Spicy honey has shown a 53% increase in consumer interest over the last two years*. The sweet + spicy trend shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

For many people, street food represents the authentic flavors of a culture. These flavor pairings might also seem more accessible for those looking to try new flavors without getting too adventurous. Spice blends and popular snacks are a great place to start when looking for inspiration. Tajín Clásico, for example, is a popular spice blend/condiment from Mexico that is added to a variety of sweet and savory fruits. You'll see it on corn, fruit, and even cocktails. Most succinctly called a "seasoning salt," Tajin combines mild chilis, salt, and lime. The flavors of Mangonada are similar: mango and chamoy topped with chili powder and salt. Mangonada offers sweet, spicy, tart, and salty all in one bite. Or look to chat masala; this spice blend from India is made with dried mango powder, cumin, ginger, black pepper, and other spices. We're already seeing these combinations in cocktails and savory snacks; get a jump on this one and start looking at how you can add fun, global street food influences to your menu.

If classic flavors are more your customers' style, why not offer "street food" versions of their favorite items? A portable, single-serving dessert allows customers to try a new flavor without committing to a large item and offers an on-the-go indulgence that won't slow them down. Take this literal interpretation one step further with recipes like Chef Ryan Stevenson's Ruby Street Tacos, where the taco shell is a tuile filled with fruit, mousse, and other components. Fun items like this are a blank canvas for your creativity and look great on social media.

One way to look at the concept of “Newstalgia” is the idea that classic flavors drive the creation of new products. Customers are seeking items that offer the comforts of the familiar with the excitement of new flavors and concepts. New twists on familiar concepts allow consumers to enjoy a beloved experience from childhood while trying something new. Think matcha s’mores, vegan brownies, and cupcakes inspired by coffee beverages. This concept gives chefs and bakers an excellent opportunity to explore local products, keeping flavors close to home but still adding a new element for those looking for a unique experience. 

Can this still be called a trend? While it’s true that in times of economic stress customers lower their requirements for responsible sourcing and production in favor of saving money, ingredients that respect people and the planet are always going to be preferred over those that disregard labor and environmental concerns.

Let’s look at some keywords (some new to the scene, some not) that are driving this movement:

• Transparency
• Conscious consumption
• Trust and craftsmanship
• Soil health
• Regenerative farming
• Zero-Waste

Buzzwords aside, the focus continues to be on responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients, with an eye toward reducing food waste. What does this mean for your business? It actually means more options! That’s not what you were expecting, right? Insider tip: these trends make their way down to you (and to us) after rattling around at the next level up. Food manufacturers keep close track of what’s coming next and create or modify their products accordingly. Do your customers demand new plant-based milk options? Keep an eye out for potato milk! Are you seeing an increase in customer concerns over farming practices? Your distributor is already sourcing products that are sustainably grown.

The ever-growing category of “functional foods” is one that can require you to be extremely careful. Making health claims about your products can get you in a lot of trouble and is best avoided. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t ride the coattails of the latest superfood or bask in the glow of an ingredient’s health halo.

For example, florals and botanicals are a popular element in cocktails, gummy vitamins, soft drinks, you name it, due in large part to health properties ascribed to these ingredients. Does elderflower boost the immune system, help with sleep, make your hair lustrous and shiny? That’s not for you (or us) to say, but we can tell you that it’s delicious, pairs well with spring fruits like rhubarb and strawberry, and is an ingredient that is on your customer’s radars along with botanical ingredients like chamomile, rosehips, and hibiscus. Health-conscious consumers are hyper-aware of the possible health and mood-boosting properties of myriad ingredients. All you need to do is use them.