Bringing the Biggest Flavor Trends to Bread

It’s no secret that bread is beloved! Having long served as a staple in consumers’ diets, bread has been celebrated for its versatility, variety, and affordability. Despite its widespread popularity, however, the bread category has not been the focus of much innovation. Plain bread and traditional bread varieties dominate in both foodservice and retail, even though consumers’ expectations for flavor innovation extend to the bread category.

With consumers always on the hunt for new takes on staple products, now is the perfect time to innovate with bread. Thanks to its versatility, bread is well-positioned to adapt to the latest trends and showcase new flavors. Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how to bring the most prolific flavor trends to the bread category.

Positioning Bread as Better-For-You

Consumers are growing increasingly health conscious, focusing on making minor adjustments to their diets to support their health and wellness goals. Among consumers’ health priorities is upping their fiber and protein intakes. By incorporating seeds, which have been highly sought after by consumers recently, into bread products, brands can appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Although herbs are not uncommon in the bread category, given their current popularity, herb blends are an ideal source of inspiration for innovative new bread products. Consumers have been trying to incorporate more herbs into their diets, thanks to the functional ingredient trend and the potential health benefits associated with specific herbs and spices. Capitalize on this trend by creating unique blends of herbs to feature in bread products.

Spices, like turmeric, nutmeg, cumin, and cardamom, have also been trending for their potential health properties. Spices and spice blends are ideally suited for incorporating into bread products. Get in on the functional ingredient trend by looking to sought-after spices and spice blends for flavor inspiration for new bread products. Think a turmeric sourdough bread or a five spice corn muffin.

Getting in on the Global Trend

Global flavors are seemingly everywhere these days, but one of the few exceptions is the bread category. A very limited number of global flavors have made their way into the bread category, despite the fact that consumers have been craving exotic, international flavors. Mediterranean inspired flavors are a sensible starting point for bringing global flavors to bread, given that they typically feature herb blends and are approachable to most consumers, giving them mainstream appeal. Think a za’atar and feta focaccia bread, a Greek style olive bread, or a Moroccan spiced soda bread.

Younger consumers, in particular, are looking for even more adventurous flavors, so brands shouldn’t shy away from looking for flavor inspiration from all corners of the world. Think kimchi rolls, chimichurri flatbread, or harissa sourdough.

Beyond getting inspired by global flavors, bread brands should also consider bringing popular bread varieties from around the world to grocery store shelves and menus. Injera, an Ethiopian flatbread with a distinct sour flavor profile, for example, would appeal to consumers who are looking to expand their horizons and try something new.

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