Food trends, whether they seem positive or negative from the perspective of the foodservice industry, can have a great impact on any franchise’s success. Although food trends continue to emerge and evolve constantly, 2023 flavor trends have already come into focus. If you’re a franchisor looking to expand locations or understand local food trends, it is essential to take into account the pros and cons of these flavors. Understanding these trends was once challenging but easier with the advanced technology and data from up-to-date industry players. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of 2023 flavor trends.
The Pros
Ingredients
When predicting both consumer and restaurant industry 2023 flavor trends, the number one element to take into consideration is the ingredients that are going to be used. For the coming year, spicier and fermentation-based flavors are expected to be truly on trend. Different varieties of spices are expected, such as juniper, sage, and shoot. Food businesses need to stay ahead of the trends and offer consumers new ingredients in flavors they’re already used to.
Unexpected Combinations
Another positive trend for 2023 flavors is the use of unexpected combinations. To attract the customer’s attention, chefs must innovate and evoke emotion with their flavor pairings. The trendiest flavors now often blend unusual combinations, such as lemon-tahini, tamarind-blackberry, and spiced watermelon. By creating a delicious and unexpected flavor combination that entices consumers, new flavors can set a franchise apart from the competition.
The Cons
Unfamiliar Flavor Profiles
One of the main challenges in predicting 2023 flavor trends is the inclusion of unfamiliar flavor profiles in menu offerings. Consumers are often wary of trying unfamiliar flavors due to the fear that the food might not taste good or might not be well-prepared. Many of these unfamiliar flavors are from international cuisines, like that of India, Thailand, Ethiopia, or Mexico, so incorporating them into your menu can be a risk for your restaurant.
High Cost of Ingredients
One of the cons of implementing the 2023 flavor trends is the high cost of ingredients. Trendy ingredients like rare spices can cost as much as three times their average price, and this can be prohibitively expensive for food businesses. Food outlets will have to weigh the costs against the potential benefits of incorporating bold, unique flavors into their offerings.
Overall, 2023 flavors offer both positives and negatives when considering them from the perspective of the foodservice industry. Introducing bold and unique flavors to customers carries the risk of pushback and reluctance to try something new. The high cost of ingredients can also prove to be a challenge for operators looking to bring these new flavors to their menus. On the other hand, 2023 flavors offer a unique opportunity to differentiate your franchise from the competition. With the right ingredients and flavors, you can attract more customers, build brand awareness, and add some surprise and excitement to your menus.
