Reinvent and Reinvigorate Products with Unique, Compelling Global Flavors
It’s no secret that consumers love the familiar, which is why certain flavors and foods have been cabinet, fridge and freezer staples for decades. It’s also well known that consumers — particularly today’s Millennials and GenZ — crave new flavors and novel combinations. What is the best way to make everyone happy? Put a twist on a traditional favorite with global flavors, which can add a pop of color and inviting aromas to foods and beverages.
“A few years ago, Filipino food was barely known in the United States, but that is no longer the case,” says Jen Lyons, marketing manager at Sensient Flavors & Extracts. “Now Filipino food has become increasingly popular with fast-food chains like Jollibee, providing easier access to the flavors of the Philippines.”
Other global favorites that have landed on U.S. shores include green curry risotto, kimchi quesadilla, tandoori chicken burger, Korean potato salad and Japanese guacamole, Lyons adds. A recent Food Business News article dove into how fusions like this can elevate a traditional dish or beverage, giving it appeal to a whole new audience while keeping longtime fans who are eager to see how their favorite has been updated.
“We recommend using a fusion approach when introducing a new global flavor,” Lyons says. “For example, taking a classic Italian dish and adding an Indian flavor.”
Filipino flavors take American markets by storm
Consider the growing Filipino presence in U.S. foods and beverages as an example of how a culture’s flavors can find their way into many products. The Filipino way of cooking uses unique combinations of sweet, salty and sour flavors. “Many of the most iconic dishes draw inspiration from Spain, Japan and China, but they also have an everlasting love for their island roots,” Lyons says.
That extends to visual appeal. Filipino cooking uses Ube, or purple yam, which lends its eye-catching color to everything from pancakes to ice cream. Ube and purple sweet potatoes share a sweet, earthy taste that creates many options.
“Ube has a distinctively nuttier, vanilla-like flavor, particularly popular in breakfast items and baked goods,” Lyons explains. “However, with its growing popularity, we are starting to see creative ways, including main courses and snacks.”
Curious to learn how global flavors can bring new life to your product line? Let’s be taste buds. Contact Sensient Flavors & Extracts for more information.