Whether it’s Millennials who grew up eating out with their parents and are catered to on their college campuses to Matures who need increasingly flavorful foods because of their loss of taste buds, American consumers are more sophisticated and adventurous than ever before, seeking out new and exotic flavors.
This adventurous spirit has lead to the mainstreaming of many ethnic cuisines to different types of pairings, such as sweet heat or sweet and savory. And while consumers can regularly find new or exotic flavors at restaurants, more and more these flavors can be found in everyday products on grocery shelves .
Besides the brands mentioned before, Kettle Chips also does a great job pushing the potato chip envelope. Their People’s Choice contest each year draws foodies and non-foodies alike to taste and vote for their favorite new flavor. Past People’s Choice winners include Cheddar Beer, Island Jerk and Death Valley Chipotle. In fact, one of last years contenders was Aztec Chocolate, so my wish for a spicy chocolate chip isn’t too far fetched.
Many flavors are the brain child of consumers who enter their ideas through the website. Kettle even lists the 10 weirdest and 10 most inspirational suggestions given here. To me, the Deep Fried Sour Pickle doesn’t sound that wacky.
Consumers increasingly demand their food, whether at home or away, in a variety of choices that satisfy their need for new experiences. Brands who continue to deliver on this will surely only benefit from it.
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