce fresh ingredients, and explore novel cooking techniques. The latest Flavor Innovation Maps provide valuable insights into trending savory flavors that capture people's attention and pave the way for culinary innovation. In this blog post, we explore these trends and how they can inspire new culinary creations, elevating your cooking to the next level.
Latest Flavor Innovation Maps & key Trends In 2021, “Flavor Innovation Maps” has been released focusing on trending ingredients and specific flavors. These ingredients are trending in ready meals, soups, sauces and sides in the United States and Canada. People around the world are also seeking out diverse culinary experiences that transport them to different cultures and regions as they are travelling around the world. This trend is particularly evident in the savory category, where spices, herbs, and ingredients from various parts of the world are making their mark. In Asia Pacific Taste maps, revealed innovative savory flavors and ingredients for the region’s food and beverage industry. Further, Flavor Innovation Maps provide valuable insights on global flavors and ingredients. The expert provided insights into industry flavors and ingredients to create new products or revitalize existing options, ensuring consumer delight and excitement. The pandemic has sparked a trend towards nostalgic tastes in food and beverages, with classic desserts like banana split and apple pie featured in various categories. Classic desserts like banana split, apple pie, and custard are available in various categories, with popular flavors like chocolate and vanilla.
Leveraging Taste Trends for Innovation By carefully analyzing the latest Flavor Innovation Maps and understanding the underlying consumer motivations, food and beverage businesses can develop innovative products and concepts that resonate with their target audience. Table 1 describes the key trends in flavors and fragrances that attracts global people. There are numerous categories that range from global inspiration to Nostalgic flavors and from botanicals to time-honored flavors. For more culinary pairing in combination with American and Mexican dish, the Table 2 can provide the necessary details.
CONTD...
Table 1: Key Trends and categories Category
Trends
Global Inspiration
Korean, Indian, Thai, Greek, Spanish cuisine, calamansi
Health & Wellness
Simple, natural, organic, non-GMO, free-from ingredients
Nostalgic Flavors
Banana split, apple pie, custard, chocolate, vanilla
Fermentation
Vinegar, pickled flavors
Botanicals
Lavender, turmeric, basil
Dessert-inspired flavors
gin and whiskey are in sweet category
Time-honoured Flavors
chocolate and vanilla in sweet and beverage category; mushroom and tomato in savory
Sustainability
Citrus de Menton, Iranian black lemon
Product Development Opportunities Global Fusion Flavors: Create exciting new product lines by combining flavors from different cuisines. For example, develop a range of Indian-inspired tacos or Moroccan-spiced burgers. Chili, a popular flavor in Asian cuisines, is now emerging as an emerging flavor for Cold & Water Beverages, showcasing the crossover and development of mainstream tastes. By mixing all flavors, global savory flavors can be created which can be accepted by global customers. Plant-Based Savory Innovation: Explore the potential of plant-based savory recipes to create delicious and satisfying alternatives to meat-based products. Experiment with different textures and flavors to mimic the experience of traditional meat dishes. Additionally, the popularity of vegan and plant-based cheeses, along with spicy and ethnic options like contija and feta, is on the rise. Fermented Food and Beverages: Incorporate fermented ingredients into your product offerings to enhance flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Consider developing kombucha-based beverages, fermented sauces, or pickled vegetables. Bold Flavor Profiles: Challenge consumers’ taste buds with products featuring bold and complex flavor combinations. Explore the use of chili peppers, umami-rich ingredients, and exotic spices. CONTD...
Clean Label Reformulations: Refine existing products to meet the demand for clean label options. Remove artificial additives and preservatives and highlight natural ingredients. Experiential Packaging: Create packaging that tells a story and engages consumers. Use unique designs, interactive elements, or sustainable materials to enhance the overall product experience.
Marketing and Consumer Engagement To effectively communicate the value of your innovative products, it is essential to develop targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience. Highlight Product Benefits: Clearly articulate the benefits of your products, such as health benefits, sustainability, or unique flavor profiles. Tell a Story: Develop compelling narratives around your products to create emotional connections with consumers. Leverage social media: Utilize social media platforms to engage with consumers, generate buzz, and gather feedback. CONTD...
ollaborate with Influencers: Partner with food influencers to reach a wider audience and build credibility. Offer Sampling Opportunities: Allow consumers to experience your products firsthand through sampling events or online promotions.
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