Trending Spices & Spice Blends

One of the biggest shifts in consumer behavior in recent years has been an increased interest in seeking out products that include very specific ingredients. This shift has accompanied a rise in nutrition and food literacy, as consumers have been attempting to educate themselves about what goes into their food products and, as a result, are also paying much more attention to ingredient and nutrition labels than in years past. The reasons for this shift? Consumers are 1) becoming more health conscious in the wake of the pandemic and 2) discovering a burgeoning curiosity about food and ingredients.

The reasons above have given rise to the functional ingredient trend, in which consumers use specific ingredients to target current and future health concerns. Consumers want to be proactive about their health, and the potential solutions provided by food and beverage products are appealing because they are seemingly more natural than medications, allow for more custom tailoring to one’s diet and lifestyle, and, perhaps most importantly, give consumers’ peace of mind that they’re doing what they can to support their health and wellbeing.

While the functional ingredient trend has already evolved in the initial years since it originally took off, one thing has stayed essentially the same: that spices continue to be among the most sought after ingredients. As consumers have been educating themselves about ingredients, they’ve become at least somewhat aware of the historical use of spices for medicinal purposes. Not only that, but global food and flavor trends – in which many trending international cuisines rely heavily on spices – have made incorporating spices with potential functional benefits seem feasible and appealing.

Keep reading for more insights into the spices and spice blends that are in demand with consumers right now.

Sought After Spices

According to Mintel, ginger is among the top ingredients that consumers would like to see more of in foodservice, with over half of consumers expressing interest in it. This is unsurprising, given that ginger is heavily featured in many Asian cuisines, which have been among the most popular international cuisines in recent years. From a health and wellness perspective, the potential and perceived benefits of ginger include anti-inflammatory properties and as being a treatment for nausea. Beyond that, ginger is being used as a means for reducing stress, which is also unsurprising in light of recent trends that focus on using food to support mental health and wellbeing.

In addition to ginger, the other spices that are gaining traction and generating buzz with consumers these days include cardamom, turmeric, and cumin. Again, these spices are all commonly featured in trending international cuisines, like Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, and also are perceived to have a wide range of potential health benefits. Brands should consider findings ways to incorporate these spices into their products to help consumers support their health and wellness goals.

Super Spice Blends

What’s better than one spice? Multiple spices! With consumers so focused on functional ingredients, it’s no surprise that they’re interested in incorporating multiple spices into their regular diets. Spice blends allow them to do just that, making them all the more appealing.

International spice blends, like za’atar, dukkah, Chinese five spice, and shichimi togarashi, have been trending for their potential health properties – plus their ability to allow consumers to experience the foods from other cultures from the comfort of their kitchens. Look to these spice blends for inspiration when it comes to designing products that put spices in the spotlight.

Another option? Consider innovating with trending spice blends to create a “signature spice blend” with a distinct flavor. Brands that are focused on promoting the potential health benefits of particular spices could pair spices that share similar properties for blends that are targeted for embracing the latest health and wellness trends.

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