Travel with Consumers through a World of Flavors and Products

You can’t give consumers a plane ticket, but you can let their taste buds travel. Consumers are hungry for exploration and authenticity as they seek globally inspired meals, snacks, and menu items.

What Cuisines are Popular?

Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine has steadily risen in popularity over the years for its anti-inflammatory and health benefits, and that doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Products in US and Mexican marketplaces have taken on a Mediterranean flair, from flavored croutons to functional foods like quinoa mixes. Proteins that have been pre-seasoned or marinated with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavors are also popular in the US as convenient meal solutions.

Mexican Cuisine

Whether going out to eat or cooking at home, it’s not news that consumers love Mexican food. But there’s been an increasing interest in the regional spices and flavors that make those traditional dishes unique.

• 55% of Canadian operators offer Mexican-inspired dishes on their menus. (Source: Technomic – Menu)
• 58% of US consumers said they were interested in Mexican cuisine snack flavors. (Source: Mintel – Trending Flavor and Ingredients in Snacks report US 2022)
• 29% of US consumers said they have tried Guadalajaran-inspired cuisine (think: birria tacos and pozole) and would try it again. (Source: Mintel – Regional and International Flavors and Ingredients report US 2022)

Sourced from Mexico, these Nopales cactus-based snacks have an air of authenticity and come in popular flavors like lime, churro, smoky chipotle, and chile turmeric.

Regional Asian Cuisine

Asian inspiration is everywhere. Korean flavors are transforming a variety of familiar dishes, including tacos, ribs, corn dogs, and barbeque. Interest in Philippine and Vietnamese cuisines has also increased as consumers embrace and embark on flavorful exploration.

• The number of Canadian operators with Philippine offerings on their menus was up 37% by the end of 2021. Those with Vietnamese offerings was up 24%. (Source: Technomic – Menu)
• 39% of US consumers have tried Vietnamese food, a 5% increase over the past two years. (Source: Datassential Flavor)

Products that have Consumers “Traveling”

Restaurants and manufacturers alike are getting creative in how they satisfy consumers’ desires to explore new experiences through international flavors and twists.

Fusion For the Win

Authentic flavors don’t always have to be used in traditional ways. Craftily combining elements of different cuisines and incorporating familiar ingredients with more adventurous ones offers consumers a unique and approachable way to explore new flavors. QSRs and foodservice providers can offer fusion-style variations to help consumers experience cuisines they might not feel comfortable experimenting with in their own kitchens.

• 29% of US consumers say fusion items like Korean tacos are a good way to try new international flavors. (Source: Mintel Regional and International Flavors and Ingredients report 2022)
• 52% of consumers in Mexico agreed that they experiment with different cuisines out of home. (Source: GlobalData – Consumer Survey 2021 Q2, Q4)
• 52% of US consumers say they are more likely to try a new international cuisine at a restaurant. (Source:Mintel Regional and International Flavors and Ingredients – Nov 2020)

Foods like Italian-inspired falafel, Bao Bun hamburgers, and Chinese fried dough strips served with affogato are examples of fun ways chefs and retailers can keep their offerings exciting.

It’s Street Food’s Time to Shine

What’s more authentic than food from the streets? Korean Corn Dogs — whether professionally prepared or recreated at home — have had consumers raving in online conversations.

Popular global street foods are making their way into the marketplace as well, helping bring unique international flavors to consumers’ kitchens.

The Ticket to Global Cuisine for Kitchens, Manufacturers, and Consumers

The sky’s the limit when it comes to international iterations. With the right flavors and ingredients, you’ll be taking off in no time — and your customers are sure to be along for the ride. Whether it’s a coater, seasoning, or Flavour Glaze, we’ve got insights-inspired solutions to help get you started.

These solutions are just a starting point — our teams at Griffith Foods are here to inspire and innovate to meet needs and desires specific to your customers. Let’s get traveling.