{"id":9228,"date":"2026-04-20T14:58:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T19:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?p=9228"},"modified":"2026-04-20T14:58:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T19:58:07","slug":"how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/","title":{"rendered":"How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">Executive Summary | What the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Reveals About Sensor-Led Demand<\/h3>    <details class=\"wp-block-details has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>The FlavorIQ Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program from Griffith Foods highlights craveable texture as a critical sensory driver of multisensory food experiences.<\/summary> <p>Global consumer research shows that 43% of consumers agree or strongly agree that they like food and drink products with unusual textures. Texture appeal spans both familiar comfort and exploratory experiences, with especially high global enjoyment of creamy (89%), tender (85%), chewy (80%), sticky (79%), crunchy (75%), crispy (74%), and crumbly (70%) textures.1<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\">In North America, texture preferences are not uniform across markets. <\/h3>    <p>The share of consumers who say they like experimental food and drink products is 81% in the United States, compared with 69% in Canada and 60% in Mexico. Perceptions of texture as a premium signal also vary: 35% of U.S. consumers, 38% of Canadian consumers, and 22% of Mexican consumers say unusual textures make products feel more premium. These differences underscore that texture is a powerful but market\u2011specific lever.2<\/p>    <p>Beyond attitudes, texture is increasingly visible in both product communication and digital behavior. Analysis of new food launches shows texture descriptors appearing prominently, led by crunchy or crispy cues (8.8%)3, followed by smooth (5.0%), soft (2.9%), chunky or with bits (2.1%), and chewy (1.7%). Digital engagement reinforces this momentum, with year\u2011over\u2011year growth in texture\u2011related keyword engagement across categories such as Frozen Meals (+288%), Ready to Cook (+240%), Prepared Meals (+226%), Food Bowls (+64%), and Meat Alternatives (+51%).4<\/p>    <p>Taken together, these signals position texture as a strategic design input that influences discovery, perceived quality, and engagement\u2014provided market differences are thoughtfully accounted for.<\/p> <\/details>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" alt=\"Close-up of while and sliced figs showing rich, juicy interiors and contrasting textures enhances the sensory experience of food.\" class=\"wp-image-9300 lozad\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-1024x683.jpg\"\/><\/figure>    <p>In 2026, texture is no longer a secondary attribute layered on after flavor development. Instead, it functions as a primary sensory signal that helps define value, quality, and overall eating experience. Research 5 shows that texture perception is influenced not just by physical properties, but also by cultural habits, exposure, and individual sensory differences\u2014meaning the same food can be experienced very differently across consumers.<\/p>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does &#8220;Craveable Texture&#8221; mean?<\/h4>    <p>\u201cCraveable texture\u201d refers to the multisensory role that food texture plays in shaping enjoyment, perceived quality, and engagement beyond flavor alone. The concept is highlighted in the FlavorIQ Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program from Griffith Foods, which identifies texture as a growing driver of food innovation and consumer preference. <\/p>    <p>Consumers show strong preference for textures such as creamy, crunchy, chewy, and crispy, while interest in unusual textures is also increasing globally.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>    <figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-align-left\"><blockquote><p>Texture cues are becoming more visible in food product launches and marketing, particularly in categories such as frozen meals and ready-to-cook products.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Craveable Texture: a Data\u2011Supported Strategic Sensory Signal<\/h2>    <p>Consumers increasingly seek food experiences that go beyond taste alone and engage multiple senses. Texture contributes not only to how food feels in the mouth, but also to visual appeal, sound (such as audible crunch), and emotional satisfaction. As a result, texture plays a critical role in how products are discovered, shared, and remembered.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Conversation Growth by Market<\/h3>    <p>YOY growth in online conversations about food texture\u2076<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Japan (+64%)<\/li>    <li>India (+524%)<\/li>    <li>Thailand (+77%)<\/li>    <li>Germany (+19%)<\/li>    <li>Saudi Arabia (+137%)<\/li>    <li>Brazil (+367%)<\/li>    <li>USA (+46%)<\/li>    <li>UK (+43%)<\/li>    <li>Mexico (+43%)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>For food leaders, this <strong>shift matters because together<\/strong>, <strong>these signals indicate texture can be approached as a more intentional design lever<\/strong>, one that influences discovery, satisfaction, and repeat choice in ways flavor alone increasingly cannot.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texture for Sensory Engagement Insights<\/h2>    <p><strong>Today\u2019s consumers want dining experiences that go beyond flavor and fully engage multiple senses<\/strong>, positioning texture as a meaningful component of food enjoyment. Quantitative findings cited in the program include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Consumer research indicates that texture appeal spans both comfort and exploration. Globally, 43% of consumers agree or strongly agree that they like food<sup>1<\/sup><\/li>    <li>% of global consumers who enjoy the following textures<sup>1<\/sup> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Creamy 89%<\/li>    <li>Tender 85%<\/li>    <li>Chewy 80%<\/li>    <li>Sticky 79%<\/li>    <li>Crunchy 75%<\/li>    <li>Crispy 74%<\/li>    <li>Crumbly 70<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Together, these figures suggest that interest in texture spans both familiar comfort textures and more exploratory sensory experiences.