Trending Spices

Spices are in the spotlight! For a variety of reasons, consumers are seeking out specific spices in a wide range of product categories in both foodservice and retail. This trend is being fueled by other prolific trends, including the functional ingredient trend, the global cuisine trend, and the complex spicy flavor trend. In this blog, we take a closer look at some of the top trending spices, the reasons why they’re trending, and how your brand can innovate with them to appeal to trend-conscious consumers.

Trendy, Trendy Turmeric

When it comes to trending spices, turmeric is at the top! This popular spice has managed to trend consistently over the past few years, which is remarkable, given how quickly consumers are growing bored these days. Its growth has been driven by consumers’ focus on functional ingredients, as it has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and immune system support. Not only that, but many popular cuisines from Asia and the Middle East, both top trending regions, happen to feature turmeric. This has allowed consumers to become more familiar with this spice to the point of seeking it out in a variety of product formats.

Turmeric lends bright, vibrant color to food products, making it an eye-catching addition to everything from snacks and sauces to beverages and baked goods. Combine turmeric with sweet flavors like mango to help balance out its earthy flavor. Think a mango turmeric smoothie or a turmeric carrot cake muffin. Look to global spice blends, curries, and beverages for flavor inspiration, too. Options like yellow coconut curry potato chips and golden milk ice cream are sure to be hits with consumers who are seeking out this spice.

Ginger on the Rise

Consumers can’t get enough of ginger! Like turmeric, ginger’s growth can be chalked up to the same two factors: the functional ingredient trend and the global food and flavor trend. Ginger has followed a similar trajectory as turmeric when it comes to growth over the past few years. It’s gained a lot of traction in the beverage, bakery, and dairy categories, but there’s plenty of room for growth across the board when it comes to innovating with ginger.

Most consumers are familiar with ginger, thanks to its history as a mainstay in the baked good space, making it easier for brands to incorporate it into a variety of other products. One option for innovation? Pair ginger with other beloved and trendy ingredients for unique flavor mashups. Think a ginger and honey milkshake or a spicy ginger BBQ sauce. Similar to turmeric, there are a lot of opportunities when it comes to innovating with global flavors that prominently feature ginger. Think a sesame ginger salad dressing or a chaat masala seasoning for fruit.

Crazy for Cumin & Coriander

Cumin and coriander have also gained favor with consumers for – you guessed it – their potential health properties, as well as their inclusion in many popular global dishes. On top of that, these spices have also been standing out for their bold flavors, attracting younger consumers who are seeking out more intense flavors and sensory experiences.

Pair coriander with spicy ingredients for flavor profiles that deliver all of the complexity that consumers are craving. Think a cracked coriander and green chili rub for pork. Bring the citrusy, warm flavors of cumin to unexpected products to revive categories that are otherwise lacking flavor innovation. Think a toasted cumin yogurt or a lemon cumin pesto.

Getting inspired by spices? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.