KANSAS CITY — Global flavors and internationally-inspired dishes continue to pique the interest of adventurous consumers.
This craving for cultural cuisine has fueled the spices and seasonings market in the United States, according to a report from Technavio. The category is expected to exceed $6 billion by 2020, an increase of almost $2 billion from 2015.
“The popularity of Indian and Asian cuisines and rising consumption of convenience foods are the major growth drivers for the spices and seasonings market in the U.S.,” said Vijay Sarathi, a food industry analyst at Technavio. “The diverse population in the U.S. has led to a growth in demand for ethnic food and ethnic food ingredients.”
Food manufacturers are seeking to meet this demand with new products featuring the flavors of the world.
Michael Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Post Holdings, is launching a line of Crystal Farms brand shredded cheeses designed specifically for use in Hispanic dishes. The lineup features four varieties: Quesadilla, Oaxaca, Asadero and Muenster.
“Our research shows that consumers are looking for ways to make more authentic and ethnic meals at home, and also prefer to use shredded cheese when cooking,” said Katie Egan, senior brand manager for Crystal Farms. “Crystal Farms’ new shredded varieties will meet that need and offer more options for enhancing ethnic meals.”
Enjoy Life Foods added two new globally-inspired flavors to its line of Plentils chips: Thai Chili Lime and Moroccan Spice. The allergy-friendly lentil snacks are certified gluten-free, Non-GMO Project verified, kosher and halal certified.
“Now more than ever, the influential millennial demographic is demanding foods made with exotic flavors that not only deliver in taste, but in nutrition and texture,” said Joel Warady, chief sales and marketing officer at Enjoy Life Foods. “Our new Thai Chili Lime and Moroccan Spice Plentils were created to satisfy millennials’ adventurous palates while giving everyone an allergy-friendly, crunchy and high-protein snack that tastes even better than traditional chips – all while spicing up the Free-From category.”
The Kellogg Co.’s MorningStar Farms brand is extending its vegetarian heat-and-eat vegetable bowls line with new flavors, which the company said are internationally-inspired dishes. Varieties include Japanese Soba Noodles, Moroccan Medley, Chik’n Tikka Masala and Italian Sausage Bake.
Other new products featuring internationally-inspired flavors include GNP Co.’s Gold’n Plump Shakers in Sweet Chili, Jamaican and Chipotle Adobo varieties, Prairie Farms Dairy’s Chef Splendor Tzatziki dip, and Revolution Foods’ Coconut Curry, Sesame Garlic, Smoky Tomato Sausage and Fiesta Taco Dinner Hero meal kits.
Click for a slideshow of new products.