South American Flavor Inspiration

With ethnic cuisine continuing to grow in demand, it can be a challenge to figure out where to look next for flavor inspiration. Consumers are growing increasingly adventurous, constantly seeking out exotic and exciting ethnic cuisines. So, it comes as no surprise when our experts get asked, “What region’s cuisine is going to be trending next?” Our answer: South America. Why? There’s something special about South American cuisine. It brings bold flavor, delivers on spicy heat, and features trending ingredients, like citrus and exotic peppers. Better yet, it doesn’t require consumers to step too far out of their comfort zones, given their familiarity with Latin cuisine, so it will attract both the adventurous and not-so-adventurous. South American food is one of the few ethnic cuisines that has mainstream appeal, while still garnering excitement.

What begins trending in foodservice eventually makes its way into retail. Over the past few years, South American cuisine has been on the rise in foodservice, growing in popularity thanks to its craveable flavors and addictive heat. Given that South American cuisine has already been picking up steam in foodservice, it is likely to begin trending in retail in the not-so-distant future. Foods and flavors inspired by Brazilian cuisine in particular are growing rapidly in foodservice, making it ideally suited for retail product inspiration.

Get ahead of the curve by seeking out South American flavor inspiration. The best part? These flavors are versatile, meaning that no matter your product category, there’s likely inspiration from Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and beyond that will take your product to the next level, exciting and delighting consumers. Need a starting point? Here are some of our favorite South American inspired flavor profiles:

Aji Amarillo – There’s a lot to love about Aji Amarillo! This Peruvian pepper offers a somewhat fruity flavor with just the right amount of heat. Better yet, its vibrant color gives it some extra flair, making it particularly appealing to consumers who are seeking something particularly exotic.

Chimichurri – Bold, bright, vibrant, delicious… we could go on and on! Chimichurri is one of those classic ethnic flavors that appeals to the adventurous and not-so-adventurous alike. Its tangy and garlicky flavor and bright color are sure to make it a hit with consumers.

Molho Apimentado – Consumers who crave heat won’t be disappointed with this one! Molho apimentado is a deliciously spicy hot sauce, featuring chili peppers, vinegar, and lime juice. With its Brazilian roots, tangy notes, and craveable heat, this flavor has everything it takes to attract consumers – and keep them coming back for more.

Tempero Baiano – Originating from Brazil, tempero baiano delivers on complex spiciness! This spice blend features garlic, cayenne, oregano, and more warm and alluring spices. And talk about versatile! Not only does it make for a craveable meat rub, but it also is perfect for soups, stews, vegetables and snacks.

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our e-newsletter for more trends and flavor inspiration.