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In the ever-evolving world of foodservice, it can be a challenge to stay on top of trends and be at the forefront of industry developments. Flavors, in particular, remain one of the most dynamic forces in foodservice today. With the upsurge of societal interest in the foods we eat, and the trend of the industry to innovate and collaborate on big-flavored dishes, there is now more pressure than ever to stay one-step ahead on flavor experiences.
The future of flavors can take unexpected turns, but largely they often build off of past trends. To this end, we’ve put together a comprehensive FAQ guide which explores the potential Flavor Experience of 2023, and how Franchisors in the United States can position themselves for success.
What unexpected flavors can we expect to be popular in 2023?
The answer to this question is one that is as complex and varied as the flavor trend itself — with influences drawn from all over the globe. Three areas that are likely to continue to be highly visible in the flavor trend are: unexpected herbs, unusual yet fun fruit flavors, and increasingly popular ethnic flavors.
Herbs have been a key influencer in the world of flavors for many years now — often adding a complexity and zippiness to dishes that’s difficult to replicate. 2023 is likely to take this to the next level with lesser-known herbs, alongside their more obvious counterparts, making their presence known. Things like chiltepin, jioace, calamintha, and amchoor will offer complex flavor profiles to exotic dishes, taming the heat of traditional spices and creating an alchemy between flavors.
On the other side, unusual fruits are likely to have an increased presence in order to create more light & fresh dishes with unique sweet flavors. For example, the traditional fruit salad will get an update in 2023 with the likes of Chilean Guavas, Rangpur limes, Buddha’s hand, and miracle fruits – each of which will bring with them slightly different tastes and health benefits.
Finally, Ethnic cuisine will remain dominant with flavors from Japan, The Middle East, India, and their respective regions having huge impacts on flavor. From Southeast Asian spices like galangal, turmeric root, lemongrass, and tamarind to the medley of spices in Indian food, these hearty dishes are relished for their unique mixes of flavor. In 2023, Franchisors can expect to compete with these flavors, yet also be inspired by them, to create their own tantalizing flavor poises.
What future trends should Franchisor’s monitor for?
While Franchisors will undoubtedly pay attention to the herbs, fruits, and ethnic flavors, 2023 is likely to bring with it an exciting and new breed of flavor profiles as well.
Collaborative approaches to cuisine is an area where branching out with flavors will be particularly interesting. With the trend of the ‘Chef Friends Series’ & the ‘Chef Collaborations’, Franchisors may look at pairing up flavors that may not traditionally mesh together but offer a unique and new flavor experience. From sweet elements that sidle up to savory, and unusual fish-based dishes with fruity notes, 2023 dishes will take a cue from these partnerships in both flavor combinations and in the overall notion of collaboration – a hallmark of the industry.
Sustainability is another area that Franchisors should watch for in 2023, both in terms of the foods that are chosen, as well as the flavors created. Customers are now driven more than ever to make informed decisions about the food they consume, and more and more are making choices that are both ethical and eco-friendly. Plant-based proteins and an array of new green leafy veggies, as well innovative and used items like upcycled food, will become increasingly sought-after. On the flavor side, dishes are likely to have easy-to-follow ‘guiding flavors’ like cumin, fenugreek, mustard seeds or black pepper, as well as subtle hints of unrefined sugars — think jaggery or palm sugar — and even floral elements like hibiscus, jasmine, or rose, to give a more rounded flavor experience.
How Can the Latest Research Help Franchisors in the Foodservice Market?
Using data on the foodservice market to inform decisions is becoming increasingly important for Franchisors. From sales and marketing, to operations and expansion, deep understanding and knowledge about new and emerging flavors can greatly aid a Franchisor’s goals.
With Brizo, Franchisors can gain comprehensive insight into the foodservice market through in-depth menu items, restaurant tech coverage, and insights into consumer preferences. This access to data is valuable for sales prospecting, finding new and more enjoyables dishes, and ultimately amplifying a Franchisor’s marketing efforts for better results.
All these data-driven insights can be used to enrich and enhance internal systems, making decisions more informed and long-term strategies more tangible and actionable.
To summarize
2023 will bring with it an exciting and diverse range of new flavors to the foodservice market. From collaboration between flavors to upcycling unusual ingredients and leveraging flavors from all corners of the globe, Franchisors need to be Steps ahead to remain at the forefront of flavor trends.
The latest industry insights and research can be leveraged to enhance a Franchisor’s existing practices and strategies, by providing greater detail around flavors and flavor combinations, as well as the potential profits to be gained by tapping into this knowledge.
