Predicting the Next Big Regional Flavor Trends
Some food and beverage trends are marked by the prominence of certain flavors, such as peach, or by herbal flavors, such as cilantro, both of which are currently seeing some of the biggest growth in the flavor industry. Other trends are marked by combinations of classic flavors, such as dark chocolate and chili peppers, or sea salt and caramel. However, with a global market that is becoming increasingly interconnected, one of the biggest trends in the flavor industry is the growth of region-specific flavors.
This has been marked over the past decade by the rise of more traditional region-specific flavors, especially those of Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. One of the most notable things about these types of flavor trends is that they rely on fusing the traditional flavors and flavor combinations from these regions, such as the combination of coconut milk and Asian spices, with flavors that are much more Western in their appeal. The booming popularity of these regional fusion flavors has led flavorists to explore new regional fare in an attempt to find the next big flavors in the food industry.
Over the next few years, flavor experts expect some unconventional choices to begin dominating the flavor market. One of the biggest predicted trends is the increase in flavors specific to Africa, and especially those from countries such as Ethiopia and South Africa. One of the most notable things about Ethiopian cuisine is its reliance on spices in order to create its unique flavors.
While some Ethiopian spices, such as paprika and cardamom, are already fairly common in the Western flavor market, others are not widely used in Western dishes. It is therefore important for flavorists looking to explore this area of cuisine to find alternatives that can help create the fusions needed for great African-inspired dishes. Also vital to the creation of these dishes is the use of vegetable flavors such as onion (which can be produced by using Advanced Biotech’s Natural Onion Oil or Natural Methionol), or tomatoes (which can be produced by using Advanced Biotech’s Natural Isobutyraldehyde).
Middle Eastern flavors are also expected to rise in popularity, with a particular focus on Persian-inspired dishes. In particular, Middle Eastern inspired desserts are expected to see some rise in popularity. There are a number of different flavors that come into play with Persian desserts, although among the more common and most desirable in the Western market are those that rely on almond flavors for their sweet and somewhat nutty finish. For a slight spicy addition to these desserts, cinnamon flavors can also be used – Natural Cassia Oleoresin is just one example of a flavor ingredient that can be used to create this sweet and slightly exotic flavor.
However, flavorists do not necessarily have to look far from home to explore the flavor options that will become more popular in coming years. From the traditional flavors of Hawaii to the down-home appeal of soul food, flavorists can find inspiration from regional dishes that have sprung up right in their own backyards.