How have sauces been affected by the changing trends since the inception of the pandemic? In this issue we explore the trends and share supporting up-to-date data that backs up the trends impacting foodservice.
What Are Consumers Craving?
Consumers were initially craving comfort foods and items like pizza, chicken wings, and pasta dish sales soared in the first months of Covid-19. While still popular, this trend is starting to slow and consumers are now craving menu items that offer more variety and global flavors.
Consumers are also looking to restaurants for dishes they do not feel comfortable making at home or require a high skill level to create; foods they would prefer to get from a restaurant. As consumers return to restaurants and dine out, what are they craving most? Asian, Mexican, Burgers and Pizza are the top four dishes according to Datassential.
Consumers are still interested in indulgent offerings but less often than at the start of the pandemic. They are turning to more healthy and balanced offerings on menus, especially plant-based options. Bold flavors are still trending and consumers’ love affair with the chicken sandwich is translating to increasing mentions of chicken in other menu items.
What Sauces are Trending?
According to Datassential, Nashville Hot Sauce is a clear winner! Growing on menus +727% in four years, and at a 1.9% menu penetration, there is still room for menu additions utilizing Nashville Hot Sauce. Other fast growing sauces during that time include Gochujang at +162% growth, Calabrian Chili Pepper at +80%, and Sriracha Aioli growing on menus by +76%.
How can these trends translate to menu concepts or retail products? Here are a few examples:
Nashville Hot Wing Chicken Pizza
Hand tossed dough topped with Paradise Nashville Hot Sauce, boneless chicken wings, sliced pickles, Cheddar and mozzarella cheese, drizzled with extra Paradise Nashville Hot Sauce.
Sriracha Chicken Ranch Pizza
Pizza dough topped with a combination of Paradise Sriracha Sauce and creamy Ranch dressing, topped with juicy chicken, mozzarella, and Cheddar cheese.
Elote Mexican Pizza
Dough slathered with Paradise Taqueria Salsa, then topped with fire grilled sweet corn kernels, mild poblano peppers, Cotija and mozzarella cheese.
The Italian Meatball Sandwich Paradise Calabrian Tomato Sauce, savory meatballs, mozzarella cheese, red bell peppers, sweet onions, and Parmesan cheese piled high on a toasted sub roll.
Italian Chicken Wings
Juicy chicken wings cooked and tossed in a flavorful Paradise Calabrian Chile Wing Sauce for a dish with mild heat but a bold flavor profile.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Tender buffalo chicken meatballs drizzled with bold Paradise Buffalo Sauce, then baked and topped with a drizzle of Ranch dressing and sliced celery.
Nashville Hot Crispy Fried Pickles
Pickle slices dipped in Paradise Nashville Hot Sauce, then breaded and fried until crispy. Served with extra sauce for dipping.
Call us to partner with our Culinary and R&D team to create customized, culinary- inspired and innovative new offerings!
Check out this idea that’s a perfect fit with these trends – link to one of our new videos.
