As global cuisine and cultural influences become more prominent in kitchens around the world, the range of flavor options for bakery products is greater than ever. For restaurants, foodservice companies, and other providers of bakery products, staying up to date with the latest flavor trends is an important part of staying competitive and achieving success. Here we outline the top 10 things to consider when it comes to global flavor trends in bakery products.
1. Experiment with Regional Cuisines
As global cuisine continues to grow more prominent, bakeries should experiment with ingredients and flavors from different regions. s include Middle Eastern spices like cardamom and za’atar, Bourbon-glazed pecans, Oceanic flavors like coconut or passionfruit, and spice blends used in African cooking. Experimenting with these flavors can lead to unique combinations that are sure to excite customers.
2. Embrace Global Comfort Foods
In today’s increasingly globalized world, comfort foods from around the world have gained in popularity. s of global comfort foods are France’s éclairs, the British scone, and the Israeli rugelach, to name a few. Incorporating iconic comfort foods from diverse cultures can add an element of nostalgia that can be appealing to customers.
3. Experiment with Global Hot Spices
Among global flavor trends for bakery products, hot peppers have become increasingly popular. Hot peppers, in particular, spices like cayenne, chipotle, and habanero, are being used increasingly to flavor baked goods. This is a great way to add an extra element of interest to offerings, and can appeal to customers who are looking for a bit of a kick.
4. Move Beyond Chocolate
Chocolate is still a popular flavor for baked goods, but there are many other ingredients that can elevate a product. s of other global flavors include nut-based ingredients, such as pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, and macadamias; dried fruits, such as figs, raisins, and cranberries; and various combinations of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Experimenting with these ingredients can lead to delicious flavor innovations.
5. Use Local Ingredients
Using locally sourced ingredients is one of the top trends in bakery products today. It not only adds a unique flavor profile to products, but it can also be economical and promote sustainability. In addition, customers tend to appreciate a commitment to local ingredients, reflecting a focus on quality and responsibility.
6. Focus on Healthy Ingredients
With more consumers focused on eating healthier, it’s important to consider ways to incorporate health-conscious ingredients into baked goods. s include substituting honey for sugar, using nut flours instead of white flour, and replacing butter with vegetable oils. As long as the flavors remain mouthwatering, customers will still enjoy the products.
7. Include More Whole Grains
Whole grain products are increasingly in demand, and bakeries should consider incorporating them in their offerings. s include using whole wheat or spelt flours, adding rolled oats or barley, and using quinoa or bulgar in place of white rice. Whole grains provide a nutritious option and can also be used to introduce interesting flavors.
8. Incorporate Superfoods
Superfoods are a great way to add a nutritional boost to baked goods. s include coconut oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, quinoa, and oats. Superfood ingredients can also be used to create interesting flavor combinations, such as adding cacao nibs or sesame seeds to chocolate chip cookies.
9. Think Seasonally
Seasonal ingredients have always been popular amongst customers during the fall and winter months, but are now becoming popular all year round. Incorporating the flavors of each season adds a unique twist to bakery products. s include adding exotic fruits like dragon fruit or kiwi in spring and summer, and incorporating classic flavors like peppermint and eggnog in the colder months.
10. Add Unique and Interesting Touches
Finally, it’s important to think of different ways to differentiate products and make them stand out. Interesting touches such as drizzled glazes, decorative icing designs, and special coatings can add a unique element to products that customers will enjoy.
Bakeries need to consider the latest trends in global flavors if they want their products to stand out in the marketplace. By experimenting with regional cuisines, embracing global comfort foods, experimenting with global hot spices, focusing on healthy ingredients, using local ingredients, incorporating superfoods, and adding unique touches, bakeries can create products that customers will enjoy.
