Serving Up Global Inspired Side Dishes

The global food and flavor trend is here to stay! Consumers have been using food as a means of exploration amidst inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, fueling their obsession with expanding their horizons through global inspired food and beverage products. Brands have been capitalizing on this trend, with global flavors infiltrating just about every category and products inspired by international cuisines being introduced on the regular.

Some categories, however, have been slower to adopt global flavors, while others have primarily introduced more mainstream global flavors, like those inspired by Italian, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines. The side dish category, for example, is ideally suited for global flavors, yet few products and menu items inspired by more adventurous, trendy global cuisines have been introduced. With a world of possibilities, there’s no shortage of inspiration for exciting new side dishes. Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how to bring global inspired innovations to the side dish category.

Capitalize on the Popularity of Plant-Based

Just like global flavors have managed to capture consumers’ attention for years on end, so have plant-based foods. Health and wellness continue to be a priority for consumers, motivating them to seek out new and different ways of incorporating more plants into their diets. Although this trend has only been taking hold in the U.S. over the past several years, plant-based foods have long been mainstays in many global cuisines.

Simultaneously appeal to consumers’ desires for foods that help them maintain their health and flavors that help them adventure by introducing plant-based side dishes from trending international cuisines. Indian cuisine, for example, features many plant-based sides with craveable flavors, like chana masala, a chickpea curry, and dal makhani, a lentil curry. Similarly, Korean cuisine, which has been among the most sought-after international cuisines as of late, features many plant-based sides that consumers will be obsessed with, such as oi muchim, a spicy and tangy cucumber-based salad, and kimchi fried rice.

Bring Global Flavors to Familiar Favorites

One way to delight adventurous and not-so-adventurous consumers alike is by bringing exotic global flavors to familiar side dishes. The familiarity of the base makes the product more approachable and less intimidating to those who are hesitant to step outside of their comfort zones, while the excitement of the unfamiliar global flavor appeals to those who are seeking to shake things up and try something new.

Look to trending international flavors and ingredients for inspiration for innovating with familiar side dishes. Think harissa roasted cauliflower, gochujang home fries, Thai curry mac and cheese, and chimichurri grilled vegetables.

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