How Flavor Fusions Battle Palate Fatigue

Looking to mix things up? Start with a tried-and-true combination, such as sweet-and-salty or creamy-and-tart, to create unique complementary flavor pairings that brighten menus and retail offerings. Pairings and mashups help customers beat flavor fatigue, no matter what the daypart.

Breathing New Life into Mealtime

Mashups can cross cuisine styles, like our chefs’ riff on classic Canadian poutine. Adding rich BBQ pulled pork and a tart salsa verde creates a well-rounded dish. Eaters can take comfort in familiar ingredients but enjoy the flavors of a region of the world they may not have yet experienced.

Mashup to Mainstream — from Restaurants to Home Kitchens

Many unique flavor combinations that started in restaurants are now working their way onto grocery shelves. Mango and sweet potato frittatas, French onion mac-and-cheese soup, and spicy ancho and chocolate mole are just a few of the offerings to appeal to adventurous eaters. And as flavor fusions trickle down into consumer kitchens, expect to see home chefs experiment with globally inspired seasoning blends to infuse their favorite dishes with something new.

Take inspiration from sweet-and-spicy al pastor with grilled pineapple, for example, and serve up spicy chorizo tacos with cool watermelon salsa. Flavor pairings don’t have to stop with sweet-and spicy. From sweet to sour to savory and beyond, consumers are taking to social media to show off the many different flavor combinations they’re experimenting with.

East Asian Flavors with an American Twist

A take on an Indian-style burger: Chicken tikka, onion salad, mint sauce, hot sauce with a homemade onion bhaji on top.
A take on an Indian-style burger: Chicken tikka, onion salad, mint sauce, American-style hot sauce with a homemade onion bhaji on top. @bigbelliesclub

Pairing Asian Umami and Mediterranean Tang

Miso paste and balsamic blend well together and add depth and variety to the classic balsamic vinaigrette in this chicken and pecan salad.
Miso paste and balsamic add depth and variety to the classic balsamic vinaigrette used in this Cajun chicken salad with pecans, feta, and avocado. @thedishonhealthy

A New Sweet and Salty Plantain Experience

Plantains add a touch of sweet and salty to sandwiches.
Plantains add a touch of sweet and salty flavor to this decadent sandwich of shredded beef, black beans, and salsa. @thefunkypatacon

Sweet and Spicy — Irresistible Combination

Pizza with ricotta, red onion, and Calabrese gets a sweet and spicy kick from a hot honey drizzle. @panhandlepizzakitchen

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.