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are Consumers Craving Texture?<\/h3>    <p>The data suggests four recurring motivations of sensory engagement<\/p>    <div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" alt=\"Fine dining setting at a restaurant table illustrating how texture enhances premium perception, curiosity, and sensory food experiences\" class=\"wp-image-9301 size-full lozad\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-2212532765-1024x576.jpg\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>curiosity and challenge<\/li>    <li>product differentiation<\/li>    <li>premium perception<\/li>    <li>social value<\/li> <\/ol> <\/div><\/div>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p>Together, these four needs reflect how texture is functioning today\u2014 not as a novelty layer, but as a strategic sensory signal shaping engagement, differentiation, and perceived value.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North America: How Texture Signals Differ by Market<\/h2>    <p>Country\u2011level insights across North America reveal meaningful differences in how texture is interpreted and valued. In the United States, texture is strongly associated with indulgence, experience, and perceived quality. Higher shares of U.S. consumers link unusual textures with premium cues and enjoyment.<\/p>    <p>In Canada, texture plays a subtler role, with consumers placing greater emphasis on comfort, balance, and refined differentiation rather than overt novelty. Meanwhile, Mexico shows strong curiosity and social enthusiasm for unusual textures, with higher interest in discussing new and different food experiences.<\/p>    <p>These distinctions reinforce that texture should not be treated as a one\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all signal. Instead, brands must consider how texture aligns with local expectations around value, experimentation, and social expression.<\/p>    <p>The data includes country\u2011level insights showing that texture\u2011driven preferences are not uniform across North America.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>    <div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"> <div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"> <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular has-small-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td>USA<\/td><td>CANADA<\/td><td>MEXICO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I like experimental food and drink products<\/td><td>81%<\/td><td>69%<\/td><td>60%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I like to discuss new and unusual food products on social media<\/td><td>33%<\/td><td>24%<\/td><td>33%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I like to feel the food products that I cook<\/td><td>41%<\/td><td>36%<\/td><td>30%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unusual textures can challenge my taste perceptions<\/td><td>35%<\/td><td>41%<\/td><td>32%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unusual textures give products stand out appeal<\/td><td>27%<\/td><td>43%<\/td><td>19%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unusual textures make cooking more fun and exciting<\/td><td>45%<\/td><td>35%<\/td><td>37%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unusual textures make products more premium<\/td><td>35%<\/td><td>38%<\/td><td>22%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>   <section id=\"gr_text-block_5a84cb9b3467a7838ff96139698d9b7e\" class=\"gr-text bg-grey fullwidth-section\">     <div class=\"gr-text__inner fullwidth-section__container\">                   <div class=\"gr-text__content\"><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <strong>U.S.<\/strong> strongly associates texture with indulgence and quality; <\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Canada<\/strong> places greater value on subtle differentiation and comfort; and <strong>Mexico<\/strong>\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0strong curiosity and social enthusiasm for unusual textures.<\/span><\/i><\/p> <\/div>         <\/div>   <\/section>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texture in Practice: Launch and Engagement Evidence<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Product launch signals<\/h3>    <p>Product launch data shows that texture is being surfaced more explicitly in product naming and communication. Crunchy, crispy, crusty, and brittle cues lead texture descriptors, followed by smooth, soft, chunky, chewy, spreadable, tender, light, melt\u2011in\u2011mouth, and juicy cues. This demonstrates that texture is not only present in formulation, but also actively leveraged in how products are positioned to consumers.<\/p>    <p>Texture descriptors appear in food launches at the following rates<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Crunchy \/ crispy \/ crusty \/ brittle \/ nutty: 8.8%<\/li>    <li>Smooth (silky \/ velvety \/ creamy \/ buttery): 5.0%<\/li>    <li>Soft: 2.9%<\/li>    <li>Chunky \/ with bits: 2.1%<\/li>    <li>Chewy: 1.7%<\/li>    <li>Spreadable: 1.6%<\/li>    <li>Tender: 1.3%<\/li>    <li>Light \/ puffy: 1.2%<\/li>    <li>Melt\u2011in\u2011mouth: 1.1%<\/li>    <li>Juicy: 0.94%<\/li> <\/ul>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-align-left\"><blockquote><p>Texture engagement is no longer confined to a single category, reinforcing its role as a system\u2011wide sensory driver.