Snacks Industry Trends: Demand for unique seasonings skyrockets

tna blog

Consumer demand for unique seasonings skyrockets

posted on 26 July, 2016 by

Consumers today are increasingly drawn to unique seasoning combinations, unexpected flavours and limited-time seasonal offerings. Seasonal ingredients in particular are becoming incredibly popular. In fact, global market research firm Mintel found that 45 per cent of consumers feel that seasonal ingredients connote freshness. 63 per cent of shoppers also say they want to see seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin, available in a variety of different foods.

The trend of unique seasonal flavours has grown rapidly in the last several years. Today, these limited-time products go beyond coffee and creamers to also include snacks, desserts, breakfast products and more. Some of the most popular seasonal flavours include the following:
image of ingredients for Sriracha

Fall/Winter:

  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Sweet potato
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Apple cider
  • Chili pepper
  • S’mores
  • Egg nog
  • Peppermint

Spring/Summer:

  • Watermelon
  • Lime
  • Honey nut
  • Salted coconut
  • Sriracha

Who is most interested in limited-time food products? In the US, Mintel found that older millennials are more likely than any other age group to purchase seasonal flavours and unique seasonings. As this group’s buying power continues to grow, many manufacturers are considering ways to quickly and cost-effectively adapt to seasonal flavor demands.