KANSAS CITY — Recent innovations in the condiments, sauces and spices categories are bringing novel, limited-edition and globally inspired flavors to consumers.
So far in 2023, global flavors have taken center stage — a trend predicted by many market research firms, including Chicago-based Datassential. The top flavor predicted for 2023 was yuzu, an aromatic East Asian citrus fruit traditionally used in ponzu sauce. Capitalizing on the popularity of the flavor is the Kraft Heinz Co., which introduced a new “Sauce Drop” concept to the brand, where the company is launching limited-edition sauces at select restaurants around the United States. One of the sauces that will drop later this summer is a yuzu wasabi sauce, flavored with the citrus and a spicy bite.
The “Sauce Drop” concept is the latest idea from the Kraft Heinz Co., which is trying to forecast consumer trends 10 years into the future. The company also launched Heinz Remix, a customizable, digital sauce dispenser where consumers can personalize their own sauce creations.
“As a consumer-obsessed company at the forefront of food culture, we saw an exciting opportunity to innovate around our core customers and consumers evolving needs and desires,” said Alan Kleinerman, vice president of disruption, Kraft Heinz, when the company announced the machine. “We want to drive value for foodservice operators in ways that will make their lives easier and keep their guests coming back.”
Another flavor trend identified by Datassential is the increasing popularity of salsa macha, which is a rich chili oil originating from Veracruz, Mexico, traditionally formulated with a variety of dried chiles, garlic, nuts, and seeds fried in an oil and chopped. Somos expanded its portfolio with its line of salsa macha, available in two varieties: salsa macha with nuts and seeds, which includes ingredients like chile de arbol, guajillo chile, pumpkin seeds and almonds; and salsa macha with mango and pineapple, made with morita chiles, pasilla chiles and roasted nuts.
“Our mission at Somos is to bridge the gap between convenience, flavor, and our Mexican heritage, and our salsa macha is a great expression of that,” said Miguel Leal, co-founder and chief executive officer. “These jars are packed with the vibrancy of Mexico and we’re so excited to see that come to life on-shelf and drizzled on all types of food, day and night.”
