Chilies are Forecasted to Dominate the Global Oleoresins Market Until 2024
Consistency is vital for processed and packaged foods, and using isolated flavors instead of whole herbs and spices ensures a consistent flavor profile in every batch. Oleoresins are innovative natural flavoring ingredients that capture the essence of seasonings in a concentrated, viscous form. The most popular oleoresins are warm, spicy flavors derived from chilies and other peppers, helping people add heat to food, drinks, and desserts.
What is an Oleoresin?
Oleoresins are natural flavoring ingredients derived from herbs and spices. Manufacturers make oleoresins by submerging an ingredient, such as chili peppers, in a chemical solvent, extracting its natural flavors, and removing the solvent from the final product. Oleoresins are thick, viscous substances five to ten times stronger than ground spices.
They are similar to essential oils but contain a wider range of flavor notes, including those often destroyed during essential oil distillation. Oleoresins contain volatile oil (essential oil), non-volatile plant compounds, pigments, and natural antioxidants. Oleoresins often come mixed with salt, sugar, vegetable oil, or in an emulsified, water-soluble form for easier use.
Why are Chilies So Popular in the Oleoresins Market?
There are about 4,000 varieties of chili peppers worldwide. Most cultivated chilies are part of the Capsicum species, including bell peppers, habaneros, jalapeños, tabasco peppers, cayenne, bird’s eye chilies, and serrano. A recent Instacart survey1 revealed that 74% of Americans eat hot sauce with their food, while You magazine2 identified a similar trend in the UK.
So, what makes chilies so popular? Escapism flavors dominated grocery aisles during the lockdowns and beyond, sparking a new interest in spicy Asian-inspired flavors. The prevalence of the internet in young people’s lives may also expand their awareness of global flavors, often birthing viral food trends such as the fiery “One Chip Challenge”. Chili oleoresins help us add heat and color to a dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Using Chili Oleoresins to Flavor Food
Oleoresins are concentrated flavoring ingredients that many manufacturers use in a diluted form during food or beverage production. Whether blended with salt, sugar, vegetable oil, or emulsifiers, chili-flavored oleoresins make ideal flavoring ingredients for:
- Meat products
Adding a few drops of chili-flavoring to sausages, salami, and burger patties helps enhance their meaty flavor profiles. Chili complements herbs such as cilantro or parsley, and its oleoresin makes a welcome addition to pre-mixed meat seasonings and bastings. - Condiments
Many manufacturers use chili oleoresins to produce hot sauces with fiery flavor profiles that stay consistent across various batches. Oleoresins are typically oil-based and perfect for mixing into herb butter, flavored mayonnaise, and dressings. - Jams and preserves
You can use paprika oleoresin to add a natural red color to jams, jellies, and preserves. Chili also pairs well with fruity flavors and often finds its way into desserts, chocolates, and candies as a spicy flavor twist. - Convenience foods and snacks
More people are trying globally-inspired snacks, demanding more spicy Asian, African, and South American flavors for chips, peanuts, and pretzels. Chili oleoresins can also add heat to dips and pickled vegetables.
Oleoresins are an excellent natural flavor and pigment source that adds depth and heat to foods and beverages. They help manufacturers create consistent flavor profiles and expand their product offerings to include more global flavors. As more Americans explore the diverse world of Capsicum chili peppers, oleoresins can help the food industry meet the growing demand for spicy snacks and condiments.
Advanced Biotech is a leading supplier of high-quality oleoresins in the US market. Our products are Kosher and Halal certified, derived from premium herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Please contact us for more information.
1 https://www.instacart.com/company/updates/a-hot-take-on-americas-favorite-hot-sauces/
2 https://www.you.co.uk/nostalgic-food-trends/