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <section id=\"cards_grid-block_6e05e3bd1d4c0c7d6bd5376dfbdfafa8\" class=\"cards-grid cards-grid_modulo-0 fullwidth-section\">       <div class=\"container fullwidth-section__container js-a-section\">       <div class=\"cards-grid__intro js-a-element\" data-a-type=\"fadeInUp\">                     <h2 class=\"title-2  cards-grid__title\" >Engagement signals<\/h2>                          <p class=\"cards-grid__text\">Engagement data mirrors this pattern. Texture\u2011related language is gaining traction across a wide range of categories.    Insights reports that YoY increases in online engagement for texture\u2011related keywords by category.<\/p>               <\/div>               <div class=\"swiper-container js-cards-grid-slider\">           <div class=\"cards-grid__cards swiper-wrapper\">                           <div class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <div class=\"cards-grid__card js-a-element\" data-a-type=\"fadeInUp\" data-a-label=\"-=0.4\">                   <div class=\"cards-grid__image-wrap object-fit-image\">                     <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium lozad\" alt=\"Bowl of crispy breaded chicken over rice showing contrast between crunchy coating and soft base, illustrating texture driven engagement\" srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-540x540.png 540w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1.png 747w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-600x600.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1-540x540.png 540w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-2-1.png 747w\" \/>                  <\/div>                   <div class=\"cards-grid__text-wrap\">                                           <h4 class=\"cards-grid__card-title title-5 text-color-primary\">Food Bowls (+64%)<\/h4>                                                           <\/div>                 <\/div>               <\/div>                           <div class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <div class=\"cards-grid__card js-a-element\" data-a-type=\"fadeInUp\" data-a-label=\"-=0.4\">                   <div class=\"cards-grid__image-wrap object-fit-image\">                     <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"367\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium lozad\" alt=\"Prepared meal with steak, vegetables, and rice showing how convenient ready to eat format and texture variety\" srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-5.png 367w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-5-150x96.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-5.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-5.png 367w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-5-150x96.png 150w\" \/>                  <\/div>                   <div class=\"cards-grid__text-wrap\">                                           <h4 class=\"cards-grid__card-title title-5 text-color-primary\">Frozen Meals (+288%)<\/h4>                                                           <\/div>                 <\/div>               <\/div>                           <div class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <div class=\"cards-grid__card js-a-element\" data-a-type=\"fadeInUp\" data-a-label=\"-=0.4\">                   <div class=\"cards-grid__image-wrap object-fit-image\">                     <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"310\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium lozad\" alt=\"Packaged ready-to-eat meals showcasing texture variety, demonstrating how texture influences engagement signals including enjoyment, trust, and likelihood to repurchase\" srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-6-1.png 310w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-6-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-6-1.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-6-1.png 310w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-6-1-150x150.png 150w\" \/>                  <\/div>                   <div class=\"cards-grid__text-wrap\">                                           <h4 class=\"cards-grid__card-title title-5 text-color-primary\">Ready to Cook (+240%)<\/h4>                                                           <\/div>                 <\/div>               <\/div>                           <div class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <div class=\"cards-grid__card js-a-element\" data-a-type=\"fadeInUp\" data-a-label=\"-=0.4\">                   <div class=\"cards-grid__image-wrap object-fit-image\">                     <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"277\" height=\"385\" src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/themes\/griffithfoods\/build\/images\/dummy.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium lozad\" alt=\"Pre prepared food options showcasing varied textures that drives engagement signals such as quality perception, enjoyment, and consumer trust.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-7.png 277w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-7-108x150.png 108w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 277px) 100vw, 277px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-7.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-7.png 277w, https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/image-7-108x150.png 108w\" \/>                  <\/div>                   <div class=\"cards-grid__text-wrap\">                                           <h4 class=\"cards-grid__card-title title-5 text-color-primary\">Prepared Meals (+226%)<\/h4>                                                           <\/div>                 <\/div>               <\/div>                                   <\/div>                   <\/div>           <\/div>   <\/section>    <div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"> <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div> <\/div>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Craveable Texture in Market and Menu Examples<\/h2>    <p>Craveable texture shows up in market in menu and retail, and is already visible in both applications. The following examples illustrate how craveable