One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in consumer demand since living through Covid lockdowns and subsequent long-term inflation is the constant desire for MORE… more bang for your buck, and more from the food you buy. We’ve seen that play out in many ways, including the ever-growing demand for functional ingredient additions and in surging participation levels in cost-savings programs. At the present moment, we’re seeing a different demand for more showing up in nearly every food segment, and that demand is for more flavor.
Flavor combinations are nothing new, but at the moment they are all the rage. Regardless of food segment, consumers are looking for something new and/or exciting. In the snacks segment, everywhere we look there’s a combination of punchy sweet and spicy flavors. In bakery, we’re seeing some lesser-known, more “exotic” flavors surging, as well as a resurgence of traditional flavor combinations like fruit and cream. Cereal bars are increasingly including two co-extruded flavors rather than single flavor offerings.
This trend is wholly unsurprising. After a difficult number of years, of course consumers are looking for the most pleasurable, fulfilling experience possible! Not long ago we were frantically washing packaged goods and paying exorbitant amounts of money for things like hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. It’s been… interesting. So, why shouldn’t every bite of food transport you to a happy place? Why not want more from the food you eat?
For those of us in the food industry, the only way to keep up with these ever-evolving and changing demands is consistent dedication to R&D and innovation. Our lab is always busy testing new ingredients, working with new flavor varieties and combinations, and determining the best functional formulation for every possible application.
If you’re looking for a nimble partner in R&D and a reliable supplier dedicated to quality and service, please reach out today. We are prepared to help you develop a new product, work towards a product match, or optimize existing products for maximum machining efficiency. Fill out our Sample Request Form or call us today 312-254-3539 to get started!
