The Increasing Interest in Mushroom Flavors

As ingredients in food items, mushrooms have historically been hit-or-miss with consumers. Lately, however, we have seen a steady increase in interest of products that have feature mushroom flavors. Mushrooms are known for their savory, umami flavor, and consumers seem to be interested in bringing that mouthwatering flavor to products like snacks, dips, and marinades.

One of the most common aversions to mushrooms is not so much their taste, but their texture. Some would describe them as slimy or chewy, depending on how they are cooked, and it’s not a huge surprise that many people don’t find that to be particularly appetizing. Fortunately, the flavor of mushrooms can be enjoyed without having to experience the texture that comes with consuming a mushroom, and food-service companies are capitalizing on that opportunity. Keep reading to find out more about increasingly popular mushroom flavors and how companies are adding this trending flavor to their food products.

Trendy Mushroom Flavors

Consumers can’t seem to get enough of mushrooms! According to Mintel, truffle, which is among the most popular varieties of mushrooms, has continued to grow increasingly more popular and saw 49% growth as a flavor on menus from Q4 in 2018 to Q4 in 2022. Consumers have been gravitating toward truffle and mushroom flavors, as they bring a sense of sophistication to everyday food products.

In addition to the upscale vibe they add to food products, mushrooms are also trending because of their status as a functional ingredient. The functional ingredient trend is taking off and increasing the demand for specific ingredients that are believed to help address specific health concerns (read more about this trend here). Mushrooms have been known for their potential to support the immune system, aid in digestions, improve skin health, and more. As consumers continue to add more mushrooms to their diets, they’ll start craving mushroom flavors more and seek them out in a variety of products. By adding mushroom flavors to food products, brands can appeal to health-conscious consumers who are looking for products that can also have a positive impact on their overall health and feature the flavors of trending functional ingredients.

One of the benefits of using mushrooms as a flavor is that there are numerous varieties that all offer distinct flavor profiles. Deciding which flavor to draw inspiration from can be a challenge but can also create space for innovation to take a trending flavor concept to a whole new level. Many consumers are familiar with the well-known umami and nutty flavor in mushrooms, but some mushrooms have flavors that deliver different favor profiles. For example, some are more earthy, while others have flavors that are fruity. And then there’s the unexpected; some mushroom flavors taste like anise (licorice-like) and others, give a hint of seafood. With so many flavors to experiment with, food companies are sure to find a mushroom flavor that fits their brand strategy and meets the expectations and needs to their target market.

The Opportunity with Mushrooms

So, what can food companies and brands do to get in on this growing trend? Considering that mushrooms have long been successful flavor enhancer for heartier meals, it’s time to bring that savory flavor to other food products that we normally wouldn’t think to apply it to. With that mindset, food service companies have begun adding these flavors to snack products, dips, marinades, sauces and more. As consumers continue to get accustomed to experiencing these flavors in a variety of new formats, they’ll expect to see them in retail too, presenting an opportunity for brands to focus on innovating with all that mushroom flavors have to offer.

Thanks to the versatility of flavor in mushrooms, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can create. Finding the right balance of this flavor to add to a food product can be overwhelming, but our R&D experts have got you covered! We can help you create a product that brings out the best notes of a mushroom flavor.

Ready to create something special with mushroom flavors? Contact us today to get started!