Navigating flavor trends amidst the dynamic landscape of the foodservice industry is no small feat. It is a complex process that requires thoughtful research and analysis of the market in order to stay afloat. Experienced restaurateurs have developed strategies to search for current trends and anticipate what’s next – a certain “savoir-faire” as they would call it. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie to the foodservice industry, you can use the right resources and research to better understand what it takes to create and implement successful flavor profiles.
At Brizo, we’ve specialized in delivering data and insights that help you get a better understanding of the foodservice market. Our highly targeted research and prospecting capabilities provide you with unique data fields that you won’t find anywhere else. From menu data to restaurant tech coverage, our insights give you the edge in helping you create and execute your team’s flavor trends.
But with so much data to digest and consider, what exactly do you need to look out for? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top 10 things you need to consider when it comes to flavor trends and the foodservice industry.
1.What are the Flavor Profiles You’re Going After?
Knowing what kind of flavors you’re looking for is essential in order to identify which flavor profiles are currently trending in your market. For instance, if you’re a restaurateur focused on creating regional dishes, you’d be looking into the flavors that are typically found in the cuisine of that region. On the other hand, if you’re a chain looking to offer new and interesting items, you’d be more interested in exploring the full range of flavors that are popular in other regions or cultures.
Watching for traditional flavors paramount in the cuisine of your location is key to understanding the targets of your flavor. With regional flavors and combinations driving overall foodservice trends, staying on top of the influences of imported flavors is essential in successfully pursuing trending flavors. As a research resource, Brizo’s access to menu item data across the country gives you insight into which traditional flavors are trending where.
2.What are the Most Popular Cuisines?
Exploring the different cuisines is a great way to gain inspiration for the kinds of flavor profiles you may want to introduce. A quick read into data from our restaurant technology coverage will give an understanding of the current state of traditional cuisines, global cuisines, and fusion cuisines across the nation.
Data sources like Brizo’s menu trackers, consumer panels and more provide accurate insights of the popular flavors for a given region or market. From there, you can gain a better understanding of the kinds of flavors that consumers are looking for and extrapolate from there. Popular trends of particular flavors, mix of ingredients, or new renditions of old favorites can all be used to gain competitive insight and develop creative menus.
3. What About Dietary Preferences?
With new dietary preferences continually on the rise, there’s no doubt that it’s important to take these food trends into consideration. This is especially true when it comes to flavor trends. Consumers are increasingly looking for options that comply with their dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and many more.
Keeping current on these dietary shifts gives you an advantage when you’re creating new flavors, or choosing ingredients for your dishes. By understanding the needs of these various diets, you can create flavorful dishes that offer a wide range of options for everyone – no matter what they’re looking for. Brizo’s insights into course grain products, plant-based proteins, and other ingredients can help you stay informed about evolving dietary preferences.
4. Are There Local Ingredients You Can Leverage?
Using locally sourced ingredients can be an incredibly powerful tool. Not only will you be gaining access to fresh and unique flavors, but you can also create a strong sense of community and local pride. This is especially true for restaurants or chains that are located in close proximity to their customers.
Researching the local flora and fauna of the region you’re located in is crucial when it comes to understanding the flavor profile of your community. In an age where organic and sustainable sourcing is increasingly important, exploring locally sourced ingredients can give you a leg up over the competition.
5. What Color Combinations Work?
Color is a really big part of food. Even before you’ve tasted a dish, you form an opinion about it just by looking at it and its colors. This is why when it comes to flavor trends, it’s essential that you’re mindful of the various color combinations that work and which ones don’t.
For example, there is a phenomenon known as the “Voth effect”, which is based on the idea that foods that are composed of similar colors tend to go together. This means you need to be mindful of the color combinations that you’re using in order to create a visually appealing and enjoyable dish.
6. How Are Sweet and Savory Flavors Being Incorporated?
Sweet and savory flavors are two of the most important and popular flavor components. Not only do they create truly delicious dishes, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.
From incorporating a certain sweetness into savory dishes, to balancing sweetness with salty or acidic flavors, to concocting a unique flavor profile combining these two components, understanding how to use sweet and savory to your advantage can give you a real advantage in creating flavor trends.
7. How Can You Infuse Nontraditional Ingredients Into Your Dishes?
It’s no secret that traditional ingredients are always popular, but it never hurts to explore unique and nontraditional flavors. From exotic ingredients like star anise, to using fermented flavors, to playing with sugar replacements, there is a plethora of unique flavor combinations that can easily take any dish up a notch.
Researching the availability of certain ingredients in your region and understanding how to use them can be immensely helpful for creating interesting flavor profiles that will have your customers coming back for more. Utilizing resources like Brizo menu trackers to understand the current process of specific ingredients on the menu is an excellent way to research and prospect into nontraditional flavors.
8. What Are the Rules of Food Combination?
This is crucial if you want to create a truly delicious flavor profile. After all, the combination of flavors is what really makes each dish shine. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to combining flavors, it’s important to understand the basics of food and flavoring combinations. From understanding the components of a good curry blend, to comprehending why we pair certain accompaniments with a main course, recognizing the difference between complementary and contrasting flavors will help you take your dishes to the next level.
9. What About Regional Flavor Trends?
When it comes to flavor trends, it’s important to take into account regional influences. Regional flavors can be incredibly unique and interesting, and they can really add an element of authenticity to designs and menus. Being aware of regional trends can be a great help in understanding the needs of different areas and coming up with innovative dishes.
Not to mention, the growing popularity of fusion cuisines has made it easier than ever to combine regional flavors in unique and interesting ways. From Mexican-Korean fusion food to North Indian-Japanese fusion dishes, understanding the appeal of different regional flavors can help you create the perfect combination.
10. How Can You Incorporate New Technology?
Technology can play an essential role when it comes to flavor trends. Modern technology can help you become more creative and efficient in the kitchen, while at the same time helping you stay on top of current trends. From using sous-vide technology to automate the cooking process, to leveraging smart kitchen equipment to streamline the cooking process, using technology to your advantage can really help you stay ahead of the game.
With the right resources and insights, you can leverage the latest technology to create unique and innovative flavors. With Brizo’s cutting-edge restaurant tech coverage, you can stay current on the latest technology and understand how it can be used to explore different flavor profiles.
In a nutshell, understanding flavor trends can be a difficult process, especially for those who are new to the foodservice industry. However, with the right resources and insights, any business can gain a better understanding of the flavor trends across the nation. Understanding the nuances of the foodservice industry, implementing appropriate market insights, and leveraging new technologies can help you stay ahead of the competition and create truly unique and delicious flavor profiles.
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