Flavor Trends in Dressings and Vinegars

Exciting new dressings and vinegars are storming the market with fruity, herb and wine flavors designed to enhance healthy lifestyles. Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows dressings and vinegars that appeal to a variety of healthy lifestyles are driving the market forward with new blends. These new flavors not only appeal to the pallet, they boast ingredients rich in antioxidants and aid in cardiovascular health and weight loss.

Fruity Flavors Boast Health Benefits

Flavor is a key concern with dressings and vinegars as people use them to transform an ordinary salad into an outstanding meal. Products incorporating pomegranate, the quintessential superfruit, have appeared in a number of dressings. In the United States, the superfruit benefits of pomegranate were marketed in a new vinegar line from Pompeian. The pomegranate-infused vinegar range is claimed to contain naturally occurring antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. 

Also in the United States, Kopali Organics has launched a unique banana-flavored vinegar. This naturally fermented vinegar is described as fine, exotic, sweet and tangy. The product is also sold on an ethical platform as proceeds go to support indigenous and Afro-Caribbean organic farmers to help them care for their eco-systems. 

Across the globe in Taiwan, Excellence Food Biochemical has launched a beauty-positioned strawberry vinegar claimed to be rich in minerals, amino acids, organic ingredients and vitamins, and said to promote good health and create a younger appearance.

Herbal Solutions

As people increasingly show preference for lighter, fresher options in dressings and vinegars, herbal flavors continue to generate new products. In Canada, Lucerne Foods has released Herb & Balsamic Vinaigrette under the Eating Right Brand. It is a garden salad vinaigrette and marinade for chicken, pork and seafood. Additionally, it is fat-free and contains only 15 calories per serving. 

In the United Kingdom, Virginia Health Food has released Omega 3-6-9 Dressing under the Virginia Harvest Go Healthy brand. This dressing comprises a blend of hemp, flax and pumpkin seeds oils with balsamic vinegar. It is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, in addition to being free from gluten, cholesterol, additives, preservatives, herbicides and GMO.

Wine Not?

Dressings and vinegars using wine in their formulations is certainly nothing new. The use of grape variants in flavors may be appealing to consumers who desire more premium, sophisticated products. In Mexico, Waldo’s Dolar Mart de Mexico has released a wine vinegar under the Forrelli brand. Forrelli Vinagre de Vino (Wine Vinegar) features an herb flavor, with tarragon, parsley, rosemary and lavender extracts. 

In the United States, Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market has released Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Vinegar, which is described as ideal for sautéing, cooking and making salad dressing. It is also available in Asian Sesame Vinaigrette with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.

The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. For additional information regarding GNPD, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel International at 1-312-932-0600.

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