Report illustrates a global rise in adventurous eating with consumers embracing increasingly spicier foods
Kalsec's "Beyond the Burn" report
The survey was conducted online in September 2024 and captured the viewpoints and preferences of approximately 6,000 consumers. Respondents were not restricted by age, income, sex, ethnicity or education and represented a global market that includes United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Thailand and India. This is the fourth Hot & Spicy Survey; previous iterations were published in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
"We are seeing a continued global increase in demand for heat as well as an increasingly diverse flavor palate, with consumers seeking new flavor profiles from different regions and cultures,” said Mark Staples, Vice President of Global Marketing at Kalsec. "The growing popularity of spicy flavors presents a significant opportunity for food ingredient manufacturers to develop innovative and flavorful products that cater to the discerning tastes of their consumers.”
The report indicates that the rise of globalization and ubiquity of social media have made it easier to seek out new sources of heat. Consumers are drawn to the complementary flavors and heat levels offered by different peppers and regional tastes. Understanding these synergies can help manufacturers discover new product innovation opportunities.
A few of the takeaways from "Beyond the Burn” include:
- Intensifying Heat: Consumers are eating spicy foods more frequently than in the past and seeking higher heat intensities.
- Increasing Experimentation: Consumers are also trying spicy foods both at home and in restaurants, demonstrating a growing appetite for bold flavors and the willingness to experiment with new ingredients.
- Surprising Applications: While most consumers opt for heat in savory dishes, dessert also provides an opening for heat, with almost one-third of respondents saying they prefer "mild” or "some level of heat” in their sweet treats.
- Intriguing Flavor Combinations: "Spicy & Sweet” - or "swicy” - is the flavor combination ranked most desired to try, globally.
The report is available for download on the Kalsec website. For more information on Kalsec, visit kalsec.com.
About Kalsec
Kalsec® Inc provides innovative taste and sensory, natural food protection, natural colors, and advanced hops solutions to the savory food and brewed beverage industries. We capture the best nature has to offer and utilize over 60 years of experience and industry leading innovation to make food and beverage products look better, taste better and last longer. Family owned and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1958, Kalsec has regional offices, laboratories and sales teams in North America, Europe and Asia. As a certified B Corp, Kalsec makes ethical and sustainable decisions that serve our customers, employees, communities, and the environment. We are proud to be using our business as a force for good.
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