Global Cuisine Cravings: Filipino

Filipino foods and flavors have been winning over consumers lately, gaining traction in foodservice and trending on social media. Why? Filipino cuisine is a triple threat; it manages to satisfy three major trends at all once. First of all, Asian cuisine, in general, is incredibly popular, trending in all corners of the world, which has put Filipino cuisine on the map. As consumers have been seeking out various Asian cuisines, they’ve taken a liking to what the Philippines have to offer.

Secondly, tropical flavors are in right now, and the foods of this island nation often feature flavors and ingredients that evoke a tropical paradise, including coconut, pineapple, papaya, and mango. And lastly, Filipino foods often take on sour or sweet and sour flavor profiles, which have also been incredibly trendy amongst consumers.

As consumers continue to become increasingly adventurous, they’ll be looking to find their favorite Filipino foods and flavors in different formats in both foodservice and retail. Keep reading to learn more about how brands can look to Filipino cuisine for flavor inspiration.

Start with Street Food

Among consumers’ latest obsessions has been trying out street food inspired dishes and flavors from faraway places. Consumers love the idea of eating like a local and experiencing the hidden gems that may be found in hole-in-the-wall eateries abroad. Given that consumers have been using food as a means of exploration while inflation has been making travel trickier, it’s no surprise that they’ve made a point of discovering popular street foods from around the world.

The Philippines has no shortage of fun and exotic street foods that will deliver the excitement of experiencing something new and different that consumers are looking for. From somewhat familiar options, like deep fried plantains, to options that will take consumers out of their comfort zones, such as kwek kwek (boiled and fried quail eggs served with a spicy chili sauce), brands of all types will be able to find inspiration from Filipino cuisine that can delight the adventurous and not-so-adventurous alike.

Foodservice operators and frozen food brands may consider adding classic Filipino street foods to their offerings, while retail brands in the snack, baked good, sauce, and dairy categories may consider bringing the flavors of these sought-after street foods to their products.

Popular Proteins

Proteins are a hallmark of Filipino cuisine, with a number of protein-centered Filipino dishes gaining international recognition. For example, Filipino adobo, which consists of chicken or pork belly in a sweet and tangy glaze, has been one of the first and most popular Filipino dishes to make its way onto U.S. restaurant menus. Filipino BBQ, which often takes the form of sweet and savory marinated pork on a stick, has also been trending, thanks in part to social media. Filipino curry, which is similar to Thai curry and features chicken, also has generated buzz amongst consumers, who have enjoyed trying different varieties of curry from around the world.

Brands should consider incorporating the flavors of these proteins into a variety of product formats. Think Filipino adobo potato chips or a Filipino BBQ sauce. Consumers will appreciate the opportunity to shake up their routines with the flavors of these trendy Filipino protein dishes.

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