Flavor Opportunities in Crepes

Sofia Prudnikova is a marketing intern at Fuchs North America. She’s currently a senior at Manchester Valley High School and has plans to pursue a degree in international trade and business at LSU. Through her internship, Sofia has been learning all about the latest food and flavor trends. Here, she provides insights into the growing popularity of crepes – and the possibilities for innovating with flavor to create next level crepes.

Have you noticed beautiful, cone-shaped crepes, filled to the brim with goodies, showing up on your social media feed? Well, these Japanese-style crepes have been popping up all over the U.S. in the past few years. Originating in Harajuku, these stuffed crepes became a versatile street food that has evolved with numerous flavor combinations. Luckily for the U.S., Japanese-style creperies have opened up on every corner, exposing Americans to a delicious and authentic treat.

The push for this style of crepe has been fueled by consumers’ increasing food curiosities, which has led them to gravitate towards Asian flavors. Coupled with our fast-paced lives and growing disinterest in sit-down restaurants, these portable, aesthetically pleasing meals have gained popularity. This can be seen in the growing number of creperies dominating our cities. T-swirl café, a New York chain, provides Japanese style crepes with both sweet and savory fillings. The versatility of crepes doesn’t stop there. Lady-M boutique in New York City is famous for their layered crepe cakes, with flavors like green tea and strawberry.

Of course, France still retains the credit for crepes. The ultra-thin pancake, made from a wheat-flour batter and served with sweet or savory toppings is an elegant dessert we all know and love. Although Japanese crepes are made in a practically identical way, they are much larger in size. Typically about twelve inches in diameter, these golden spheres can hold a multitude of ingredients. Traditionally, fillings are comprised of fresh cream, strawberries, ice cream, apples, syrups, and even cheesecake. Yet, these crepes have evolved and hold savory ingredients as well. Therefore, stuffed crepes can be customized to your liking. As long as your crepe is flavorful, filling, and easy to eat on the go, you are doing it right!

Looking for some flavor inspiration? Interning at Fuchs, I have been exposed to a wide variety of flavor concepts and applications that I had never seen before. This exposure to creativity has opened my palate up to new cultures and sensations. Crepes are a perfect vessel to build flavors and delightful sensory experiences.  Exotic citrus flavors like Yuzu and exciting botanicals like hibiscus and ginger can be implemented in sweet concepts. On the other hand, spice and heat has been on the forefront of consumer trends recently. Gochujang, chili lime, and Korean BBQ flavors can provide a kick to savory crepes. One thing I have learned is that spice and seasoning can make or break a dish. So, why not bring something new to your palate?

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