Our sense of smell is the one most connected to our memories and feelings of nostalgia. Countless examples of smells that transport you to another time or place exist. Fresh cut grass, a charcoal grill and wildflowers all have the power to evoke memories of summers past. No other smell, however, connects us so directly to specific memories as much as the smell of food.
What food smell most connects you to your summer memories as a child? A fresh baked apple pie? Corn on the cob? Hot dogs and peanuts at the ballpark? Burgers on the grill?
I have intense feelings of nostalgia when I smell cherries on our production floor. Growing up only a few hours away from Door County, that smell is firmly solidified in my nostalgia memory banks. Similarly, when we work with lemons it makes me pine for my grandmother’s lemon frosted yellow cake. The smell of apples and cinnamon transport me back to the pumpkin patch and hayrides with my brothers in the fall. The connection is powerful and undeniable.
As food producers, what we’re truly striving for is the consumer connecting with our product on an emotional level. We endeavor to create the most pleasurable eating experience possible, but also the one that leaves them with a sense of urgency to return to that moment. That memory. That scent.
One of the most powerful ways we can create that sense of urgency is by keeping the feelings of warmth, comfort and nostalgia in mind when formulating and designing products. Simple adjustments can have tremendous effects on the final sensory experience. Aromatics can tug directly on heart strings when done right.
Whether you’re looking to reformulate or create an entirely new product, we’re ready to help you create the most powerful nostalgic consumer experience possible. We work with cherries, berries, pumpkins, apples, citrus fruits, cheeses and more, for pre and post bake applications.
Fill out our Sample Request Form or give us a call 312-254-3539 so we can get started today!
