Spotlight on Side Dishes

Side dishes are for standing out! Just because they aren’t the main course, doesn’t mean that sides can’t be the “star” of a meal. These days, consumers are expecting more from sides, looking for innovative flavors and beyond basic bases. This presents a huge opportunity for brands to create consumers’ next big side dish obsession. Keep reading to get our experts’ takes on innovating in the side dish space.

New Twists on Classic Sides

Some of consumers’ favorite side dishes, like mac & cheese, French fries, and mashed potatoes, also happen to be their favorite comfort foods. These are the foods they turn to in times of stress and uncertainty. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has driven consumers to seek out these side dishes, staging a major comeback for comfort food. Not only do these items bring comfort, but they deliver on nostalgia too, which is also in demand with consumers.

Although these classic comfort foods will always be popular, consumers are growing increasingly restless these days, constantly seeking out what’s new and what’s next to add some excitement to their daily lives. The best way to appeal to these consumers? Offer innovative twists on their favorite comfort foods. Give them the nostalgia they so desire, but also with the trending flavors they crave. Think cheesy green chili French fries, truffle and parm baby potatoes, and bacon feta mac and cheese.

Embracing the Push for Plant-Based

As consumers continue to prioritize their health and well-being, they’ve been looking for new ways to up their fruit and vegetable intake. Veggie-forward carb replacements like cauliflower rice have been on the rise as a result. Gut health and diets that support the digestive system have also garnered considerable interest from consumers, making fiber-rich sides, like those featuring legumes, all the more appealing to consumers as well.

Lean into this trend by looking for new ways to help consumers reach their health and wellness goals. From curried lentils to broccoli rice, health-conscious consumers will get excited about brands expanding their plant-based offerings and giving them more variety in their options for sides.

Inspiration from International Cuisines

It should come as no surprise that consumers are craving international cuisines, which have provided them with an outlet for expanding their horizons during the pandemic. Mintel reports that over one-third of consumers want to see more international options in retail, while global cuisines are also on the rise in foodservice. Popular side dishes from trending regions can serve as inspiration for new and exciting products that will delight adventurous consumers. Asian cuisine, and specifically Korean food, as well as African cuisine, have witnessed major growth in demand recently. Sides like jollof rice and Korean corn cheese are sure to be a hit with consumers who are trying to branch out and step outside of their comfort zones.

Another way to shake things up in the side dish category is to bring trending global-inspired

flavors to familiar favorites. Think harissa fried rice, aji amarillo mashed potatoes, and shichimi togarashi spiced vegetables. Consumers of all ages will appreciate the opportunity to try global twists on their favorite side dishes.

Ready to spice up your side dishes? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you create something special!