Pickles are having a moment! Thanks to multiple trends converging at the same time, pickles have become highly sought after. Indeed, consumers have been upping their consumption of pickles and pickled foods, while also purchasing menu items and foods featuring pickled flavors. With pickles becoming more popular than ever before, now is the time for brands to start innovating with pickles and pickled flavors.
The possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to getting creative with pickles. What’s driving this trend, and how can brands get in on it? Keep reading for our experts’ takes on all of the possibilities for pickles and pickled flavors!
The Trends Behind the Trend
Why are consumers obsessed with pickles? First of all, tangy and sour foods and flavors have been in demand lately, as consumers have been seeking out bold and unique flavor experiences. Conventional flavor profiles just don’t cut it anymore, as consumers are growing tired of experiencing the same flavors. As a result, mouth-puckering flavors have been making waves in retail and foodservice.
Beyond craving the tangy flavor of pickles, consumers have also been obsessed with the potential health benefits of consuming pickled foods. Gut health remains among consumers’ top wellness priorities, and fermented and pickled foods are gaining traction as being palatable options for supporting gut health. Not only that, but these items tend to be low in calories and fat, making them a go-to snack for consumers who are trying to lose weight.
Pickled foods are prominently featured in many global cuisines, so it makes sense that as the demand for international foods has gone up, so has the demand for exotic pickled items. Oi muchim,
a Korean dish consisting of spicy pickled cucumbers, for example, has been generating buzz on social media as consumers seek to discover global specialties and popular pickled items from around the world.
Pickle Flavor Possibilities
Unsurprisingly, dill pickle was among the top snack flavors in retail in the past year and also showed significant growth as a flavor in foodservice as well. Dill pickles are familiar to most consumers, giving them mass appeal. The flavor profile benefits from this familiarity as well, so it makes sense that dill pickle flavored snacks would see so much success.
Brands can capitalize on the popularity of dill pickle flavors by pairing them with other trending ingredients. Think dill pickle and parmesan popcorn or spicy ranch and dill pickle potato chips. Consumers will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy this familiar favorite in new and different ways. These flavors will also excite more adventurous consumers without alienating those who are hesitant to try new things.
For brands that want to push the envelope further, consider looking to other pickled foods for inspiration. Think pickled jalapeño, pickled horseradish, pickled watermelon, or pickled ginger. This allows brands to capitalize on this trend, while still showcasing their innovation. Consumers will be excited to experience lesser-known pickled flavors.
Ready to innovate with pickled flavors? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.