It’s time to put seafood in the spotlight! Consumers across the board are trying to up their protein intake, and emerging wellness trends are focusing on supporting brain health and cognitive function. Trendy diets that emphasize seafood consumption have taken center stage, and consumers’ interest in weight loss and weight management has been on the rise as well. This confluence of trends has generated renewed interest in seafood as a feel-good choice for health-conscious consumers.
Not only is seafood immensely popular for its health value, but its mild flavor and versatility make it ideally suited for innovation. Which trends are shaping the seafood category right now? And how can brands innovate around these trends? In this blog, our experts answer these questions and more, providing their takes on the most promising opportunities for seafood innovation.
Seafood as an All-Day Staple
Between the protein trend and popular seafood-centric diets, consumers are gravitating towards seafood options outside of traditional dayparts. Indeed, seafood has moved beyond lunch and dinner and is now making its mark on snack time and breakfast. Lox, for example, has seen an increase in demand as consumers seek a protein-packed energy boost in the morning, while tinned fish and seafood jerky have also been on the rise, thanks to the global cuisine trend.
With consumers seeking out seafood at all hours of the day, now is the time for seafood brands to embrace innovations that can be enjoyed morning, noon, and night. Drawing upon up-and-coming flavor profiles is one way to keep seafood offerings fresh, while also making them suitable for multiple dayparts and eating occasions. Think pimento cheese grits with Cajun shrimp, harissa tuna salad spread, piri piri smoked mackerel, shichimi togarashi salmon jerky, or a hot honey fried fish and egg sandwich.
Regional American Inspiration
While the global food and flavor trend remains immensely popular, many consumers have been turning to regional American cuisine to expand their horizons and satisfy their curiosity about
unfamiliar cuisines. For these consumers, it’s all about discovering hidden gems, developing an appreciation for the very specific flavors and ingredients of different regions, and expanding their knowledge of the melting pot that is American cuisine. As with just about any food category, there are regional differences in seafood preparations, varieties, and flavors, presenting a major opportunity for innovation for seafood brands.
Southern cuisine remains among consumers’ favorite regional American cuisines, and it happens to offer an abundance of seafood dishes to draw inspiration from. From she-crab soup and Louisiana seafood boil to po’ boy sandwiches and fried catfish, there are Southern inspired options for seafood brands of all types.
The possibilities don’t stop with Southern cuisine, though. Curious consumers will be thrilled to try authentic dishes from the Northeast like clam chowder and lobster rolls. With tropical foods and flavors beginning to trend, seafood brands may also consider drawing inspiration from Hawaiian cuisine. Think mahi mahi and pineapple tacos, shoyu ahi poke bowls, and Hawaiian garlic shrimp.
Bold Flavors, Fresh Innovations
Modern consumers crave excitement and variety, especially when it comes to flavor. As many types of seafood are mild in flavor, they’re able to adapt to the latest flavor trends quite seamlessly. Hot and spicy flavors, for example, are perfect for everything from fried fish to grilled shrimp. Tangy, citrusy flavors are trending right now, and they also happen to be perfect for scallops, white fish, lobster, shrimp, and more.
With bold flavors in demand, seafood brands have no shortage of options when it comes to innovation. Look to emerging flavors and ingredients for inspiration to create seafood products that
will appeal to health-conscious and trend-conscious consumers alike. Think chili crisp shrimp, calamansi and garlic cod, spicy maple glazed salmon, and honey balsamic scallops.
Seeking out seafood flavor inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.