Dive Brief:
- A wide selection of new products featured Indian ingredients and flavors at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, held Jan. 22-24, according to Food Business News.
- Brands like Bandar Foods offered modern takes on traditional Indian staples, such as naan and chutney. The company developed the first squeezable chutney condiment in spicy mango and mint cilantro, as well as low-fat naan chips in tikka masala and garlic flavors.
- Dahlicious showcased lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink blended with spices and herbs, made with organic grass-fed milk and little to no sugar. Flavors include golden turmeric, cinnamon toasted basmati, and cucumber mint.
Dive Insight:
A growing number of American consumers want to explore authentic ethnic flavors and dishes, but may be intimidated by entirely traditional foods.
Innova Market Insights attributes this culinary curiosity to an increasingly connected world, which has resulted in greater knowledge of foreign cultures and “growing demand for greater choice and higher levels of authenticity in ethnic cuisines." Mintel highlighted that manufacturers should focus on "ancient recipes, practices and traditions" from different cultures as sources of innovation. Campbell has also identified Indian flavors as an up-and-coming ingredient trend for 2017.
This consumer demand for unique and exotic flavor profiles gives manufacturers a prime opportunity for to expand their formulas and create contemporary applications of traditional global meals.
Masala Pop has done just that by creating popcorn varieties flavored with authentic Indian spices, including chai caramel, savory coconut and caramel rose. Fusing cultural flavors with familiar favorites can be a low-risk strategy to incorporate trending ingredients without alienating shoppers.