texture shows up in market, rather than representing an exhaustive or quantitative analysis:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pizza Hut\u2019s<\/strong> Crunchy Chicken Line\u2011Up on menus&nbsp;indicating&nbsp;crispy coatings and multi\u2011sensory appeal&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Taco Bell\u2019s<\/strong>&nbsp;Crunchwrap&nbsp;Supreme on menus to&nbsp;demonstrate&nbsp;layered texture design, not novelty&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Aldi\u2019s<\/strong> Crunchy BBQ Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers, a retail product using audible crunch for differentiation&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Pringles Mingles<\/strong> Dill Pickle &amp; Ranch is an in the market example offering light, airy, melt\u2011in\u2011mouth yet crunchy texture&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Matters for Food Leaders<\/h2>    <p>Texture is not new. What has changed is its measurability, visibility, and strategic potential. In 2026, texture has become a repeatable and intentional lever for shaping consumer experience and perceived value across categories and markets.<\/p>    <p>When approached as a core design input rather than a finishing detail, craveable texture can help brands differentiate offerings, elevate everyday eating occasions, and build stronger emotional connections with consumers. For food leaders, this calls for greater discipline: treating texture as foundational, recognizing market\u2011specific differences, and clearly separating what the data shows from how strategy responds.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is interest in texture limited to specific categories?<\/h4>    <p>When applied intentionally, craveable texture becomes less about spectacle, and more about building products that consistently meet evolving sensory expectations.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For food leaders,&nbsp;Texture Trends&nbsp;call&nbsp;for discipline&nbsp;<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Treat texture as a&nbsp;<strong>core design input<\/strong>, not&nbsp;a finishing touch&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Recognize that texture preferences vary meaningfully by market&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Use texture to shape experience, not novelty alone&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Maintain a clear separation between&nbsp;<strong>what the data shows<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>how strategy responds<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#0000000a\"> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Questions the Markets are Asking<\/strong><\/h2>    <div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Why does texture matter in food innovation?<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Texture plays a critical role in shaping food enjoyment because it contributes to multiple sensory experiences beyond flavor, including mouthfeel, sound, and visual cues. According to insights from the FlavorIQ Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program by Griffith Foods, texture increasingly functions as a strategic design element in food innovation. <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Consumer research indicates that 43% of consumers enjoy unusual textures, and descriptors such as\u00a0crunchy, creamy, and chewy are frequently used in product launches. <\/li>    <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Texture can also signal product quality or premium positioning, particularly in markets like the United States.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">What are food texture trends in 2026?<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Food texture is&nbsp;emerging&nbsp;as a major driver of consumer food experiences in 2026. Research from the&nbsp;FlavorIQ&nbsp;Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program by Griffith Foods highlights \u201ccraveable texture\u201d as a multisensory factor shaping product discovery, perceived quality, and engagement.<\/p>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Global consumer data&nbsp;shows that&nbsp;43% of consumers enjoy unusual textures, while familiar textures like creamy (89%), tender (85%), and chewy (80%) remain highly preferred. Texture cues such as crunchy or crispy also appear in about 8.8% of new food product launches, reflecting growing emphasis on sensory differentiation. Interest in texture is rising across categories including frozen meals, ready-to-cook foods, prepared meals, and meat alternatives.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FlavorIQ\u00ae Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>    <p>At Griffith Foods, we turn insights and culinary creativity into new opportunities with our FlavorIQ\u00ae Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program. Through our annual culinary theme program, we curated a list of key culinary themes that reflect the food industry&#8217;s current state and our prediction for what\u2019s next. Learn more about our program and themes here.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\" style=\"min-height:236px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#f4f4f4\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff9300\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Let\u2019s Create Better Together<\/mark><\/h2>    <p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">We\u2019re here to help inspire creations that keep your product portfolio on trend. Contact your Griffith Foods representative or\u00a0reach out to our sales team\u00a0to learn more about our ongoing research and innovative offerings.<\/mark><\/p>    <div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-03627597 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"> <div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/viewpoints\/learn-more\/\">Get in Touch<\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div>    <div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Sources<\/h3>    <div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Griffith Foods&nbsp;FlavorIQ\u00ae Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Program.