Every trip I take to the grocery store I’m sure to spend just a few extra moments in the snack aisle, specifically to marvel at the lineup of chip flavors. I’ve found myself bringing home a bag nearly every week of a freshly released flavor to “taste test.” Last week I was introduced to the Baja Fiery Mango Doritos. Spice in the snack aisle is no surprise, as heat has been on the rise for consumer demands throughout 2024.
Every trip I take to the grocery store I’m sure to spend just a few extra moments in the snack aisle, specifically to marvel at the lineup of chip flavors. I’ve found myself bringing home a bag nearly every week of a freshly released flavor to “taste test.” Last week I was introduced to the Baja Fiery Mango Doritos. Spice in the snack aisle is no surprise, as heat has been on the rise for consumer demands throughout 2024.
In a report by Spate, an AI solution for finding the next big consumer trend in food and beauty, reads, “Through the prevailing wisdom of many countries, the United States has diversified its spicy foods. From spicy dill pickle chips to chili crisp and gochugaru, U.S. consumers are increasingly exploring the world through their spice tolerance.”
But this nuance of “sweet heat” or even mixing fruity notes with heat has me quite intrigued and is a personal favorite. Selfishly I needed an expert to explain the phenomenon at the upcoming Flavorcon 2024 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, scheduled for October 8-9.
The session, “Swicy: The Fusion of Hot and Sweet” will be led by Kalsec principal flavor chemist Shane McDonald, Ph.D., who will dig into why consumers are enjoying the combination of sweet flavors and foods with hot, pungent spices, called "SWICY." In a teaser of the session, McDonald explains that a classic example of swicy is barbecue sauce This presentation looks at market trends, recent examples in new product and menus, pungent raw materials, as well as advice from chefs in combining sweet and pungent to make exciting new food and flavor sensations.
Spate Beauty Strategy & Innovation manager, Addison Cain, is also set to take the Flavorcon stage to break down flavor trends experiencing growth on social media and potential white space for brands/creators.
Hungry for more innovation on the menu at Flavorcon 2024? Visit www.flavorcon.com to claim your seat at the table. More information on the event, speakers, sessions and an expo hall sneak peek on page 48. See you in Atlantic City this October!
