History, geography, and immigration have shaped elements of Venezuelan, Brazilian, Argentine, and Peruvian cooking, influencing the development of retail products and menu items worldwide.
Take the Moqueca, a Brazilian seafood stew featuring fresh prawns, hearty chunks of tomato, and colorful bell peppers in creamy coconut milk and tomato broth seasoned with garlic, lime, cilantro, and bird’s eye chilies.
- 51% of US consumers want to try moqueca.1
- 49% of Canadian consumers want to try moqueca.1
- 67% of Mexican consumers want to try moqueca.1
This year’s FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program: The Perfect Bite explores the delight and emotion of culinary experiences that activate the senses through themes, culinary platforms, ideas, and themes, including Taste the Plate, South America.
A Worldly Influence
With its melting pot of culinary techniques, natural ingredients, and historical influence, it’s no surprise that South America’s distinctive cuisines are making a global impact.
Elements of Venezuelan, Brazilian, Argentine, and Peruvian cuisines, to name a few, can be described as exciting and familiar to consumers worldwide—something we’re already seeing in unique mashup fare.
Regional Highlights
- Peru: A fusion of indigenous and Hispanic cuisines, featuring ceviche, pollo a la brasa, butifarra, anticucho, tiradito, lomo saltado, and aji amarillo.
- Colombia: A blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, with dishes like ajicaco, sancocho, arepas, aji, and bandeja paisa.
- Brazil: A mix of Indigenous, Portuguese, West African, and Japanese cuisines, it showcases churrasco, feijoada, moqueca, and picanha.
- Argentina: A diverse gastronomy combining Italian, Spanish, indigenous, and Creole cuisines, with asado, empanadas, milanesa, chimichurri, and choripan.
- Chile: A combination of indigenous and Spanish cuisines, with later European influences, featuring humitas, cazuela, pastel de choclo, and empanadas.
Exploring Authentic Global Flavors
Consumers across North America are growing interested in exploring authentic international cuisines and flavors from South America. This trend is driven by a desire to experience different cultures and a willingness to try new dishes and ingredients.
- 48% of US consumers say Aji Amarillo (a spicy, tangy, and creamy Peruvian sauce made with Aji Amarillo peppers) appeals to them.2
- 47% of Canadian consumers use international or internationally-inspired sauces when cooking at home.2
- 20% of Mexican consumers are interested in South American Flavors on Seafood.2
This emphasis on authenticity presents an opportunity for South American cuisine to gain popularity as consumers seek out genuine and traditional flavors and preparations.
Social Media and Desire to Try New Flavors Fuel Culinary Curiosity
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, play a significant role in introducing consumers to new cuisines and culinary trends, especially among younger generations.
- About 57% of Gen Z Americans discover new cuisines via TikTok.3
- 22% of Canadian consumers found South American sauces appealing.3
- 89% of Mexican consumers have tried Ceviche, a South American dish of seafood marinated in citrus and seasonings.3
The influence of social media on food trends and the curiosity surrounding South American flavors and sauces create an environment ripe for the introduction and popularization of South American cuisine in North America.
Home Cooking Embraces Global Flavors
As consumers across North America increasingly cook meals from scratch at home, there is a growing interest in incorporating international flavors and sauces into their culinary repertoire.
- 46% of US consumers agree that eating international cuisines helps them to experience different cultures.
- 31% of Canadians don’t currently use internationally-inspired sauces but are interested in using them.
- 76% of Mexican consumers cook meals from scratch most or all the time.
The Essence of South America
South American cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors featuring grilled meats, comforting stews, fresh seafood, and an array of enticing street foods.
What sets this cuisine apart is its vibrant sauces, such as guasacaca, aji criollo, and chimichurri, which infuse innovation into a wide range of dishes, from sandwiches and pizza to eggs and tacos. These sauces bring an authentic touch to any culinary creation, adding a flavor that captivates the taste buds.
South American cuisine offers a compelling journey for the palate with its decadent flavors and versatile sauces.
Whether you’re savoring a perfectly grilled steak or indulging in a hearty stew, the essence of South American cuisine is a celebration of comforting and adventurous food. Embrace the spirit of this culinary tradition and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the heart of South America with every bite.
FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program
At Griffith Foods, we turn insights and culinary creativity into new opportunities with our FlavorIQ® Food & Flavor Outlook Program. Through our annual culinary theme program, we curated a list of key culinary themes that reflect the food industry’s current state and our prediction for what’s next. Learn more about our program and themes here.
Let’s Create Better Together
We’re here to help inspire creations that keep your product portfolio on trend. Contact your Griffith Foods representative or reach out to our sales team to learn more about our ongoing research and innovative offerings.
Resources:
- Griffith Foods Flavor Dashboard 2023
- Mintel Consulting, 2024 Trends and Griffith Foods Flavor Dashboard 2023
- Mintel Reports and Mintel Regional & International Flavors 2023