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">FMCG Gurus, cited in the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>    <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Ingredion (incl. Mintel GNPD launch analysis), cited in the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">AI Palette, cited in the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li class=\"has-small-font-size\">International Journal of Food Science (IJF)<\/li> <\/ol> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Executive Summary | What the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Reveals About Sensor-Led Demand In 2026, texture is no longer a secondary attribute layered on after flavor development. Instead, it functions as a primary sensory signal that helps define value, quality, and overall eating experience. Research 5 shows that texture perception is influenced not just&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":9300,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_mcl_spacing":"","_mcl_block_styles":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[13,15,121,49,56,23,51,52,24,87],"class_list":["post-9228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-consumer-market-insight","tag-culinary-expertise","tag-flavor","tag-foodservice","tag-processors","tag-retailers","tag-sauces","tag-seasonings","tag-textures","tag-trends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9228\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Executive Summary | What the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Reveals About Sensor-Led Demand In 2026, texture is no longer a secondary attribute layered on after flavor development. Instead, it functions as a primary sensory signal that helps define value, quality, and overall eating experience. Research 5 shows that texture perception is influenced not just...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Griffith Foods - North America\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Griffith Foods\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Griffith Foods\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Griffith Foods\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398\"},\"headline\":\"How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\"},\"wordCount\":1639,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Consumer\/Market Insight\",\"Culinary Expertise\",\"Flavor\",\"Foodservice\",\"Processors\",\"Retailers\",\"Sauces\",\"Seasonings\",\"Textures\",\"Trends\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\",\"name\":\"Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"Fresh fig fruit and slices of figs, background\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/\",\"name\":\"Griffith Foods - North America\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398\",\"name\":\"Griffith Foods\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Griffith Foods\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/viewpoints\/author\/dxbellomy\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9228","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?","og_description":"Executive Summary | What the 2026 Food &amp; Flavor Outlook Reveals About Sensor-Led Demand In 2026, texture is no longer a secondary attribute layered on after flavor development. Instead, it functions as a primary sensory signal that helps define value, quality, and overall eating experience. Research 5 shows that texture perception is influenced not just...","og_url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/","og_site_name":"Griffith Foods - North America","article_published_time":"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Griffith Foods","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Griffith Foods","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/"},"author":{"name":"Griffith Foods","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398"},"headline":"How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?","datePublished":"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/"},"wordCount":1639,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg","keywords":["Consumer\/Market Insight","Culinary Expertise","Flavor","Foodservice","Processors","Retailers","Sauces","Seasonings","Textures","Trends"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/","url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/","name":"Griffith Foods - North America | How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-04-20T19:58:07+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/iStock-1378747279-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"Fresh fig fruit and slices of figs, background"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/viewpoints\/how-is-texture-reshaping-how-we-experience-food\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How is Texture Reshaping How We Experience Food?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#website","url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/","name":"Griffith Foods - North America","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/#\/schema\/person\/fcd0a78b3f1a6533ea7e41d773619398","name":"Griffith Foods","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b303606868c13a2b07b334f25023e51da4d51d16029564ba6b3548be534a665c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Griffith Foods"},"url":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/viewpoints\/author\/dxbellomy\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9228"}],"version-history":[{"count":64,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9228\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9398,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9228\/revisions\/9398"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/fr-CA\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}