2024 Mid-Year Trend Update

Sour and Spicy Combinations: Sour flavors like tamarind, yuzu, and coconut vinegar are gaining popularity, often combined with spicy elements to create complex, multi-layered taste experiences. This trend is evident in dishes and beverages featuring tamarind, McCormick’s designated Flavor of the Year.

Sweet Heat Fusions: The fusion of sweet and spicy flavors thrives. Expect to see innovative combinations such as mango habanero, chili pineapple, and chocolate sriracha in various culinary creations, from desserts to main courses.

Nostalgic Flavors: Retro and nostalgic flavors are making a comeback, driven by consumers’ desire for comfort and familiarity. Desserts like Bananas Foster, Baked Alaska, and Boston Cream Pie are resurging, often with a modern twist.

Sustainable and Upcycled Ingredients: Environmental consciousness influences menu choices, focusing on sustainable ingredients like algae and upcycled culinary practices. This includes using food scraps and less popular vegetable parts to reduce waste and create unique dishes.

Global BBQ and Spices: There is a growing interest in international barbecue styles and spices, particularly from Korean, Thai, Middle Eastern, and South American cuisines. These global influences are enriching traditional BBQ with diverse and vibrant flavor profiles.

Innovative Soups and Stews: Soups and stews are reviving, with a particular emphasis on international varieties such as Malaysian laksa, Spanish salmorejo, and Thai tom ka. These hearty dishes are perfect for showcasing bold, global flavors.

Chef Reilly, WCMC,CEC,CCA,AAC