Traditional recipes to inspire food and beverage flavours in 2023: Kerry
More Canadians are ready to experiment with bolder flavours in 2023, a new report from Ireland-headquartered food company Kerry found.
The company released its annual Taste and Nutrition Charts this week, which provide an analysis of the flavours Kerry expects to shape food and beverage innovation this year.
Flavours like sour cherry, prickly pear and Irish cream have gained momentum over the past year, but that doesn’t mean Canadians will ditch long standing favourites like coffee.
Other emerging flavours in food include pistachio, yogourt, curry, Korean barbecue and sriracha chili, to name a few.
When it comes to cuisine, Canadians are increasingly seeking out Mongolian, Peruvian, Taiwanese and Cuban food, among others.
In the beverage category, the fastest growing flavours of the past year range from elderflower to cola to mocha coffee to cardamom.
Canadians are feeling drawn to nutritional themes and claims like “prebiotic,” “low alcohol,” “skin health” and “eye health,” while unique ingredients like culinary perfumes, mycoprotein and astaxanthin gained in popularity last year.
Additionally, processes like locally sourced, regenerative agriculture and upcycled are becoming more important to Canadians.
Globally, Kerry predicts a resurgence in traditional cooking practices and recipes. Ingredients like ashwagandha, mushroom and algae are finding a new home across snack and beverage applications.
Younger consumers, meanwhile, might look to indulge in nostalgic food and drinks that incorporate new flavour tonalities, thanks to the influence of social media.
Across regions, Kerry predicts a hunger for unconventional combinations of traditional ingredients and emerging taste profiles from other regions, such as Wasabi and jalapeno, and a thirst for healthier beverages with functional ingredients such as ashwagandha.
Kerry said consumers will be seeking value in 2023 as inflation continues to increase the cost of living, but shoppers will still gravitate towards products that allow permissible indulgence.
“Flavors have a powerful way to convey a story – particularly when it comes to consumer trends and preferences. This year we will witness the resurgence of time-honored traditions and heirloom recipes as consumers crave traditional tastes with new and emerging flavors. Comfort still reigns supreme – with peppermints, hazelnuts, chocolates, cheeses, chilies still dominating tastebuds. Whether a nostalgic treat, a comfort dish, or a healthy alternative consumers expect a greater variety of tastes in 2023,” Soumya Nair, global consumer research and insights director at Kerry, said in a statement.
