Young consumers raised in an era when global connectivity is the norm are seeking out bold and exotic flavors from the myriad cuisines of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
As a generation that takes snacking very seriously, millennials are finding that handheld treats provide a perfect vehicle for sampling these regional flavors and sharing them with friends and family.
SPECIFIC PEPPER FLAVORS
- The millennial snacker has a sophisticated palate and will distinguish among the flavors imbued through each of the different chili peppers, such as ancho, habanero, and serrano.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN SPICES
- These include the now ubiquitous sriracha, which can be found as a flavoring for potato chips and other snacks, as well as gochujang, the Korean hot pepper paste.
SWEET AND SAVORY MASHUPS
- Sweet treats are being infused with salty ingredients such as bacon or with spicy flavorings such as hot peppers. Think bacon donuts or jalapeño breakfast bars.
FLAVORS OF INDIA
- From naan crisps to chutney bombs, myriad Indian-style snacks and their associated seasonings are making their way into the mainstream millennial diet.
SOUR AND FERMENTED FLAVORS
- Drinking vinegar and kombucha, and eating pickled beet chips and kimchee, are among the sour and fermented flavors making their way into snack food form.
HARISSA
- Is this Tunisian spice blend “the next sriracha,” as some observers predict? It’s showing up in an increasing variety of applications, including as a popcorn flavoring.