The use of sweet & salty flavors such as Salted Caramel, Salted Maple and Salted Brown Butter threatens to overtake traditional fall favorites such as Cinnamon, Clove and Nutmeg.
The trend is clear. The irresistible combination of sweet and salty appeals to children and adults alike and stirs the same nostalgic feelings of the more traditional warm spices. This report highlights the trend and why sweet and salty flavors should be in your LTO offerings.
The Science of Cravings
Our brain is wired to seek out flavors that provide a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Sweet and salty flavors hit the mark perfectly. The sweetness triggers a release of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, while the saltiness enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable. This combination creates a complex sensory experience that is hard to resist.
These types of sweet & salty foods are lovingly referred to as “comfort foods” for this reason! As the weather gets colder, summer vacation plans come and go, and family gatherings become more frequent, comfort foods are the first thing most of us turn to.
While warm spices evoke memories of cozy holidays and family gatherings, sweet and salty flavors tap into a different kind of nostalgia. Think of the joy of eating salted maple candy at the outdoor ice skating rink or the simple pleasure of chocolate-covered pretzels at a holiday party. These flavors tend to remind us of fun, carefree moments, providing a sense of comfort and happiness that is especially appealing in the fall.
Sweet & Salty Versatility
Sweet and salty flavors offer incredible versatility in Food & Beverage products. From gourmet salted caramel desserts to innovative savory snacks with a hint of sweetness, this flavor profile is permeating the seasonal LTO market in exciting ways this year. The Salty Sweet flavor trend allows for creativity and innovation, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Several key players in the industry- such as Krispy Kreme, Post Holdings, and J.M. Smucker Co.’s Hostess Brand- are using the Salty Sweet trend as a replacement for traditional spice-forward seasonal products this year. Since 2017, global salted caramel product introductions have increased by 78%, backed by consumer demand. A few new Salty Sweet products launched this Fall include:
- Honey Bunches of Oats Salted Caramel Cereal
- Hostess Maple Glazed Donettes
- Torani Salted Honey Butter Syrup
- Zevia Salted Caramel Better-For-You Soda
- Krispy Kreme Maple Buttercreme & Salted Caramel Cheesecake Doughnuts
- Starbucks Salted Brown Butter Topping
References:
https://www.mccormickfona.com/articles/2023/12/flavor-insight-report—salted-caramel
