Global Cuisine Cravings: African Cuisine

Which global cuisines are younger consumers interested in? Well, technically, all of them. But, among the top cuisines that Millennial and Gen Z consumers are looking to try is African cuisine. African cuisine consumption is up, with almost a third of Gen Z consumers report eating African cuisine, according to Mintel. For younger consumers, the more exotic a cuisine is, the better, and it doesn’t get much more exotic than African cuisine. Get in on the global cuisine trend – and delight especially adventurous consumers – by looking to the diverse foods and flavors of Africa for new product inspiration. Not sure where to start? Keep reading; our experts have got you covered!

Sought After Spice Blends

Unique spice blends from around the world have been trending in recent years, thanks in part to health and functional ingredient trends that focus heavily on spices commonly used in international cuisines. Spice blends from Asia, like Chinese Five Spice and Japanese Shichimi Togarashi, have risen in prominence, growing increasingly familiar to consumers and seeing increases in demand in foodservice and retail. With consumers warming up to spice blends from other regions, consider looking to spice blends from Africa to excite these consumers.

When it comes to African spice blends, there certainly isn’t a shortage of possibilities! Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice blend that features cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne, is one of many options. This warm and alluring spice blend is super versatile, adding complex spiciness to everything from popcorn and potato chips to dairy and desserts. Another option? Berbere, which delivers exactly the kind of craveable, spicy heat that Millennials love, is a popular spice blend in Ethiopia. This spice blend, too, is versatile, working well in a number of applications, including snacks, proteins, and sauces.

Younger consumers love to know the backstory associated with new food products. Emphasizing the origins of a spice blend – and even educating consumers about how that spice blend is commonly used – is a great way to appeal to these consumers.

Curry Cravings

Curries of all types are in demand with consumers. Allow them to experience new types of curry with exciting African-inspired options. Doro wat, for example, is a popular Ethiopian curry featuring chicken and hard-boiled eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. Offer it as a frozen meal to catch younger consumers’ attention – or translate its flavor into a seasoning for potato chips, sauces, marinades, and more to help consumers expand their horizons.

Cuisines from Trending Countries

Africa is a huge continent with diverse countries and regions, meaning that there’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to foods and flavors. Knowing which countries’ cuisines are of most interest to younger consumers can help you narrow it down and decide which flavors to focus on.

Moroccan and Ethiopian cuisine have more of a presence in the United States in terms of restaurants, making them ideal options if you’re looking for exotic flavors that aren’t too out there. Other African cuisines, however, like Egyptian, Nigerian, and Congolese, have all begun to garner more interest from consumers than in years past, making them ideal for reaching super adventurous young consumers.

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